Main Citrus Varieties Used:
• Little Green Citrus: This variety boasts a strong citrus flavor and aroma. It is more pungent and bitter compared to the big red citrus.
• Big Red Citrus: Derived from naturally matured fruit with a completely red skin, this citrus is sweeter and more mellow than the green variety.
Processing Steps:
1. Selection and Picking
2. Washing
3. Cutting Holes for Cap
4. Removing Pulp
5. Additional Washing
6. Airing
7. Inserting Tea
8. Covering with Cap
9. Drying
10. Packaging
Drying Methods Before Packaging:
1. Complete Sun Drying: Takes 25 to 40 days depending on the weather. Preserves the citrus flavor effectively, making it suitable for long-term storage.
2. Sun Drying and Low Temperature: Alternates between sun and a drying machine at 45°C. Quicker than the first method, it nearly matches the flavor preservation of the sun drying.
3. Complete Low-Temperature Drying by Machine: Utilizes the drying machine for the entire process, offering a shorter drying time but losing more flavor compared to the previous methods.
4. High-Temperature Drying by Machine: Maintains a temperature of 70-80°C. The quickest method, it offers a strong flavor and aroma suitable for immediate consumption but is not ideal for long-term preservation.
Preservation:
• The dried citrus has a moisture content of about 5-7%. It should be stored in a dry place to avoid additional moisture. Keep it away from light, especially direct sunlight or higher temperatures, to prevent the citrus oil from evaporating.
Brewing Method:
1. Place the whole citrus ball in a gaiwan and pour boiling water into the larger hole. Adjust steeping time for preferred flavor intensity.
2. Break the citrus ball into smaller pieces, mix with tea leaves, and brew the desired amount. This method releases the flavors and aromas of both citrus and tea quickly.
3. Stab the citrus ball with a tea needle to create more openings, enhancing the release of flavors and aromas while keeping the ball intact.
Citrus and Puerh Shou Cha Combination:
• This blend offers a unique flavor profile, initially dominated by the citrus and later complemented by the shou cha.
Personal Endorsement:
• As someone who transitioned from being hesitant about tea to a passionate lover of this specific tea, I highly recommend it to everyone, even those just sampling. If you’ve had negative experiences with similar teas from other sources, I encourage you to try this one, as it offers a distinct and enjoyable experience.