Tea Cultivar · Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
Mei Zhan
- Origin
- China - Fujian, Anxi
- Primary use
- oolong, Wuyi yancha, black tea
Overview
Mei Zhan is an old Fujian cultivar with a documented history of at least 100 to 150 years, originating in the Lutian area of Anxi county. Although best known as one of the classic 'four famous bushes' of Wuyi yancha - where it is grown alongside Da Hong Pao, Tieluohan, and Shuixian - it is also widely planted in Anxi for traditional oolongs, in Fuding for white tea blending, and in northern Fujian for the production of Tanyang Gongfu and other premium black teas. Its versatility across processing styles is unusual and has helped sustain its commercial relevance despite the rise of more modern cultivars.
Characteristics
Bushes are upright, vigorous, and large-leaved relative to other Anxi oolong cultivars, with thick, dark green leaves bearing prominent serrations and a slightly leathery texture. The cultivar is cold-hardy and adapts well to higher-elevation rocky soils, traits that have made it successful in the Wuyi mountains. Bud break is medium-late, and the relatively heavy leaf gives strong yield per bush.
Flavor profile
The cup is medium-bodied with a signature plum-blossom and stone-fruit aroma - the name 'plum occupier' refers to this distinctive floral-fruity note. As Wuyi yancha it produces a deeply roasted, mineral-rich oolong with cocoa, dried plum, and a long woody finish; as a Fujian black tea (Tanyang style) it gives a smooth, sweet cup with longan, brown sugar, and a clean malty edge.
Where it grows
China - Fujian, Anxi · China - Fujian, Wuyishan · China - Fujian, Fuding