Hyson translates to “Flourishing Spring” and this particular varietal imparts the fresh green character you would expect to be a part of any springtime tea experience. Traditionally hyson referred to old to medium leaves (leaves below the new growing shoots at the top of the bush) manufactured in a rolled, long twist and sometimes almost clam shaped. The term “young” was added to indicate that the tea was made from young leaves (new shoots) and therefore was of better quality and thus, better tasting. This tea became so highly favored in the 1700s that the British Tea Tax was actually higher for this variety over other teas.