Prowling through the Everlasting Gobstopper of Tea Treat Boxes (don’t you love tea friends?), a packet of Jade Needle caught my eye, partially because of the eye-catching package—funky art, a sleeping cat sketch, and a wax seal; but mostly because of the steeping parameters. Green tea that invites abuse at 203 degrees and 4-6 minutes!
So I abused it at a good round 5 minutes and the results were pretty spectacular, considering green teas are generally on my B+ list. I can’t quite place the scent of the steeped leaves—simultaneously sharp and sweet. But the flavor is gentle and nutty—-pistachios dusted with a little brown sugar. Absolutely delicious, even the dregs I let get cold.