Mao Jian (毛尖) means "hair tips" — a reference to the fine, downy hairs covering the young spring-picked leaves, and to the sharply pointed shape those leaves take after hand-rolling. It's a style name rather than a single protected regional origin, and ours comes from the mountains of western Hunan Province, where the misty elevation and organic soils produce a particularly delicate version of the style.
Within LRC's green tea lineup it occupies a specific position: where Green Eyebrow has presence and Gunpowder has smoke, Green Mao Jian goes the other direction entirely. The flavor is meadow notes and light forest scents — genuinely pale, genuinely soft, with no bitterness even when the leaves are pushed harder than usual. That's not marketing copy. It's a structural property of the tea: Joseph ran it through a range of temperatures without a thermometer-controlled kettle and reported it was still good; Jenna confirmed it survives toddler-interruption-length steeps without turning on you.
Brewing
Water at 180°F (82°C) — off the boil for about 2 minutes. 1 teaspoon (1.25g) per 8 oz cup. Steep 2 minutes 30 seconds. This tea is forgiving: you can run it longer or hotter without a bitter result, though the standard parameters give you the cleanest meadow character. The leaves will give you a second and third infusion — add a minute each time.
Sourcing
USDA certified organic. Sourced directly from a worker-owned cooperative in Hunan Province, China. No pesticides, no synthetic inputs. The same direct co-op relationship LRC has maintained for 30+ years in China.
FAQ
What does Green Mao Jian taste like?
Meadow notes and light forest scents — pale, clean, and soft. No bitterness. Sarah describes it as "earthy, light flavor, never bitter." Jasmine says it's mellow but has complexity: "so much depth and dimension." It's one of the more delicate green teas in the collection — noticeably lighter in character than Green Eyebrow.
Is this a good everyday tea, or is it more of an occasional drink?
Everyday, no question. Karen brews a large pot in the morning and sips it throughout the day, hot and cold. Chad calls it "the perfect tea — keeps me going all day." The low bitterness and gentle caffeine (roughly 25–30 mg per 8 oz cup for LRC green teas) make it easy to drink multiple cups without feeling wired. Jennifer keeps a tin at home and a tin at work.
Will I ruin it if I over-steep it?
It's hard to. This tea is specifically noted for its over-steep tolerance. Jenna, who starts cups and gets pulled away for toddler emergencies, says it "doesn't get bitter or overly punchy but stays nice and mellow, even if left in the pot too long." Joseph tested it without temperature control and called it phenomenal anyway. That said, 180°F / 2:30 minutes gives the best expression of the meadow character.
How much caffeine does Green Mao Jian have?
Green teas from LRC run approximately 25–30 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup — roughly half a standard cup of coffee, and lower than black or oolong teas. It's on the lighter end of the green tea range. If you're looking for an afternoon option that won't affect sleep, this is a reliable choice.
Can I steep the leaves more than once?
Yes. The leaves hold up well for two to three infusions. Add about a minute to the steep time with each subsequent pour, and use water at roughly the same temperature. The flavor softens across steeps but stays clean.
What's the difference between Green Mao Jian and Green Eyebrow?
They're both Chinese pan-fired greens from LRC's everyday lineup, but the drinking experience is quite different. Green Eyebrow (Lü Mei) has presence — fresh, sharp, umami depth, strong enough to carry you all day. Green Mao Jian is the lighter, more delicate option: the same quality, lower intensity. Sarah has tried most of LRC's green teas and calls Mao Jian her favorite, second only to Green Eyebrow. Many customers keep both.
