How do I brew Taiping Houkui?

Use 3–4g per 200ml of leaf to 80–85°C (176–185°F) water and steep 2–3 minutes. Most quality Taiping Houkui can be re-steeped for 3–4 infusions.

Does Taiping Houkui contain caffeine?

Taiping Houkui is a green tea and is rated "medium" caffeine. See the chemistry section on this page for cited ranges.

Where does Taiping Houkui come from?

Taiping Houkui is produced in China, specifically in the Anhui region.

What's interesting about Taiping Houkui?

Taiping Houkui leaves can reach 15cm in length - making them one of the world's largest green tea leaves.

What's interesting about Taiping Houkui?

The distinctive cross-hatch pattern on the leaves comes from being pressed between bamboo mesh screens during processing.

Taiping Houkui

One of China's largest-leaf green teas, hand-pressed flat with a distinctive orchid aroma and sweet taste.

Type: Green Tea
Origin: China · Anhui
Oxidation: none
Caffeine: medium
Brew temp: 80–85°C
Brew time: 2–3 min
Flavor notes: orchid, smooth, sweet

History

Taiping Houkui (太平猴魁) originates from the Hou Keng village in Taiping County, Anhui Province, nestled in the Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) region. Created in the early 1900s by tea farmer Wang Kuicheng, the tea quickly gained fame and won a gold medal at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The name translates roughly to 'Monkey King of Taiping,' referencing a legend that monkeys once picked the tea leaves from steep cliff faces. It has been one of China's Ten Famous Teas since the mid-20th century.

Processing

Only the largest, most tender buds with two attached leaves are picked - one bud, two leaves of exceptional size. After a brief withering, the leaves are hand-pressed flat between mesh screens, creating their signature long, flat shape that can reach 15cm in length. They are then gently baked at low temperatures. The entire process is done by hand, making it extremely labor-intensive.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Remarkably large, flat leaves - among the biggest of any green tea - with a distinctive two-leaves-hugging-a-bud structure. The dry leaves show a cross-hatch pattern from the pressing screens. The liquor is a clear, bright yellow-green.

Aroma

A pronounced orchid fragrance that is the tea's hallmark - sweet, heady, and lingering. Often described as the most fragrant of all Chinese green teas.

Taste

Smooth and mellow with a lingering orchid sweetness, no bitterness, and a clean, refreshing finish. The taste is surprisingly delicate given the leaf's large size. A subtle vegetal sweetness develops with subsequent infusions.

Brewing Guide

Western Style

Leaf: 3–4g per 200ml
Water: 80–85°C (176–185°F)
Time: 2–3 minutes
Infusions: 3–4 infusions

Gongfu Style

Leaf: 5g per 150ml
Water: 85°C (185°F)
Time: 30s first, +15s each subsequent
Infusions: 4–6 infusions

Step-by-step

Use a tall glass. Taiping Houkui's large leaves look spectacular in a tall glass - drop the leaves in vertically so they stand upright. Tip: A clear glass lets you appreciate the dramatic visual display.
Add 80–85°C water. Pour water down the side of the glass to avoid damaging the leaves. Fill about two-thirds. Tip: The leaves will slowly unfurl and dance - one of tea's most beautiful sights.
Steep and refill. Steep 2–3 minutes. Drink to one-third remaining, then refill with hot water. Good for 3–4 infusions. Tip: No strainer needed - the large leaves stay at the bottom.

Health Benefits

Rich in polyphenols and catechins with strong antioxidant properties
Contains L-theanine for calm, focused energy
High in vitamin C and amino acids
May support cardiovascular health
Traditionally believed to cool the body and calm the mind

Food Pairings

Light dim sum and steamed dumplings
Fresh river fish dishes
Mild tofu preparations
Sweet osmanthus cakes
Fresh fruit

Buying Guide

What to look for

Large, flat leaves with clear two-leaves-and-bud structure
Visible cross-hatch pattern on the leaves from pressing
Strong orchid fragrance in the dry leaf
Bright green color without yellowing or browning

Quality indicators

Hou Keng village origin is the most authentic and premium
Hand-pressed rather than machine-pressed
Early spring (pre-Qingming) harvest for peak quality
Intact, unbroken leaves - breakage indicates rough handling

Price range: $15–30 for standard, $40–80 for Hou Keng village, $100+ for pre-Qingming hand-pressed

Storage: Store in an airtight, opaque container in the refrigerator. The large leaves are fragile - handle gently. Best consumed within 3–6 months.

Fun Facts

Taiping Houkui leaves can reach 15cm in length - making them one of the world's largest green tea leaves.
The distinctive cross-hatch pattern on the leaves comes from being pressed between bamboo mesh screens during processing.
It won a gold medal at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.
Despite its name referencing monkeys, the tea is entirely hand-picked by humans from steep mountain gardens.