How do you brew Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed)?

Brew Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) at 185°F (85°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 2-3 minutes. Use Glass or porcelain with 2-3g per 200ml. Expect 3 infusions.

Where is Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) from?

Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) is produced in Liu'an, Anhui. Late spring. Made only from the second leaf — no buds and no stems, a unique rule in Chinese tea.

How much does Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) cost?

Entry-level Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) costs $10-20 / 100g (standard). Premium grades run $30-70 / 100g (true Liu'an origin, single-leaf grade).

How do you brew Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed)?

Brew Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) at 185°F (85°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 2-3 minutes. Use Glass or porcelain with 2-3g per 200ml. Expect 3 infusions.

Where is Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) from?

Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) is produced in Liu'an, Anhui. Late spring. Made only from the second leaf — no buds and no stems, a unique rule in Chinese tea.

How much does Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) cost?

Entry-level Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) costs $10-20 / 100g (standard). Premium grades run $30-70 / 100g (true Liu'an origin, single-leaf grade).

Green Tea ← All famous teas

Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) 六安瓜片

Toasty, nutty, slightly smoky, sweet

Liu'an, AnhuiCaffeine: MediumBeginner: ★★★☆☆

Water Temp

185°F (85°C)

Infusions

Harvest

Late spring. Made only from the second leaf — no buds and no stems, a unique rule in Chinese tea.

Entry Price

$10-20 / 100g (standard)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaRoasted, nutty, toasted grain, faint orchid

TasteToasty and nutty with a subtle smoky edge, sweet finish, and a refreshing aftertaste

ColorBright yellow-green, clear

BodyMedium-full, brisk

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

185°F (85°C)

Vessel

Glass or porcelain

Gongfu Time

30-45 seconds

Western Time

2-3 minutes

Ratio

2-3g per 200ml

Infusions

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Liu'an Guapian (Melon Seed) Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$10-20 / 100g (standard)

Premium / Collector

$30-70 / 100g (true Liu'an origin, single-leaf grade)

Quality Check

Rolled, dark-green flat pieces shaped like melon seeds, roughly the size of a fingernail. No buds or stems anywhere. Genuine Guapian has a toasty, slightly smoky character.

Common Scams

Buds or stems mixed in signal poor production (the defining rule is second-leaf only). Non-Liu'an imitations lack the roasted depth.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Liu'an GuapianLu An Gua PianMelon Seed teaAnhui green tearoasted green tea

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

Another Anhui Ten Famous Tea, with a 400-year history. Its unusual rule — only the second leaf, no buds, no stems — makes it the most consistently shaped tea in China. Traditionally finished with a charcoal fire, which gives it its signature toasted, faintly smoky character.