Long Jing #43 is a varietal that the Liang's have been cultivating in their small family operation. This varietal has very distinctive characteristics as other teas grown in the Laoshan Village in China.

The tea is grown undercover in the greenhouse during the winter and into spring to protect from frost. When the leaves sprout the covering is removed and the plants thrive in full sunlight until plucked.

The leaves are small and spindly with a shiny brown-black color when dried. The leaves are wilted and oxidized traditionally to bring out the sweeetness with flavors of cocoa and osmanthus.

• Use 2 heaping tsp per 6 oz cup, heat water to 205° and steep for 3-4 minutes.

Tea has been grown in the Laoshan Village for generations  the village is in the Shandong Province of China at an altitude of under 1000 feet.  Located close to the ocean and the sacred mountain of Mount Lao, which is recognized and respected as the "cradles of Taoism".