ORIGIN
Enshi Yu Lu is cultivated in the mist-shrouded highlands of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, located in western Hubei Province. This remote region—nestled within the Wuling Mountains—is blessed with rich, selenium-laden soils, gentle mists, and high humidity, creating the ideal environment for tea cultivation. The area's biodiversity and pristine air quality contribute to the tea’s unmistakable clarity and sweet vegetal purity. Harvested primarily in early spring, Enshi Yu Lu comprises the youngest buds and first leaves. Unlike most Chinese green teas, which are pan-fired to fix oxidation, Enshi Yu Lu is steamed, preserving a brilliant emerald color and producing a distinct flavor profile marked by sweetness, softness, and floral delicacy.
ABOUT
Enshi Yu Lu, translated as "Jade Dew of Enshi," is a rare gem among Chinese green teas, celebrated for its vibrant color, delicate sweetness, and unique processing technique. It stands alone in the world of Chinese green tea as the only steamed green tea that has survived from antiquity to the present day, a stylistic bridge between Chinese and Japanese tea cultures. The tea’s name captures both its luminous quality and ethereal nature. “Yu Lu” evokes the image of dew-laced jade leaves at dawn—fresh, pure, and fleeting. With a documented history tracing back to the Tang and Song Dynasties, Enshi Yu Lu flourished during the Qing Dynasty and was later selected as a tribute tea. Its modern revitalization began in the 20th century with the adoption of refined steaming technology, further distinguishing it from pan-fired green teas of other regions. Today, Enshi Yu Lu holds China's National Geographical Indication Protection status, a testament to its uniqueness and cultural importance.
ORGANOLEPTIC
Slender, slightly curved buds with tightly wrapped leaf sets. Deep emerald green with a satin-like luster. The leaves exhibit a subtle uniformity and are often covered in fine down, signaling early spring plucking. Dry tea leaves are bright and verdant. Notes of zucchini blossom, steamed spinach, and sweet clover dominate, followed by hints of chestnut milk and fresh bamboo. A quiet floral lilt emerges as the leaves warm, reminiscent of dewy mountain orchids. Lustrous lime-green to jade-colored liquor. Radiant and clear, with a delicate sheen that reflects its high amino acid content, a signature of steamed teas. Rinsed tea leaves have a fresh and grassy aroma with a creamy undertone. The scent evokes warm edamame, young soybean shoots, and soft alpine flowers. The taste is pure and velvety. A smooth, umami-forward entrance transitions into gentle sweetness. Flavors of young peas, cashew milk, and early spring greens unfold across the palate. Subtle floral notes echo gardenia and fresh herbs, with a lingering cucumber clarity. Silky and fluid, with a medium-light body. The liquor glides across the tongue with no astringency, leaving a satin-like coating that enhances sweetness. A calm, cooling effect follows each sip, making the tea feel alive and hydrating. The aftertaste is long and elegant. A quiet returning sweetness builds at the back of the throat, mingling with a cooling, mint-like sensation. Clean vegetal notes and floral whispers linger for minutes, evoking the damp freshness of misty mountain slopes.
GASTRONOMY
Enshi Yu Lu, with its bright freshness and gentle umami, pairs naturally with light and refined cuisine. Its steamed character, reminiscent of Japanese teas, gives it a clean vegetal tone that enhances delicate dishes while balancing richer flavors. It complements steamed or grilled white fish, shrimp, and shellfish, where its smooth umami and mineral notes highlight natural sweetness. The tea also pairs beautifully with light vegetable dishes, rice, and tofu, offering a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate. For more complex pairings, Enshi Yu Lu harmonizes with sushi, cold soba noodles, or salads with sesame or citrus dressing, accentuating freshness and subtle texture. In desserts, it works well with matcha sweets, almond pastries, or light citrus cakes, where its soft umami and delicate sweetness bring balance and elegance. Enshi Yu Lu is a versatile companion - refined, refreshing, and perfectly suited for contemporary tea gastronomy.