GREEN JADE GABA
GREEN TEA WITH A HIGH CONTENT OF
GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Mingjian, Nantou, Taiwan
Green Jade GABA is a special green tea produced using GABA technology, where the freshly harvested leaves undergo anaerobic processing to naturally increase their gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content. Unlike conventional green tea, it combines bright freshness and vegetal sweetness with the smooth, mellow character that has made GABA teas increasingly popular among tea enthusiasts. The infusion is clean, balanced, and refreshing, revealing delicate notes of fresh greens, sweet vegetables, soft fruit, and a gentle creamy finish. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, grassy
TASTE
Floral, honey
CULTIVAR: Jin Xuan (T-12)
HARVEST: Spring, 2026
GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Mingjian, Nantou, Taiwan
Green Jade GABA is a special green tea produced using GABA technology, where the freshly harvested leaves undergo anaerobic processing to naturally increase their gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content. Unlike conventional green tea, it combines bright freshness and vegetal sweetness with the smooth, mellow character that has made GABA teas increasingly popular among tea enthusiasts. The infusion is clean, balanced, and refreshing, revealing delicate notes of fresh greens, sweet vegetables, soft fruit, and a gentle creamy finish. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, grassy
TASTE
Floral, honey
CULTIVAR: Jin Xuan (T-12)
HARVEST: Spring, 2026
According to Chinese traditional medicine, Wulong reduces heat, revitalises the body, and has a harmonising effect. Wulong strengthens the immune system, regulates blood sugar levels, promotes proper digestion, lowers cholesterol levels, prevents the development of cancer cells, lowers stress, and improves mental health.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
EASTERN (GONGFU CHA) ★
Temperature: 90-99 °C
Amount: 5-7 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 5
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 95 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 2
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*When properly stored, this tea gets better with time!
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*When properly stored, this tea gets better with time!
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
GREEN JADE GABA
ABOUT
Green Jade GABA is produced in Mingjian Township, Nantou County, Taiwan, from the Jin Xuan (T-12) cultivar, one of Taiwan's most celebrated tea varieties. Although Jin Xuan is traditionally associated with lightly oxidized wulong teas, its naturally creamy sweetness and aromatic complexity also make it an excellent candidate for experimental processing methods such as GABA technology. The tea is harvested and processed with great precision to preserve the freshness of green tea while allowing the leaves to develop an elevated natural GABA content.
The increased GABA concentration is achieved through a specialized anaerobic processing method developed by Japanese researchers in the late 1980s. Shortly after harvest, the tea leaves are placed in sealed chambers where oxygen is replaced with nitrogen. Under these conditions, naturally occurring glutamic acid is converted into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Once the desired level has been reached, the tea undergoes green tea processing, resulting in a product that combines the freshness of unoxidized tea with the distinctive smoothness and sweetness characteristic of GABA teas.
From the very first tasting, it became clear that this tea could not be comfortably placed within the traditional green tea category. Its aromatic profile and taste are highly unusual, combining fresh vegetal notes with creamy, fruity, and almost confectionery nuances rarely encountered in conventional green teas. For this reason, we have placed it in our OUT-OF-TYPE collection, a category dedicated to exceptional teas that challenge conventional classifications and demonstrate how innovative processing can create entirely new sensory experiences.
TERROIR
This tea comes from Mingjian Township in Nantou County, one of Taiwan's most important tea-producing regions. Located at elevations of approximately 300–500 meters above sea level, the area has a warm subtropical climate with abundant rainfall, frequent sunshine, and fertile, well-drained soils. These conditions allow tea bushes to grow vigorously throughout much of the year, producing leaves rich in amino acids and aromatic compounds.
Unlike Taiwan's famous high-mountain tea regions, Mingjian is known for its stable growing conditions and its strong focus on innovation. The region has become a center for developing new processing techniques and tea styles, making it an ideal place for experimental teas such as GABA green tea. The combination of modern craftsmanship and high-quality cultivars has established Mingjian as one of Taiwan's leading regions for specialty teas.
The Jin Xuan (T-12) cultivar thrives particularly well in this environment. Its naturally sweet, creamy character and high concentration of aromatic compounds provide an excellent foundation for GABA processing, resulting in a tea that retains a bright freshness while developing the smooth, rounded profile that makes this unique style possible.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves are gently twisted, displaying beautiful shades of emerald and deep green. Their aroma is immediately distinctive, combining notes of sweet vegetables, fresh herbs, ripe tropical fruit, and a soft creamy sweetness that hints at the tea's unconventional character. When placed into a preheated teapot, the leaves release an expressive bouquet of warm butter, vanilla cream, steamed greens, ripe melon, and delicate floral notes. After the rinse, the aroma becomes brighter and more layered, revealing hints of mango, pear, sugarcane, and fresh spring flowers supported by a subtle milky nuance inherited from the Jin Xuan cultivar.
The liquor is bright yellow-green with excellent clarity. Its aroma is fresh yet rounded, combining vegetal sweetness with gentle fruity tones and a creamy depth that continues to evolve throughout the session. The taste is remarkably smooth, soft, and balanced, with virtually no bitterness or astringency. Sweet notes of young peas, steamed asparagus, butter, cream, ripe pear, melon, and tropical fruit are woven together with a refreshing vegetal character and a delicate floral finish. The GABA processing gives the tea a fuller, rounder mouthfeel than a traditional green tea while preserving its freshness and vibrant energy. The aftertaste is long, sweet, and cooling, leaving lingering notes of fresh fruit, cream, and soft spring greens together with a pleasant mineral sensation. The body is silky and medium-bodied, coating the palate without becoming heavy. The tea offers a calm, centered energy and a harmonious balance between freshness and softness.
Green Jade GABA is produced in Mingjian Township, Nantou County, Taiwan, from the Jin Xuan (T-12) cultivar, one of Taiwan's most celebrated tea varieties. Although Jin Xuan is traditionally associated with lightly oxidized wulong teas, its naturally creamy sweetness and aromatic complexity also make it an excellent candidate for experimental processing methods such as GABA technology. The tea is harvested and processed with great precision to preserve the freshness of green tea while allowing the leaves to develop an elevated natural GABA content.
The increased GABA concentration is achieved through a specialized anaerobic processing method developed by Japanese researchers in the late 1980s. Shortly after harvest, the tea leaves are placed in sealed chambers where oxygen is replaced with nitrogen. Under these conditions, naturally occurring glutamic acid is converted into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Once the desired level has been reached, the tea undergoes green tea processing, resulting in a product that combines the freshness of unoxidized tea with the distinctive smoothness and sweetness characteristic of GABA teas.
From the very first tasting, it became clear that this tea could not be comfortably placed within the traditional green tea category. Its aromatic profile and taste are highly unusual, combining fresh vegetal notes with creamy, fruity, and almost confectionery nuances rarely encountered in conventional green teas. For this reason, we have placed it in our OUT-OF-TYPE collection, a category dedicated to exceptional teas that challenge conventional classifications and demonstrate how innovative processing can create entirely new sensory experiences.
TERROIR
This tea comes from Mingjian Township in Nantou County, one of Taiwan's most important tea-producing regions. Located at elevations of approximately 300–500 meters above sea level, the area has a warm subtropical climate with abundant rainfall, frequent sunshine, and fertile, well-drained soils. These conditions allow tea bushes to grow vigorously throughout much of the year, producing leaves rich in amino acids and aromatic compounds.
Unlike Taiwan's famous high-mountain tea regions, Mingjian is known for its stable growing conditions and its strong focus on innovation. The region has become a center for developing new processing techniques and tea styles, making it an ideal place for experimental teas such as GABA green tea. The combination of modern craftsmanship and high-quality cultivars has established Mingjian as one of Taiwan's leading regions for specialty teas.
The Jin Xuan (T-12) cultivar thrives particularly well in this environment. Its naturally sweet, creamy character and high concentration of aromatic compounds provide an excellent foundation for GABA processing, resulting in a tea that retains a bright freshness while developing the smooth, rounded profile that makes this unique style possible.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves are gently twisted, displaying beautiful shades of emerald and deep green. Their aroma is immediately distinctive, combining notes of sweet vegetables, fresh herbs, ripe tropical fruit, and a soft creamy sweetness that hints at the tea's unconventional character. When placed into a preheated teapot, the leaves release an expressive bouquet of warm butter, vanilla cream, steamed greens, ripe melon, and delicate floral notes. After the rinse, the aroma becomes brighter and more layered, revealing hints of mango, pear, sugarcane, and fresh spring flowers supported by a subtle milky nuance inherited from the Jin Xuan cultivar.
The liquor is bright yellow-green with excellent clarity. Its aroma is fresh yet rounded, combining vegetal sweetness with gentle fruity tones and a creamy depth that continues to evolve throughout the session. The taste is remarkably smooth, soft, and balanced, with virtually no bitterness or astringency. Sweet notes of young peas, steamed asparagus, butter, cream, ripe pear, melon, and tropical fruit are woven together with a refreshing vegetal character and a delicate floral finish. The GABA processing gives the tea a fuller, rounder mouthfeel than a traditional green tea while preserving its freshness and vibrant energy. The aftertaste is long, sweet, and cooling, leaving lingering notes of fresh fruit, cream, and soft spring greens together with a pleasant mineral sensation. The body is silky and medium-bodied, coating the palate without becoming heavy. The tea offers a calm, centered energy and a harmonious balance between freshness and softness.
"I have always been fascinated by GABA teas, both for their unique processing method and for the distinctive sensory experience they offer. At the same time, I tend to approach experimental teas with a healthy dose of skepticism. I am always willing to give them a chance, but I judge them by the same standards as any classic tea, with no exceptions.
This tea impressed me from the very first sip. It took several tastings before I was ready to reach a conclusion, that this is a truly exceptional tea and one that fully deserves its place in our collection. Its flavor profile is unlike anything I have experienced in a conventional green tea, combining freshness, sweetness, creaminess, and fruitiness into a beautifully balanced whole.
Beyond its remarkable taste, I also appreciate the calm, centered feeling that accompanies the session. Whether this comes from the elevated GABA content, the quality of the raw material, or simply the experience of drinking a thoughtfully crafted tea, I will leave for you to decide. What I can say with confidence is that this is a tea I wholeheartedly recommend. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of specialty tea or have years of tasting experience, I believe this is a tea that deserves to be experienced."
— Andrei Ivanovs, Founder of AN SHIM TEA
This tea impressed me from the very first sip. It took several tastings before I was ready to reach a conclusion, that this is a truly exceptional tea and one that fully deserves its place in our collection. Its flavor profile is unlike anything I have experienced in a conventional green tea, combining freshness, sweetness, creaminess, and fruitiness into a beautifully balanced whole.
Beyond its remarkable taste, I also appreciate the calm, centered feeling that accompanies the session. Whether this comes from the elevated GABA content, the quality of the raw material, or simply the experience of drinking a thoughtfully crafted tea, I will leave for you to decide. What I can say with confidence is that this is a tea I wholeheartedly recommend. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of specialty tea or have years of tasting experience, I believe this is a tea that deserves to be experienced."
— Andrei Ivanovs, Founder of AN SHIM TEA
AN SHIM TEA - TAIWAN
Try one of the best Taiwanese tea from AN SHIM TEA COLLECTION