The wet leaves really do have the aroma of watermelon seeds, or at least pumpkin seeds. Their appearance is that of steamed spinach. Rich green large leaves with a real depth of color and a delicate curl. The infusion is sour-sweet, again reminiscent of fresh steamed spinach. The second infusion is even more rich, a golden-green glow to the bottom of the cup.
Liu An Guapian
Water melon seeds
These leaves from the Dabie Mountains of western Anhui province have an unusual appearance. Liu’An Guapian appealed to us, however, because of its unusually fresh grassy taste and so earned its place on our menu as another ambassador from the Middle Kingdom.
