Mao Xie Oolong Tea (Hairy Crab)

Mao Xie, or "Hairy Crab," is an unusual oolong from Fujian province. The name refers to the fine down on the young tea leaves, which resembles a crab's legs — it has nothing to do with seafood.

It is a lightly fermented tea with a floral-creamy depth. The aroma is delicate and spring-like, with notes of orchid, honey, and light nuttiness. The brewed tea yields a clear, yellow-green infusion.

The finish is long and slightly sweet, with hints of ripe fruit and creamy caramel — not astringent, yet deep, lingering through several infusions.

Mao Xie works well both for a gongfu tea ceremony and for everyday brewing — in the morning or during an evening wind-down.