Enshi Yulu Tea

Yulu ('jade dew') is one of China's oldest teas, fixed by steam - a technique dating to the Tang dynasty that nearly vanished. Enshi's mountain villages still produce it the old way, and the factory-villages welcome visitors for tastings.

Buy from the cooperatives on the tea route up the valley; the spring harvest is the one to look for. It tastes nothing like the pan-fried greens you know.