Chunmee Green Tea - Special Grade 1 Loose Leaf

Our Chunmee green tea is a Special Grade 1 Chinese loose leaf tea with tightly rolled jade-green leaves, a bright golden-yellow infusion and a smooth, gently toasted flavour. Known as “Precious Eyebrow” because of the curved shape of the leaf, this classic Chinese green tea has a full body, subtle smokiness and a naturally sweet plum-like finish.

Chunmee Green Tea Special Grade 1

Chunmee is one of China’s most distinctive green teas. Its Chinese name, zhēn méi, means “Precious Eyebrow”, a reference to the elegant curved shape of the finished leaf.

This Special Grade 1 Chunmee is made from carefully selected young shoots, shaped into tightly rolled leaves and pan-fired to preserve their fresh green character. The result is a tea with more body than many green teas, making it a rewarding choice for those who enjoy a fuller, more structured cup.

A Classic Chinese Loose Leaf Green Tea

Chunmee has long been one of China’s best-known exported green teas, appreciated for its balance, reliability and distinctive taste. It is especially popular in North Africa and the Middle East, where it is often used as the traditional base for Moroccan mint tea.

Unlike very light or grassy green teas, Chunmee offers a deeper and more rounded profile. It remains clean and refreshing, but with enough weight and character to hold your attention.

Smooth, Toasted and Gently Sweet

In the cup, this Chunmee green tea gives a clear golden-yellow infusion with a surprisingly full body. The flavour is smooth and gently complex, with toasted undertones, a whisper of smokiness and a clean finish.

A natural plum-like sweetness appears as the tea cools slightly, giving the cup a soft, lingering character without becoming heavy or bitter.

How to Brew Chunmee Green Tea

Use water cooled slightly from the boil, ideally around 80°C to 85°C. Boiling water can make green tea taste bitter and reduce its natural sweetness.

Use one heaped teaspoon per cup and steep for two to three minutes for a lighter, sweeter cup. For a fuller, more toasted character, extend the infusion to around four minutes. The leaves can also be infused a second time for a softer but still enjoyable cup.

Ingredients

Green tea, Camellia sinensis.

About High Teas London

High Teas London has been sourcing distinctive loose leaf teas and infusions since 2008. With over 350 different teas in our collection, we offer one of the country’s widest specialist ranges, including classic Chinese green teas, rare single estate teas and carefully selected everyday favourites.