Wu Li Qing was relatively unknown outside of China until the recent 2006 Tea King auction that was held in Shitai county in Anhui province. After 20 biddings, the best 500 grams of this tea was sold for a staggering 137,000 renminbi (more than $17,000)! So what is so special about this tea? Well, the answer lies in a sunken 18th century Swedish merchant ship - the Gothenburg. It was one of the largest vessels of the Swedish East India Company and had a total cargo's value which could amount to Sweden's gross national product at that time. Tea leaves were one of the many recovered items from the sunken ship, and recent studies show that more than half of these were actually Wu Li Qing tea leaves. Chinese historians theorised that Wu Li Qing tea was treasured by members of the royal family of Sweden for their anti-aging property. In any case, scientific result proves that Wu Li Qing is not only high in minerals and vitamins, but also contains high amount of selenium which may aid in preventing cancer. This tea is certified organic by OFDC China. Taste: The taste and fragrance is delicate and floral in nature, with a hint of magnolia flower note. Very refreshing. Appearance: Long and narrow tea buds, each measuring between 1.2 to 1.5cm in length. When steeped, the tea buds stand upright in the cup, occassionally floating down and up as if they are dancing. Origin: Shang Shan, An Hui Province Harvest Period: Spring '09 (First Flush) |