White Eagle Long Life

Mountain mythology has it that there was an old race of mountain men who lived in caves and had learned the secrets of flight and immortality. The secrets were told to them by some women who lived in the valleys below. The women had learned the secrets directly from the eagles who lived in the great forests separating the men and the women. One day, the men invited the women up for Mao Feng tea, the local specialty. The women flew up to visit and were so impressed by the tea offered that they shared the secret of flight with them and blessed their teapot so they would live forever and remember every sip of the delicious tea as they did so.

We’ll be the first to admit that White Eagle Long Life still has not yet been scientifically proven to grant immortality. That said, it is packed with anti-oxidants so it is very good for the body. It’s also delicious. The cup is full and round, with honey like sweetness, mild astringency and notes of orchid. The unique production method used in its manufacture is one of the oldest in China. Pre-infusion, the dried leaf is straight and sturdy.

White Eagle Long Life, like all Mao Feng teas is considered one of China’s 3 celebrated teas. The other two places in this triumvirate of cups are held by Dragonwell and Pi Lo Chun. Like these, Mao Feng production is heavily regulated to ensure an authentic product. We’ve sourced this tea from a long time friend and grower in Hunan province known for his strict adherence to these regulations and progressive environmental record. In fact the first sip we ever had was in his field kitchen. The water was boiled over a fire in a 500-year-old kettle. 

When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 90’C. Place about 1-1 1/2 teaspoons in your cup, let the tea steep for about 3 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on and so on - until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Iced tea-brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.]

Read more about the benefits of Green Tea.