Liu an basket tea (六安篮茶) is liu an gua pian (green tea) that fired and steamed compressed into baskets for aging. Like most hei cha, liu an begins similar to green tea and is aged to undergo flavor and aroma development via post-fermentation.  Liu an basket tea benefits your digestion and relief the heat and thirst on hot summer days.

There are two types liu an basket tea, just like Pu-erh there are black and green type. However, last 10 year liu an has been manufactured almost entirely as black, and  the green liu an has been a rarity.

This particular raw or green liu an basket tea is manufactured by the most famous brand Sun Yi Shun and said that have been stored in almost 5 year. The smell of fire and smoke from the manufacturing process is almost gone and is replaced with honey like aroma. Although it is aged, the taste is still little bit green for those who looking for the "old taste" , on other side this tea is excellent for people who like green tea with strength or for those who want to keep this tea for aging.

This particular liu An Basket Tea is full of flavors, but surprisingly soft and sweet, very nice to drink even  it is cold. Preparation is same as Pu-erh. Use 90 Celsius hot water to brew.