New Release: Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea 2026 Loose

We have released the loose-leaf version of Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea. Loose-leaf wild tea is produced in very limited quantities and usually sells out within a short period every year. Although we secured a relatively larger quantity this year, demand is expected to be high. If you are interested, we recommend placing your order early.

Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea 2026 – An Exceptionally Aromatic Harvest

Compared with recent years, the 2026 harvest has good flavor. This year's tea is relatively more fragrant, with a pronounced sweet grape-like flavor. Freshly produced wild tea also has a pronounced mineral character, with a rich taste and a distinct iron-like aftertaste. If stored unopened for several months, the tea undergoes its initial stage of aging. During this period, the sweet fruity flavor becomes more pronounced, while the iron-like impression gradually recedes, resulting in a more refined and floral flavor. When kept unopened (under oxygen-free conditions) for more than three years, the tea develops flavors reminiscent of raisins together with a honey-like sweetness, developing a floral and complex fruity flavor. It is delicious when enjoyed immediately after production, but it is equally rewarding to age it and allow the flavor to develop according to your own preference. Please note that the aging speed is closely related to the storage temperature. The warmer the storage environment, the faster the tea matures.

Cultivated Camellia taliensis Sold as "Wild Tea"

Wild Tea Sold in Markets

Strictly speaking, wild tea refers to tea made from tea trees that grow naturally in the mountains, rather than from cultivated tea gardens. In Yunnan, however, the term "wild tea" is commonly used in a different way. Locally, all Camellia taliensis is referred to as "wild tea," regardless of whether it grows naturally in the mountains or is cultivated in tea gardens. As a result, the term "wild tea" is often used simply to indicate the species Camellia taliensis, rather than whether the tea is genuinely wild. This is similar to the term "wild rice." Although much of today's wild rice is cultivated, it continues to be called "wild rice" because the name refers to the species rather than whether it was harvested from a natural wild habitat. As the popularity of wild tea has increased, Camellia taliensis has been widely planted in many parts of Yunnan. Today, cultivated Camellia taliensis is also marketed locally as "wild tea," without being distinguished from naturally growing trees. Consequently, most teas sold as "wild tea" on the market are, in fact, cultivated Camellia taliensis from tea gardens. The situation is further complicated by the supply chain. Most wild tea passes through multiple intermediaries before reaching the market. Unless the raw material has been personally inspected at its place of origin, distinguishing naturally growing wild tea from cultivated Camellia taliensis is extremely difficult. As a result, many vendors themselves genuinely believe they are selling authentic wild tea. We distinguish our products from this local naming convention. We sell only naturally growing Camellia taliensis collected from the mountains as wild tea. We personally visit the producing areas and verify the growing environment and harvesting locations before selecting the raw material. Compared with cultivated Camellia taliensis, genuine wild tea possesses a noticeably longer aftertaste and a much clearer mouthfeel.

Excellent for Cold Brewing

Pu-erh tea is most commonly brewed with hot water. However, raw Pu-erh tea is also well suited to cold brewing. Wild raw Pu-erh made from Camellia taliensis is particularly well suited to cold brewing because of its intense flavor and distinctive grape-like fruity character. Personally, I prefer tea brewed with boiling water even during the hottest days. Even so, whenever I have a bottle of cold-brewed tea in the refrigerator, I find myself drinking it one glass after another. Its rich taste, intense flavor, and very low bitterness allow it to produce excellent results even if the brewing conditions are not precise. Feel free to experiment with different brewing methods and discover your preferred style.

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