Tree Frog Green

The Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island may not be a tropical paradise, but it has the warmest average annual temperature in Canada, at balmy 11°C/52°F.   Its climate is conducive to growing grapes, in particular, the pinot varieties.   Tea or camellia sinensis appears to enjoy flourishing in the same terroir.   The Cowichan Valley is a region infused with arts, wines, and now tea.

The Teafarm, an organic farm located in Cowichan, began planting tea shrubs in 2010 and harvested its fruits of labor in 2016.  The first Canadian grown single estate tea was launched on July 1, 2016, eh?

Tree Frog Green is a first flush green tea.   The young leaves were picked, heated, rolled and dried.   The loose dried leaves include small to medium size buds and leaves.

This tea seems to be able to tolerate a longer steeping time or higher water temperature.   It can be infused 2 to 3 times.  The infusion is pale golden yellow and it is soft.

Tree Frog Green

Type:  Green  Producing Country: Canada  Preparation:  85°C 4-5 Min

Dry Leaf:  The dark olive green twisted leaves are fresh and faintly biscuity.  There are leaves and leaves with buds.
Wet Leaf:  The leaves are olive green and have pleasant and slight aromas of spices, herbs and raisins.
Liquor:      The yellow tea is sweet (but not sugary, more like Chinese licorice root's 'Gan') with undertones of spices (cloves, cinnamon and herbs) and steamed green beans.  It barely has any bitterness or astringency.   It is very light.

Tee Score: 4 out of 5