Recalling my path towards loose leaf tea brings a smile to my face. I remember how my journey started with bagged teas. It was the same way I differentiated between a fast food burger and a chef’s creation. Tea compels me to think I have a fast food burger recollection since soon after the journey to tasting commenced, the premium world of loose leaf tea came calling. After years of collecting and tasting, I began to understand what truly makes a certain green tea extraordinary.
Every amazing loose leaf green tea will have striking, unmistakable qualities. The metaphorical and literal aroma is vital with hinting towards steamed vegetables, ocean winds, and more while the leaves being vibrant is equally as important. When it comes to fragrance, good quality green tea always lures you in with transporting your essence through gentle ocean breezes, stirring spring meadows, or steamed veggies.
Exceptional green tea standout with it comes to the flavor profile as that is where green tea reveals itself. What stands out are the layers of complexity the premium leaves showcase. While lesser grades attack with blunt bitterness, tensions are triaged by vegetal sweetness, umami depth, alongside light florid and nutty hints. Gracefully clean finishes are vital as well so a pleasant sensation that does not dry out your mouth is key.
The quality of a tea is affected by altitude and terroir. It is a distinct character that cant be replicated anywhere else. Specifically for teas grown in areas with extreme temperature shifts such as near freezing at night and sweltering during the day, and hot and cold temperatures during the day for advanced rich soils and minerals.
A green tea that I have fully incorporated into my tea routine is Nepali Tea’s High Zing 5500. This green tea with loose leaves, truly surprised me from start to finish. The invigorating character shines through and ‘zing’ truly captures the taste. It heightens your senses, yet is refined enough for gentle afternoon brewing like contemplative sessions best savored in company.
What makes High Zing 5500 special from its peers is not only it’s the balance sophistication and approachability, but excels at both. Striking floral notes that are smooth and light combined with hints of robust and sweet fresh grass create a robust brew that satisfies all. Tea veterans will keep coming back for more, and it is indeed the perfect way to introduce tea haters to the world of green tea!
Beyond the taste of the tea, knowing that it was cultivated organically by sustainable practices gives another layer and depth of meaning to savoring every cup. The leaves are carefully selected and handpicked to guarantee minimal impact to preserve flavor and beneficial compounds during processing.
Be it Western-style (high leaf ratio, longer steep) or Eastern style (quick multiple infusions), High Zing 5500 shines like a star! It’s forgiving even with steeping temperatures, perfect for hectic mornings.
Tea preferences are very personal; however, High Zing 5500 clearly explains why Nepali teas should be given equal attention as the more famous tea-producing countries. For those who want to explore exceptional green tea, this amazing leaf is the perfect introduction to the incredible heights and potential this category can achieve.
Written by :
Bibhu Gautam
Green Tea Connoisseur
