Lu Yu's Gift Loose Leaf Green Tea

Lu Yu's Gift - Zhejiang's Legendary Green Tea

From the misty mountains of Zhejiang Province, China—the birthplace of some of the world's most celebrated green teas—comes Lu Yu's Gift, a tea that honors the legacy of Lu Yu, the 8th-century Sage of Tea whose writings established the foundation of tea culture. This exceptional loose leaf green tea represents centuries of tea-making expertise, offering a bright vegetal profile complemented by subtle nutty undertones that make it perfect for daily enjoyment.

Zhejiang Province: China's Green Tea Capital

Zhejiang Province isn't just a tea-growing region—it's the heart of Chinese green tea culture. Located along China's eastern coast, Zhejiang's subtropical climate, abundant rainfall, and mineral-rich soil create ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional green tea. The province is home to legendary teas like Longjing (Dragon Well) and has been producing tea for over 2,000 years.

The region's tea masters have perfected the art of green tea production over countless generations, passing down knowledge and techniques that honor the tea plant's natural character. Lu Yu himself wrote extensively about Zhejiang's teas in his seminal work, The Classic of Tea, cementing the province's reputation as China's premier green tea producer.

Who Was Lu Yu?

Lu Yu (733-804 CE) is known as the Sage of Tea, the father of tea culture, and the author of Cha Jing (The Classic of Tea), the first definitive work on cultivating, making, and drinking tea. His writings transformed tea from a simple beverage into an art form, establishing principles that guide tea culture to this day.

Our tea honors his legacy—a gift from Zhejiang's tea gardens, crafted with the same attention to quality and tradition that Lu Yu championed over 1,200 years ago.

Tasting Notes: Bright, Vegetal, Nutty

Appearance: Delicate, twisted green leaves with a vibrant jade color. The leaves are slender and elegant, showcasing careful processing.

Dry Leaf Aroma: Fresh and grassy with subtle nutty undertones reminiscent of roasted chestnuts.

Liquor Color: Pale yellow-green, clear and bright—the hallmark of quality green tea.

Aroma: The brewed tea releases a fresh, vegetal bouquet with notes of steamed greens, fresh grass, and toasted nuts.

Flavor: Bright and refreshing with a pronounced vegetal character—steamed edamame, fresh spinach, and green beans. The nutty undertones add depth and complexity, reminiscent of roasted chestnuts or almonds. The tea is naturally sweet with a clean, crisp finish and no bitterness when properly brewed.

Finish: Clean, refreshing, and slightly sweet with lingering vegetal and nutty notes.

Mouthfeel: Light to medium-bodied, smooth and silky.

Brewing Guide: Unlocking Zhejiang's Character

Water Quality: Use fresh, filtered water. Pure water allows the tea's delicate flavors to shine.

Temperature: 170-180°F (77-82°C). Green tea requires moderate heat to avoid bitterness.

Ratio: 4 grams (approximately 1.5 teaspoons) per 8 oz (240ml) of water.

Steeping Time: 4 minutes for the first infusion.

Multiple Infusions: Good for 2-3 infusions. With each infusion, the flavor profile changes—you can experience secondary and tertiary notes as the leaves continue to open. Increase steeping time by 30-60 seconds with each subsequent brew.

Serving: Enjoy plain to appreciate the tea's natural character. If desired, add a small amount of honey or fresh ginger, but this tea is delicious on its own.

Perfect Pairings: Complementary Flavors

Asian Cuisine: Stir fry, garlic noodles, ginger chicken—the tea's vegetal notes complement savory Asian flavors beautifully.

Light Fare: Salads with light vinaigrettes, steamed vegetables, or grain bowls.

Seafood: Light fish, shrimp, or scallops—the tea's clean finish refreshes the palate.

Desserts: Sponge cake, fruit tarts, or sorbet—the tea's subtle sweetness pairs well with light desserts.

Cheese: Soft cheeses like brie or fresh chèvre.

Time of Day: Perfect for morning or afternoon. The moderate caffeine content (25-45mg per cup) provides gentle, sustained energy.

Health & Wellness Benefits

Antioxidant Rich: Green tea contains high levels of catechins (especially EGCG) and polyphenols that support cellular health.

L-Theanine: Promotes calm focus and mental clarity, creating a state of relaxed alertness.

Moderate Caffeine: Provides gentle energy without jitters or crashes.

Metabolic Support: Green tea has been associated with metabolic wellness and cardiovascular health.

Versatile & Daily Drinkable

Lu Yu's Gift is what we call "daily drinkable"—a tea you can enjoy every day without tiring of it. It's smooth enough to savor plain, yet versatile enough to enjoy lightly sweetened with honey or enhanced with fresh ginger. Whether you're a green tea connoisseur or new to loose leaf tea, Lu Yu's Gift offers an approachable, satisfying experience that captures the essence of Zhejiang's esteemed tea-making traditions.

Sourcing & Quality

At Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., we source Lu Yu's Gift directly from trusted tea gardens in Zhejiang Province. Our partners practice sustainable agriculture without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, ensuring pure, clean tea that honors both tradition and environmental stewardship.

Experience the legacy of Lu Yu. Discover the bright, refreshing character of Zhejiang green tea. Enjoy Lu Yu's Gift—a classic green tea experience in every cup.