The literal translation of “xue ya” is “snow buds”, and (someone correct me if I’m wrong) it’s usually a moniker for white tea. Here it’s describing a first-flush green. The smell while the leaves are steeping reminds me a little bit of crab, though I don’t get any of that after I take the leaves out. 2 1/2 minutes at 180 degrees this time around, but I have a feeling it’ll take a bit more trial and error to bring out the awesome.
