1
🌿
Picking
采摘
Young shoots of one bud and two or three leaves, hand-picked at peak ripeness
2
☀️
Solar Withering
晒青
30–60 min in sunlight. Moisture evaporates, enzymes activate, grassy notes soften
3
🔄
Tossing
做青
Repeated tumbling and resting. Leaf edges bruise and oxidise while the centre stays green
4
🔥
Kill-Green
杀青
High heat in a wok or drum halts oxidation, locking in the aroma profile
5
🤲
Rolling
揉捻
Leaves twisted into strips or balls, breaking cells to release oils and shape the leaf
6
💨
Drying
干燥
Final firing removes remaining moisture, fixes the flavour, and ensures long shelf life