Organic Jade Snail Green Tea

1. Background and location

Organic Jade Snail Green Tea is a USDA-certified organic Spring 2025 first-flush green tea cultivated in Yunnan Province, one of China’s most ecologically diverse and botanically rich tea regions. The elevation, biodiversity, and cool mountain mists of Yunnan’s southwestern highlands contribute to slower leaf development and more concentrated plant metabolites, resulting in deeper aroma and flavor. Unlike the more common green teas from eastern China and Japan, Yunnan green tea is made from large-leaf cultivars typically used for Puer, Black Tea, or White Tea, resulting in a green tea infusion known for its bold, intense character. This first flush 2025 harvest, however, offers a surprisingly well-balanced cup—perfect for those who enjoy a strong-bodied green tea and are mindful of their steeping technique (see recommended steeping guidelines below).

2. Cultivation and Processing: Creating the ‘Snail Shell’ Spiral Shape

This tea is crafted from a combination of the cultivars Yunkang No. 10 and Snow Bud No. 100. The freshly harvested leaves undergo gentle withering to reduce moisture and preserve their aromatic compounds. They are then pan-fixed to halt enzymatic oxidation—locking in the vivid green color—followed by rolling, twisting, and shaping while drying. The end product curls into tight spirals reminiscent of snail shells, a traditional form in Chinese green tea known for its visual appeal and slow unfurling during brewing.

For a review on green tea processing, see Chapter 3 of the Masterclass on Tea

3. Tasting Notes

Organic Jade Snail Green Tea presents a beautiful array of characteristics:

• Dry leaf: Tight, snail-like spirals with a soft sheen and fine white hairs, a hallmark of careful picking and gentle processing.
• Aroma: Chestnut-forward with soft floral undertones and an unmistakable high-mountain freshness.
• Liquor: A light yellow-green infusion, clear and glowing.
• Taste: Smooth and refreshing with a chestnut-sweet opening, a hint of vegetal richness in the mid-palate, and a lasting floral aftertaste that rounds out the experience.
• Mouthfeel: Velvety and light, with very little astringency, while a thick and persistent aftertaste lingers like a cloud in the mouth and throat.

For a review on green tea quality assessment, see Chapter 4 of the Masterclass on Tea

4. How to Brew This Tea

To unlock the full elegance of Organic Jade Snail, consider these recommended brewing parameters:

• Leaf weight: For the first time you prepare this tea, we recommend using a gram scale to weigh out 3-4 grams. The flavor of this tea is well-balanced, but dense, and the leaves are tightly rolled, so it is difficult to eyeball the right amount on the first try. As a Yunnan large-leaf green tea, Jade Snail’s robust flavor is its strength, but can become a flaw if the tea is “over-leafed.” For a reference, you can see in the product photos how much the dry leaves expand when infused. So, as you begin with this one, less is more.
• Water temperature: 80°C (176°F).
• Vessel: Use a tall glass or clear gaiwan/teapot to appreciate the visual unfurling of the leaves.
• Steeping time: 30 seconds for the first three infusions; increase steep time slightly with each additional infusion.
• Number of infusions: This tea is resilient—expect 3–4 infusions while retaining a clean and fragrant liquor.

For those who prefer a modern convenience approach, a glass tumbler with built-in infuser also works well.

For a deep-dive on brewing tea, see Chapter 5 of the Masterclass on Tea

5. Tea-Food Pairings: Hearty Companions for a Bold Green

The robust body of Yunnan Green Tea pairs well with dishes that can hold their own:

• Grilled or pan-seared white meats (e.g., chicken thigh, duck breast): The tea's bold umami and subtle bite balance the savoriness and richness of these proteins.
• Aged or semi-firm cheeses (e.g., Comté, Manchego): These cheeses offer enough flavor to match the tea’s intensity, while the tea’s tannic edge helps cleanse the palate.
• Savory mushroom dishes (shiitake stir-fry or mushroom risotto): Earthy umami notes in the food resonate beautifully with the tea’s depth and complexity.
• Yunnan-style noodles or lightly spiced stir-fried greens: Local pairings bring out the tea's native character and highlight its compatibility with moderate heat and aromatics.
• Roasted nuts or dark chocolate with citrus peel: For a snack pairing, these enhance the tea’s lingering finish and subtle floral undertones.

Because this tea is not overly grassy or bitter, it doesn’t clash with slightly sweet or gently savory flavors—making it a versatile option for pairing.