Experience the Freshness: Dong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2024 in Loose-Leaf Form

We have released the loose-leaf version of Dong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2024. In fact, this is our first time offering Dong Shan as loose tea.

Old Tree Tea Harvested from the High Mountains of Zhenkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province

Dong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2024 is made from tea leaves grown in a naturally managed tea garden located at an elevation of approximately 2,100 meters in Zhenkang County, Yunnan Province. The garden is maintained without the use of pesticides or fertilizers, preserving the natural ecosystem. The 2024 harvest uses leaves from older tea trees than in previous years, with raw materials sourced from ancient trees approximately 100 to 200 years old.

The Freshness That Only Loose-Leaf Tea Offers

Dong Shan has been one of our offerings since 2014 and remains highly popular at our store. Its excellent balance of price and quality makes it a favorite among customers. Additionally, as it matures, it develops a distinctive aroma reminiscent of dried grapes, appealing to those who enjoy the aging process of tea. Another charm of this tea lies in its fresh flavor, unique to loose-leaf tea. While Pu-erh tea is often considered best when aged, high-quality tea can be thoroughly enjoyed even when young. Tea made from excellent raw materials delivers its full flavor immediately after production. Unlike compressed cakes steamed for shaping, loose-leaf tea retains its distinct character in its fresh state. Using first flush tea leaves from high-altitude regions, it offers a gentle flavor and a floral flavor that leave a lasting impression. Upon its release, I tasted the loose-leaf version of Dong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea in Japan. Its fresh flavor vividly brought back memories of the production scenes, life in the mountains of Yunnan Province, the people I encountered there, and the meals I enjoyed in that region. This tea is vacuum-sealed to maintain its quality. If you wish to age it further, store the unopened package in a warm environment. In 2–3 years, you will notice a sweet, matured fragrance developing.

Maintaining Freshness During Import: A Challenge for Loose-Leaf Raw Pu-erh Tea

Loose-leaf raw Pu-erh tea is a rare product in both Japanese and international markets, but it can easily be sourced directly from producers in Yunnan Province. However, without proper handling, the quality can deteriorate significantly during transportation. This is because raw Pu-erh tea is highly sensitive to condensation caused by temperature fluctuations. When shipped by air, the tea leaves are often exposed to near-freezing temperatures, leading to condensation upon arrival. While compressed cakes only oxidize on the surface, loose-leaf tea, with its larger surface area, oxidizes more extensively, making it difficult to fully enjoy its original flavor and quality. To address this issue, we use heat sealers in the mountain villages of Yunnan Province to seal the tea in commercial-grade aluminum-laminated bags, preserving its freshness for export. Additionally, while the details remain a trade secret, we employ special techniques to further minimize oxidation. Through these meticulous measures, we deliver the fresh flavor and quality unique to newly made loose-leaf raw Pu-erh tea directly to our customers. Loose-leaf tea is usually very popular and often sells out quickly. If you're interested, we recommend considering it promptly.

For more on how raw Pu-erh is made, aged, and stored, see What Is Raw Pu-erh Tea?.