Qing Zhuan (青磚)
archetype: Ancient caravan
An ancient caravan along the Silk Road: a rough straight strength, a warm earth, a dense domestic calm.
History
Qing Zhuan — 'green brick' — a traditional hei cha from Hubei province (Chibei county). Made since the 17th century mainly as an export commodity for Mongolia and Siberia. The leaf is roughly broken up, fermented, pressed into bricks weighing 1.5–2 kg. A simple but honest tea: warm wood, soft earth, a dense 'peasant' profile. With ageing it only grows softer.
Terroir
The standard is Chibei Qing Zhuan from the Zhaoli Jian factory. There is also a 'Hei Zhuan' grade — a darker and denser version.
Leaf
dark wood, dry leaf, a light mushroom, a dense warm base long, even; the aftertaste — a warm 'travelling' trail
Properties
rich in fermentation products; traditionally — for digestion, on a meat-based diet even, warm, dense; felt as 'a peasant's palm' on the shoulder low to moderate (20–35 mg)
Brewing ritual
a 150 ml clay kettle; 100 °C; 6 g / 150 ml. 10s — the first dense sip: wood, leaf; 12s — the peak: warm earth, a domestic calm; 16s — a rough straight strength; 25s — a long warm note; 40s — a late road trail; 60s — the finale — a rest in the dust.
When to drink
day and evening. autumn and winter. after a long road, for domestic warmth, for the simplicity of the way