{"title":"Black Tea","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe birthplace of black tea is China. At HOJO, we also make our own original black tea, using leaves plucked from tea trees several hundred years old and a method with our own refinements at every step: withering, fermentation, stopping fermentation and drying. The result is a highly fragrant black tea with flavors such as muscatel or tropical fruit like mango.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CollectionBody\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When people think of black tea, they often think of Darjeeling or Sri Lanka, but the birthplace of black tea is China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The world's first black tea (in the 1600s) is said to be Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) from Tongmu, Wuyishan, Fujian Province, China. At that time, Lapsang Souchong was extremely popular, especially in overseas markets. However, as the popularity of black tea grew, demand exceeded supply, and prices soared.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the 1800s, in search of cheaper tea, Keemun black tea (Qi Men Hong Cha) began to be produced in Qimen, Anhui Province, by imitating the production techniques of Lapsang Souchong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Later, by mimicking Chinese black tea production methods, the British developed Darjeeling tea in India.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To meet the ever-growing demand, production areas expanded to Assam, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and even Africa, including Kenya.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, starting in the 1900s, black tea began to be produced throughout China, including Yunnan black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"t03","title":"Black tea Trial Set ( 7 Types x 10g )","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Seven silver foil pouches of black tea arranged in two rows\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7050.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8363\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a trial set of seven types of black tea, all grown naturally (without fertilizers or pesticides). Since all the teas in this set are pesticide-free, you can drink them with peace of mind.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A kraft gift box with a HOJO label on the lid\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7038-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8365\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis set is also suitable as a small gift for friends who love black tea!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Silver foil pouches with orange labels inside an open box\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7047.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8362\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Only Pesticide-Free Black Tea Selected\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The teas selected for this trial set are all naturally grown. Choosing naturally grown teas is not only for safety reasons but also because tea grown without nitrogen fertilizers takes time to grow slowly, resulting in dense cells. This leads to a tea rich in components, with a deep and lingering aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Quality of Chinese Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When people think of black tea, they might imagine Darjeeling or Ceylon tea, but the origin of black tea is China, where there are also exceptionally high-quality black teas. You cannot talk about black tea without tasting high-quality Chinese black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, there may be concerns about fakes and food safety in China. In reality, China is a country with a mix of extremely high-quality and poor-quality products.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Surprisingly, many top-class teas in China are grown without pesticides or fertilizers. Producers understand that the quality improves without fertilizers, and pests are less likely to attack the plants, thus reducing the need for pesticides. For producers, pesticides are an expense, so they avoid using them if there is no pest damage.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To encounter truly good quality tea, objective measures of quality and knowledge, and experience related to those quality factors are necessary. At HOJO, we manage everything ourselves, from purchasing directly from producers who own tea gardens to handling export from China and import into Japan. By not using intermediaries and dealing directly with producers, we accurately manage and monitor the use of pesticides and fertilizers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Contents of the Black Tea Trial Set\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eFormosa Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLapsang Souchong Qi Zhong\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea Apricot Honey Aroma\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYunnan Kung Fu Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh Mountain Purple Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Seven silver foil pouches laid out on a wooden surface\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7053.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8364\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Formosa Black Tea\/ Red Jade Tea\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a representative black tea of Taiwan. It is made from the TTES No. 18 variety and is grown around Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, Taiwan. It is sometimes called TTES No. 18 or Sun Moon Lake Black Tea based on the variety name and place of origin. Its characteristic is a menthol flavor reminiscent of Ceylon tea's Uva.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of dark twisted dried black tea leaves on white\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b05_03-1.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8351\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted dried tea leaves on a bamboo scoop\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b05_02-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8352\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis black tea is made from the Shui Xian variety, following the traditional method of Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong). We would really like to call it Lapsang Souchong Shui Xian. However, Lapsang Souchong is by standard made from seed-grown tea in Tongmuguan, the growing area, and that is where the name Xiao Zhong comes from. Since this tea uses the Shui Xian variety, it is called Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts flavor recalls sweet potato and peach, with a hint of mango. There is also a note of dried longan, and the overall flavor is sweet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has none of the smoky aroma of typical Lapsang Souchong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6532.jpg?v=1737905815\" alt=\"Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong is a legendary tea with a very floral and fruity aroma reminiscent of tropical fruits, honey, and peaches. Unlike ordinary black tea, which is completed by drying after fermentation, Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong is roasted for a long time over charcoal at around 100℃ after drying, enhancing its maturity and fruity aroma. Qi Zhong is made from old trees grown from seeds at an altitude of 1200 meters, resulting in a rich aftertaste and long-lasting finish due to the high-quality raw materials.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Other teas in the same category include Lapsang Souchong Xiao Chi Gan and Tongmu Shuixian Black Tea. While all are excellent, Qi Zhong has been selected for this set.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A mound of thin black dried tea leaves on white\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b54_01-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8356\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea Apricot Honey Aroma\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This black tea is made from naturally grown tea leaves from Lincang, Yunnan Province, China, at an altitude of 2100 meters. It is processed in the typical Yunnan black tea style, which involves very light withering to create a gentle, mild flavor. It has a faint honey aroma and also carries a menthol flavor similar to Uva. It is delicious both straight and with milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of dark dried tea leaves mixed with golden tips\" height=\"433\" width=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b039_11-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8357\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Yunnan Kung Fu Black Tea\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast to the Yunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea Apricot Honey Aroma, which is made with almost no withering, this tea is processed with significant withering, similar to Darjeeling. The withering process creates a floral and slightly spicy aroma, resulting in a bright and elegant black tea. It is made from naturally grown, seed-grown old trees over 100 years old in Lincang, Yunnan Province, at an altitude of 2100 meters. This tea has a rich aftertaste and a deep, lingering finish that penetrates deeply into the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted dried black tea leaves on a white background\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b52_01-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8358\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Black Tea\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the tea gardens around 2000 meters in Lincang, Yunnan Province, there is a type of tea called purple tea. This purple tea is popular as a raw material for pu-erh tea due to its distinctive aroma, similar to perilla leaves. HOJO has custom processed this purple tea into black tea. High Mountain Purple Black Tea has a faint perilla aroma and a sweet potato-like sweetness. It has a broad flavor profile and a richness characteristic of purple tea. It is also delicious as milk tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark thin dried tea leaves piled on a wooden tray\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8200-1.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8354\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Wild Black Tea\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This black tea is made from wild tea, Camellia taliensis, that grows naturally in the mountains of Lincang, Yunnan Province, China. Wild tea, as the name suggests,\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":38153554231472,"sku":"t03","price":4600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7053.jpg?v=1737905891"},{"product_id":"b27","title":"Darjeeling First Flush North Tukvar","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea features a refreshing and sweet flavour that blends citrus and floral notes. It has a strong presence and a smooth texture that lingers in the throat, with a soft floral fragrance that gently spreads. It is highly recommended for its cost performance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Why You Shouldn't Judge Tea Quality by the Name of the Tea Garden\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even within the same tea garden, quality can vary by batch. Factors like the garden's location and processing conditions can significantly affect the tea's quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Some people evaluate the price and quality of tea based on the name of the tea garden. However, Indian tea gardens are vast corporate entities that often own large areas of land, encompassing entire mountains.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, the same tea garden name can cover elevations ranging from a few hundred meters to nearly 2000 meters, resulting in varied quality. To obtain good tea, it is crucial to conduct tastings and evaluate the quality and characteristics of each batch individually.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When selecting Darjeeling tea, we prioritize the breadth of its flavour and the depth of its taste. Good tea has depth in both taste and flavour, with a long lasting fragrance in the throat. Additionally, aspects of tea processing, such as the degree of fermentation and heat treatment, cannot be determined solely from the name of the tea garden.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Green Color of First Flush Tea is Intentional\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    First Flush refers to the first harvest of the season, typically in spring. The green color of the tea leaves is achieved by intentionally shortening the fermentation time. If the fermentation time is extended, the tea can develop a color similar to Autumnal teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Why First Flush Tea Appears on the Market as Early as February to March\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Darjeeling First Flush starts appearing on the market in February. Despite Darjeeling being located at the same latitude as Fujian Province in China and Taiwan, and north of Yunnan Province, the tea can be harvested as early as February and March because it comes from tea gardens at lower elevations.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Map of China and neighboring countries with tea regions marked in red\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8678\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/East-Asia-Map-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"544\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lower elevation gardens experience spring earlier. In Darjeeling, the lower the DJ number, the earlier the batch was produced, often incorporating tea from lowland gardens.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    We Select First Flush Tea from High Elevation Gardens\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is not just tea; the principle applies to vegetables and fruits as well: the higher the elevation, the better the quality of the produce, including tea. The flavour is more attractive at higher elevations. We focus on the elevation of the tea garden, not just the DJ number, when sourcing our tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932461985968,"sku":"b27ia","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932462018736,"sku":"b27ic","price":2000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932462051504,"sku":"b27ib","price":5600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932462084272,"sku":"b27iv","price":17500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b27_01.jpg?v=1737905836"},{"product_id":"b18","title":"Darjeeling First Flush Singbulli Estate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea features a magnificent aroma characterized by the collaboration of sweet mango-like fruity notes and floral scents.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n   Why You Shouldn't Judge Tea Quality by the Name of the Tea Garden\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even within the same tea garden, quality can vary by batch. Factors such as the garden's location and processing conditions can significantly affect the tea's quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Some people evaluate the price and quality of tea based on the name of the tea garden. However, Indian tea gardens are vast corporate entities that often own large areas of land, encompassing entire mountains.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, the same tea garden name can cover elevations ranging from a few hundred meters to nearly 2000 meters, resulting in varied quality. To obtain good tea, it is crucial to conduct tastings and evaluate the quality and characteristics of each batch individually.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When selecting Darjeeling tea, we prioritize the breadth of its flavor and the depth of its taste. Good tea has depth in both taste and aroma, with a long-lasting fragrance in the throat. Additionally, aspects of tea processing, such as the degree of fermentation and heat treatment, cannot be assessed solely from the name of the tea garden.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Green Color of First Flush Tea is Intentional\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    First Flush refers to the first harvest of the season, typically in spring. The green color of the tea leaves is achieved by intentionally shortening the fermentation time. If the fermentation time is extended, the tea can develop a color similar to Autumnal teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Why First Flush Tea Appears on the Market as Early as February-March\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Darjeeling First Flush starts appearing on the market in February. Despite Darjeeling being located at the same latitude as Fujian Province in China and Taiwan, and north of Yunnan Province, the tea can be harvested as early as February and March because it comes from tea gardens at lower elevations.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Map of China and neighboring countries with tea regions marked in red\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8678\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/East-Asia-Map-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"544\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lower elevation gardens experience spring earlier. In Darjeeling, the younger the DJ number, the earlier the batch was produced, often incorporating tea from lowland gardens.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    We Select First Flush Tea from High-Elevation Gardens\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is not just tea; the principle applies to vegetables and fruits as well: the higher the elevation, the better the quality of the produce, including tea. The flavor and aroma are more attractive at higher elevations. We focus on the elevation of the tea garden, not just the DJ number, when sourcing our tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932461723824,"sku":"b18ia","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932461756592,"sku":"b18ic","price":2300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461789360,"sku":"b18ib","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461822128,"sku":"b18iv","price":19500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/B18_01.jpg?v=1737905835"},{"product_id":"b19","title":"Darjeeling Gopaldhara 1st Flush","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea features a fruity, sweet aroma. Although it is priced lower due to the less renowned tea garden, it has a rich flavor and abundant fragrance, offering excellent cost performance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n   Why You Shouldn't Judge Tea Quality by the Name of the Tea Garden\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even within the same tea garden, quality can vary by batch. Factors such as the garden's location and processing conditions can significantly affect the tea's quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Some people evaluate the price and quality of tea based on the name of the tea garden. However, Indian tea gardens are vast corporate entities that often own large areas of land, encompassing entire mountains.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, the same tea garden name can cover elevations ranging from a few hundred meters to nearly 2000 meters, resulting in varied quality. To obtain good tea, it is crucial to conduct tastings and evaluate the quality and characteristics of each batch individually.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When selecting Darjeeling tea, we prioritize the breadth of its flavor and the depth of its taste. Good tea has depth in both taste and aroma, with a long-lasting fragrance in the throat. Additionally, aspects of tea processing, such as the degree of fermentation and heat treatment, cannot be assessed solely from the name of the tea garden.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Green Color of First Flush Tea is Intentional\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    First Flush refers to the first harvest of the season, typically in spring. The green color of the tea leaves is achieved by intentionally shortening the fermentation time. If the fermentation time is extended, the tea can develop a color similar to Autumnal teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Why First Flush Tea Appears on the Market as Early as February-March\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Darjeeling First Flush starts appearing on the market in February. Despite Darjeeling being located at the same latitude as Fujian Province in China and Taiwan, and north of Yunnan Province, the tea can be harvested as early as February and March because it comes from tea gardens at lower elevations.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Map of China and neighboring countries with tea regions marked in red\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8678\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/East-Asia-Map-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"544\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lower elevation gardens experience spring earlier. In Darjeeling, the younger the DJ number, the earlier the batch was produced, often incorporating tea from lowland gardens.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    We Select First Flush Tea from High-Elevation Gardens\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is not just tea; the principle applies to vegetables and fruits as well: the higher the elevation, the better the quality of the produce, including tea. The flavor and aroma are more attractive at higher elevations. We focus on the elevation of the tea garden, not just the DJ number, when sourcing our tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932461592752,"sku":"b19ia","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932461625520,"sku":"b19ic","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461658288,"sku":"b19ib","price":4600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461691056,"sku":"b19iv","price":14300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2517.jpg?v=1737905833"},{"product_id":"b05","title":"Formosa Black Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Many people may not be familiar with Taiwan Black Tea, but it is extremely popular in Taiwan, to the point where production cannot keep up with domestic demand. It is a rare and highly sought-after tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Despite its unassuming appearance, those who drink it are often surprised by its strong and distinctive characteristics. The most notable feature of this tea is its unique flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The sweet menthol aroma and full-bodied taste, characteristic of Taiwanese black tea, provide great satisfaction to the drinker. The true essence of Taiwanese black tea is encapsulated in these leaves.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiwan is famous for producing High Mountain Oolong Tea. However, there is also black tea produced here that might not be well-known in other countries. It is called Red Jade Tea, sometimes referred to as Taicha No. 18 or Sun Moon Lake Black Tea. We call it Formosa Black Tea, derived from the old name for Taiwan, Formosa. This unique tea yields a liquor with a very special and unforgettable aroma, a sweet malty scent like raw chocolate with a minty undertone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiwan is known for the famous Oriental Beauty tea. Although classified as an oolong tea, its high degree of fermentation makes it more akin to black tea. Even in Taiwan, we are familiar with highly fermented teas like Oriental Beauty, and these techniques are well reflected in the production of Formosa black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Formosa Black Tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/b05_03_480x480.jpg?v=1614867729\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Brandy Like Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Formosa black tea may look common, but those who try it are amazed by its strong and unique characteristics. Its flavor is often described as having a cognac-like scent with a pronounced mint aroma. While some Ceylon teas, like Uva Quality Season Tea, have a menthol aroma, Formosa black tea's menthol aroma is much stronger, making it more appropriate to describe it as brandy-like.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea pairs well with dessert or can be enjoyed in the evening. The strong aroma is enriching and provides a sense of satisfaction and well-being.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to its strong flavor, it can be enjoyed with milk. However, to fully appreciate its unique flavor, it is best enjoyed straight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Supply of Quality Black Tea is Limited\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Until now, Taiwanese tea hasn't been very famous due to its limited production volume, which couldn't even meet domestic demand, let alone be exported. Consequently, Taiwanese black tea is hardly known overseas. However, the quality of Formosa black tea, among Taiwanese black teas, stands out. This tea was created by further improving the Assam varieties cultivated over a long time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production area is in lowland regions where the temperature is around 23℃ throughout the year. Harvesting begins in spring, with the best quality season being summer. The plucking process involves plucking one bud and a few leaves. The processing steps include plucking, indoor withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b05_pho_002.jpg\" alt=\"Plucking Formosa Black Tea\" width=\"648\" height=\"486\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Storage of Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Deeply fermented tea like Formosa black tea lasts for more than a year once the bag is opened. It is very stable during storage and safe to consume even after a few years. However, the freshness diminishes over time. Tea should be tightly sealed and stored in a dry place away from humidity. Avoid keeping it in the kitchen or enclosed areas like cupboards or drawers. It's recommended to open the bag on a sunny day or in an air-conditioned environment. Once tea leaves absorb moisture, they deteriorate within a few days, becoming astringent and sometimes sour, with a weakened aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n    Beware of Keeping Tea in the Fridge\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While tea can last longer in the fridge, it is not recommended. When tea is taken out of the fridge, condensation can occur, leading to quality deterioration. Simple sealing methods are not sufficient, as air will be drawn into the bag, causing condensation. Frequent temperature changes also cause heat stress to the tea leaves. If tea is kept in the fridge, it should be left in ambient conditions for more than 24 hours to warm up completely.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n    Enjoy Maturation\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea can be enjoyed as it matures over a few years in ambient conditions, changing its character. Fresh tea has a flowery or fruity aroma, while matured tea offers a sweeter aroma. Preference between fresh and matured tea varies, with elderly people often preferring the latter.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":44932461330608,"sku":"b05ta","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932461363376,"sku":"b05tc","price":4900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (large bag\/50g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932461396144,"sku":"b05tb","price":9400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 2 bags] x 6 bags)","offer_id":44932461428912,"sku":"b05tv","price":36300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6312.jpg?v=1737905830"},{"product_id":"b39","title":"Yunnan Ancient black tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Natural Farming Black Tea with Honey Flavor and Refreshing Uva-like Flavor\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor features a muscatel flavor and menthol flavor, characterized by a sweet and refreshing flavor in this naturally farmed black tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Made from tea trees that are several hundred years old in the remote mountainous regions of Lincang, Yunnan, this tea offers a deep richness that permeates the throat and warms the body as you drink it.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Enjoy the natural farming black tea with honey flavor and a refreshing Uva-like flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried black tea leaves mixed with golden tips on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E6E5D358-800E-47EB-9B1F-86F66101D490.png?v=1614474892\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Luxurious Black Tea with Uva Flavor and Muscatel Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor is a very rare tea that combines two flavors highly sought after by black tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    You can enjoy both the muscatel flavor like that of Oriental Beauty or Darjeeling First Flush, and the refreshing menthol flavor like that of Sri Lankan Uva or Taiwanese Ruby Red Tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, in terms of flavor balance, the menthol flavor is stronger, while the honey flavor is present in a harmonious level without being too dominant.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried black tea leaves with golden tips in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0582578C-9C1C-47FF-A4F3-744E45D7FA93.png?v=1614474938\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rich in Iron, May Cause Tea Drunkenness\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, this tea is made from tea trees that are several hundred years old and naturally farmed, offering a deep richness that permeates the throat and warms the body as you drink it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Despite drinking tea, you may feel a light, pleasant sensation and sometimes become sleepy. This is known as tea drunkenness, a phenomenon said to be caused by improved blood circulation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Improved blood circulation is good news for those who suffer from constipation or cold sensitivity.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Orange-colored tea in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C25C692D-95B8-4ED8-8409-5D926837BA99.png?v=1614474985\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Reddish-brown brewed tea leaves spread on a white dish\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1BC93307-8296-4507-846A-D8DDB31AD1A3.png?v=1614475007\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Natural Farming Tea by Ethnic Minorities\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One of the characteristics of this tea is that it is made from naturally farmed (wild-grown) tea owned by ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Not only is it pesticide-free, but no fertilizers are used, and the tea trees are left unpruned, allowing them to grow naturally like wild plants, blending with the surrounding ecosystem.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in blue with a bamboo basket on her back plucking young tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2F923B48-4B71-4EE5-9B7F-0FCAA9A157E4.png?v=1614475136\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea trees with fresh growth standing in a field with small white flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/320C35F6-DBFE-464C-B6BE-05BC7FA8CA2A.png?v=1614475157\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea trees that have become part of the ecosystem grow extremely slowly, and as a result, do not need to actively photosynthesize, leading to an extremely low number of tea leaves per tree.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because they grow slowly and have very few leaves per tree, each leaf is rich in minerals, resulting in healthy tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For more information on natural farming, please refer to the \"Golden Tea\" page below.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGolden Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree branch with brown seed pods and fresh leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C9CD4E41-2A87-492E-921B-7FF325B7445B.png?v=1614475379\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The wild-growing nature of natural farming contributes to the formation of muscatel flavor (honey flavor).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because no pesticides are used and the weeds around the tea trees are not removed, many insects inhabit the area, including leafhoppers, which prefer tea buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea leaves sucked by leafhoppers produce a substance akin to human antibodies.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This substance, called phytoalexin, changes during the fermentation process, creating a sweet muscatel flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While Darjeeling and Oriental Beauty are harvested in June when leafhoppers are abundant, Yunnan tea gardens allow you to enjoy honey flavor even in the high-quality tea plucked in March.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tiny insect on a young tea stem\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D14484DC-C9DA-4765-92AD-3B8859B6F2F1.png?v=1614475426\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea branch with yellowing leaves among green ones\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/09667376-C861-44DC-9719-C2964B7EFB22.png?v=1614475450\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The most notable point about naturally farmed tea is its very rich flavor, with a strong sweet aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is like eating wild mountain vegetables. For example, what is the difference between wild and cultivated fuki, tara no me, natural wasabi, and natural mitsuba?\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild vegetables contain abundant minerals, giving them a rich flavor and leaving a lingering aftertaste and sweetness in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Brewing naturally farmed tea makes the water feel distinctly different.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The water becomes finer and slips smoothly down the throat, giving a unique sensation of the tea permeating the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932461199536,"sku":"b39ca","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932461232304,"sku":"b39cc","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461265072,"sku":"b39cb","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461297840,"sku":"b39cv","price":24800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b039_11-1.jpg?v=1737905829"},{"product_id":"b52","title":"Yunnan Gong Fu Black tea","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea with Outstanding Quality from Yunnan with a Floral Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan, like Darjeeling, has a high elevation, so the quality of tea from general tea gardens is very similar to that of Darjeeling tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, when it comes to tea leaves harvested from old trees in natural, abandoned tea gardens that serve as raw material for high-quality raw pu-erh tea, the quality is astonishingly high.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea from Yunnan, as previously mentioned, typically undergoes a short withering process and has deep fermentation, making it similar to Assam tea in nature.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This makes it a tea with a mild flavor and a very good compatibility with milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A bowl full of fine black dried tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A0253850-6C2A-49B9-AEC2-5AE176A7E197.png?v=1614599701\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea is made using more mature tea leaves with one bud and two to three leaves for withering.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Long thin dark brown dried tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/044A6F64-D4F8-4F90-840E-04285F6AC7D4.png?v=1614599781\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hands holding a white cup of orange-colored tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F4A742A5-BDBF-4527-9FD4-FF7B20389CF0.png?v=1614599824\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea with a Rich Flavor by Innovating the Withering Method\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n   When producing Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea, we experimented with various withering methods. Initially, we considered spreading the tea leaves on bamboo baskets indoors since Yunnan lacks proper equipment. However, the results were not favorable, so we introduced withering layers and used air to efficiently wither the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result of prolonged withering, the tea has a rich flavor that pairs well with milk, and the tea leaves turned a reddish color due to the thorough withering process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, since we used extremely high-quality first flush tea leaves, the tea has a deep richness, a long-lasting aftertaste, and a very complex flavor, making it a tea in a different class from typical black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Most Yunnan Black Tea Comes from Managed Tea Gardens in Fengqing County\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan black tea is also known as \"Dian Hong.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Dian\" refers to Yunnan Province, and \"Hong\" refers to black tea. Therefore, \"Dian Hong\" refers to black tea from Yunnan Province. Most Yunnan black tea (Dian Hong) is produced in an area called Fengqing County in Lincang City.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you receive Yunnan black tea or Dian Hong as a gift, or if you purchase Yunnan black tea from a specialty Chinese tea store, it is safe to assume that most of it comes from Fengqing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fengqing County is a region with a high population of Han Chinese, unlike other regions in Yunnan where ethnic minorities are the majority. In Yunnan, historically significant tea gardens with old trees are typically owned by ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, many of the tea gardens owned by Han Chinese are newly developed and follow a conventional cultivation style, similar to tea gardens in Japan, Taiwan, India, and Sri Lanka, with tea plants of relatively young age.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The elevation of these tea gardens is around 1500-1600m, and while the quality is good, it is considered middle to upper grade compared to other black tea-producing regions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A forested mountainside in evening light with a small house\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/8A8879B0-EC74-49D3-8F53-6E96758CDC7D.png?v=1614599881\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea plants grow among shrubs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree among shrubs with small white flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EAE77A9D-F69D-414C-8D8B-D340D442AEC8.png?v=1614597535\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A smiling man plucking tea leaves among tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/798751D4-CDA2-4A43-8661-6D9226C264C0.png?v=1614597560\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea from Top-Quality Raw Materials Used for Raw Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To achieve high-quality raw tea leaves, we chose natural farming tea gardens at an elevation of 2100-2200m in Zhenkang County, rather than well-managed tea gardens in Fengqing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These tea gardens are owned by the Yi ethnic minority, and all the trees are over 100 years old, semi-wild. The quality of tea leaves is higher at higher elevations, with older trees and no fertilizer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The common factor among these three elements is slow growth. Tea leaves that grow slowly are rich in polyphenols and minerals, providing a deep aftertaste, long-lasting finish, and a richness that permeates the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These high-quality tea leaves are usually processed into raw pu-erh tea because high-quality raw materials fetch a higher price when made into raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, by purchasing directly from farmers, we kept the purchase price low.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a pink hat plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0E09299F-9023-44FB-9410-F206D8559D81.png?v=1614597840\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Mystery of Tea Creating Flavor When Attacked by Insects!\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In semi-wild tea gardens, tea leaves coexist with various plants and insects, making it inevitable for insects like leafhoppers to suck the sap from the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, tea leaves attacked by insects produce defensive substances called terpenes to resist. Interestingly, these tea leaves develop a honey-like sweet flavor after fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460937392,"sku":"b52ca","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460970160,"sku":"b52cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461002928,"sku":"b52cb","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461035696,"sku":"b52cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2414_1.jpg?v=1737905827"},{"product_id":"b29","title":"Wild Black Tea","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Black Tea Made from Wild Tea Growing Deep in the Mountains of Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild Black Tea is a strong black tea made from wild tea growing deep in the mountains of Yunnan Province. Wild tea refers to tea growing naturally in the mountains, untouched by human hands.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is characterized by a honey-like sweet aroma, strong body, and profound richness unique to wild tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in minerals, it improves blood circulation, making you feel warm and relaxed almost instantly.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F951F0DF-1894-430D-AC8F-941ACD71D306.png?v=1614601516\" alt=\"Wild Black Tea\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Black Tea Made from Leaves Harvested from Wild Tea Trees\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C7161E64-87F2-45EA-B72F-F70234602154.png?v=1614601610\" alt=\"Harvesting Wild Tea\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea trees refer to natural tea trees growing in remote mountain areas of Yunnan Province, not old trees over hundreds or thousands of years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  When we first introduced Wild Black Tea around 2013, black tea made from wild tea was very rare and difficult to obtain. However, by the 2020s, black tea made from wild tea became a kind of boom, and everyone started making wild black tea. Unfortunately, many of these teas have not been well-managed, resulting in an over-fermented, stuffy smell, or lacking top notes, leading to unsatisfactory quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5358359D-10CF-42F6-BDDA-D4F56455C6AD.png?v=1614601694\" alt=\"Wild Black Tea Infusion\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Well-made Wild Black Tea should have a very complex aroma and a strong aftertaste with profound richness unique to wild tea. Depending on the water used to brew the tea, the aroma changes significantly. With the right water, it has a honey fragrance similar to Oriental Beauty tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E87C907B-A16B-4D88-8A90-D3E58D1F3950.png?v=1614601755\" alt=\"Wild Black Tea Leaves\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    What is Wild Tea?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Our wild tea is harvested from the  mountain in Lincang, Yunnan Province. Wild tea refers to tea growing naturally in the mountains without any human intervention.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Almost every store or site specializing in Chinese pu-erh tea has \"wild tea,\" but I would say that 90% of them are not wild tea but tea harvested from old tea trees cultivated by ethnic minorities near their village or in their tea garden.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    True wild tea should grow in the mountains without any human care.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A man in an old cultivated tea tree beside tall mossy wild tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_02_1719317248.jpg?v=1719317256\" id=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_02_1719317248.jpg?v=1719317256\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Deliciousness of Wild Vegetables\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In spring, Japanese people often eat wild vegetables, which are very tasty. Cultivated vegetables taste completely different from those grown in the mountains even those they are replanted.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The sweetness is particularly notable. Wild tea is very sweet, like wild vegetables harvested from the mountains, leaving a sweet aftertaste in the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I have never tasted such a mellow and sweet tea in my life. Wild Black Tea is one of the strongest teas sold by HOJO, making you feel tea intoxication immediately after drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It warms your body instantly, making you feel relaxed right away.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5EF94331-3B6B-41C0-8102-A0DA748D3313.png?v=1614601850\" alt=\"Wild Tea Aroma\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Grape-Like Aroma\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While many wild teas are bitter and cater to enthusiasts, Wild Black Tea is an exception.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like wild vegetables that vary in bitterness, wild tea flavors vary by tree. The Ai Lao Shan wild tea sold last year was slightly bitter.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, Wild Black Tea has no bitterness. It has a strong woody aroma, and after drinking, a faint aroma of wild grapes or dried apricots lingers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, this tea has a smoky aroma. Interestingly, the smoky aroma present before drinking disappears in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I carefully selected teas from nearly 20 different wild tea regions to find non-bitter teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Tea Loved by Children\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    My children also love this tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Good tea is rich in iron, similar in nature to human body fluids and breast milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although the aroma doesn't seem suitable for children, when brewed, they often say, \"It has a strong flavor and is delicious.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    They repeatedly ask for refills, and by the time they finish drinking, their faces are flushed and their bodies are very warm.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in iron, it is said to be good for modern people who are often iron-deficient.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u0026nbsp;\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    How is Wild Tea Different from Regular Tea?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea grows amidst fierce competition with other plants. In the dim forest, tea leaves strive to reach sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the tea tree only has leaves at the top where it receives sunlight. Despite the tree's size, the few leaves contain a high concentration of minerals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Without pruning or fertilizers, the wild tea tree grows very slowly, resulting in small, dense cells that produce rich flavors like freshly harvested wild vegetables.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in iron, it is also beneficial for those who need iron. Wild tea leaves are characteristically brownish, even when fresh.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Old tea trees on a hillside and a hand holding young leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_01_1719317173.jpg?v=1719317180\" id=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_01_1719317173.jpg?v=1719317180\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The above photo shows tea trees hundreds of years old. High-quality raw pu-erh tea is made from such old trees.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, these old trees are not wild tea. They are old and high-quality tea leaves, but they are classified as \"cultivated tea.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Wild tea trees in a forest, with close-ups of bark and a shoot\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d22e_02_1719317301.jpg?v=1719317303\" id=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d22e_02_1719317301.jpg?v=1719317303\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a wild tea tree growing deep in the mountains, a few hours' walk from the nearest village.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea grows at altitudes around 2000m and above, with trees ranging from young to over 1000 years old. The buds stretch upwards, seeking sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Video of Wild Tea Exploration\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This video shows my wild tea exploration, giving you a better understanding of wild tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k6WRvgJl80g\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460806320,"sku":"b29ca","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460839088,"sku":"b29cc","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460871856,"sku":"b29cb","price":10400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460904624,"sku":"b29cv","price":34200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b29_06.jpg?v=1737905825"},{"product_id":"b01","title":"Keemun Black Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        What is the Keemun Flavor that Once Captivated the British Royal Family?\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Keemun black tea is one of the three most famous black teas in the world (alongside Sri Lankan Uva and Darjeeling) and is produced in China.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Historically, Keemun black tea was immensely popular overseas, especially in the UK, where it gained a significant following and was even favored by the British Royal Family. It is a traditional Chinese black tea with a rich heritage.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Today, Keemun black tea is widely available from many suppliers in China. However, HOJO is committed to accurately reproducing the \"high-grade Keemun\" quality by focusing on the \"original production area\" and \"original cultivar.\"\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        High-quality Keemun black tea does not have a smoky aroma. The tea leaves are very delicate and fine, with a floral scent and rich, thick flavor, making it enjoyable even for those who are not typically fans of black tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Keemun black tea is one of the famous black teas. Fine grade Keemun black tea is not smoky at all. It gives a sweet dried fruity note like dates with a hint of sweet floral note. It has a bold drinking sensation with a sweet lingering taste, no bitterness, or astringency. It is suitable for anyone, even for those who seldom drink black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Keemun is a historically reputed black tea in China. It was produced during the Qing Dynasty in Keemun County (祁门县 Qi-men Xian) and surrounding areas in Anhui Province (安徽省 An-hui Sheng). It is said that Keemun was inspired by the famous black tea in Fujian, believed to be Lapsang Souchong. In the past, Keemun was mainly exported and highly appreciated overseas, especially in Britain and the United States. The tea leaf is slender and fine, giving a sugary flavor with a sweet flowery scent and a thick and mellow taste. These distinctive characteristics have gained much attention in the international tea profession. During 1939-1940, the price of Keemun at the New York trade center recorded the highest figure; it was the most expensive tea at that time, and only the upper class could afford it. The Imperial and Noble Families treated it as a fashionable beverage. It is said that Keemun was presented to Queen Victoria as a Gift Tea on her birthday. In the US, it was the everyday tea for President Roosevelt and his spouse. Up to date, it is one of the three major black teas in the world, along with Darjeeling Tea from India and Uva Black Tea from Sri Lanka. HOJO particularly focuses on Keemun from the original production area, i.e., Qi-men area, which is located in the provincial nature preserve park in Anhui Province. The genuine cultivar is 槠叶种 (Zhu-ye-zhong). Many other cultivars are used to produce Keemun, but different cultivars in other growing environments and different kinds of manufacturing know-how make them different in quality from the original Keemun produced in the Qi-men area. In addition, we choose no-pesticide tea as our standard.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    History and Culture\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Keemun was first made in 1875 in Keemun County (祁门县 Qi-men Xian) in Anhui Province (安徽省 An-hui Sheng). During the early Qing Dynasty, Keemun County was famous for producing green tea. In the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the process of black tea was developed in Fujian Province. The increasing popularity of black tea in the overseas market caused a boom in black tea production in Anhui Province. Due to its high profit margin, tea merchants started to influence farmers to produce black tea. It was mainly exported, with Britain being one of its main importers, along with France, the US, Germany, and others. Once, in 1939-1940, Keemun recorded the highest selling price at the wholesale market in New York City compared to other famous black teas, e.g., India and Ceylon black tea. Keemun black tea gives a fresh sweet sugary flavor with a scent of flowery note; its long-lasting aromatic flavor has gained much attention. Up to date, it enjoys equal popularity and fame as Darjeeling Tea from India and Uva Black Tea from Sri Lanka. The Imperial and Noble Families treated it as a fashionable beverage and presented it as a Gift Tea on special occasions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Keemun black tea has been awarded many times at international and domestic tea contests. The main awards are:\u003cbr\u003e \n1913: Keemun black tea was awarded the Gold Prize at the Expo held in Italy.\u003cbr\u003e \n1915: It won the Gold Prize during the Expo (万国博览会) held in Panama.\u003cbr\u003e \n1987: During the 26th World Premium Food Product Contest held in Belgium, Keemun won the gold prize.\u003cbr\u003e \n1988: Keemun was awarded the gold prize during the 1st Food Expo in China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Aroma of Keemun Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High-quality Keemun black tea is often praised for its rose-like aroma and a subtle honey scent. Our Keemun black tea is aged anaerobically for a certain period to enhance its floral sweetness. Compared to fresh tea, aging dramatically improves the aroma, which is one of the intriguing aspects of Keemun black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460675248,"sku":"b01ca","price":2300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"70g (in can)","offer_id":44932460708016,"sku":"b01cc","price":5200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"210g (large bag\/70g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460740784,"sku":"b01cb","price":15600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"630g value pack (large bag [70g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460773552,"sku":"b01cv","price":37300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/pho300_b01.jpg?v=1737905824"},{"product_id":"b55","title":"Lapsang Souchong Classic","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This traditional Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) has a pine smoke flavor. In addition to the smoky aroma, you can also enjoy a sweet, peach-like fruity scent.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Authentic Lapsang Souchong is not made by directly smoking the tea with pine, but by burning pinewood on a low flame.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Please enjoy the pleasant smoky aroma and the sweetness that lingers in the back of your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It also pairs well as a chaser when drinking Scotch whisky.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460544176,"sku":"b55ca","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460576944,"sku":"b55cc","price":2900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460609712,"sku":"b55cb","price":8400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460642480,"sku":"b55cv","price":28000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b55_01.jpg?v=1737905822"},{"product_id":"b54","title":"Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea, made from the native Qi Zhong cultivar harvested from a naturally cultivated tea garden at an altitude of 1200m in Tong Mu Guan, has a sweet fruity aroma reminiscent of peaches and mangoes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It has no smoky aroma whatsoever, unlike the commonly known Lapsang Souchong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Qi Zhong, the Native Variety of Tong Mu Guan\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A man in an orange shirt tilting a large iron pan over dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/FB6AF4B7-66B0-4F62-AE89-3319095FE896.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The native tea that has been growing wild in Tong Mu Guan, Xingcun Town, Wuyi Shan, is locally called Qi Zhong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Japan, this type of tea is called zairai (native variety), referring to tea grown from seeds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea grown from seeds develops a taproot that grows straight down into the soil like a burdock root, making it easy to absorb minerals and producing a rich, long-lasting aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Qi Zhong, the native tea of Tong Mu Guan, is highly valued locally as a raw material for premium Lapsang Souchong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woven basket of freshly plucked green tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/4AFAC6C3-5D0F-4DDF-BD8C-C4E71B7DD35D.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We purchase tea directly from farmers and producers who own tea gardens in Tong Mu Guan. The tea garden where we source our Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong is at an altitude of around 1200m, with tea trees over 100 years old.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Tong Mu Guan, the entire village practices natural farming, and the tea garden we source from uses no pesticides or fertilizers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the tea grows very slowly, producing a rich taste with a long-lasting aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Green forested mountains and a valley with a road\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/41AB8B5C-0BD1-4074-9EC6-BC76FB76B182.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong: The Tea that Inspired Earl Grey\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong, known as the world's first black tea, is well known among tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In 1662, when King Charles II of England married Princess Catherine of Portugal, she brought her favorite Lapsang Souchong with her, which is said to have sparked the tea boom in England.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A weathered wooden building beside a mountain stream\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/FFD1A6F0-A911-46BD-AE8B-D1289CA530E1.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are many interesting stories about Lapsang Souchong. For example, it is said to be the tea that inspired the famous Earl Grey.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Earl Grey was developed when the British, impressed by the sweet fruity aroma of Lapsang Souchong, attempted to replicate that aroma by adding bergamot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A man letting a handful of tea leaves fall from his hands\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0D6F6896-7EA0-40AF-BB76-9F3929BA2B24.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Mystery of the Sweet Fruity Aroma of Lapsang Souchong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When reading the many legendary accounts, one cannot help but imagine Lapsang Souchong as a tea with an enchanting, sweet, fruity aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, many Lapsang Souchong teas available worldwide have a strong smoky aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many tea enthusiasts drawn to the stories of Lapsang Souchong may have been puzzled by the gap between the legend and the actual aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Currently, Lapsang Souchong production in Wuyi Shan is divided into 2 types. Teas with a pine smoke aroma are mainly for export, while teas with no smoky aroma and a fruity flavor are made for domestic consumption.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, teas with a smoky aroma are referred to as Traditional Style or Traditional Type, distinguishing them from teas without a smoky flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A weathered wooden building with firewood stacked beneath\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/63C38EB9-4D8D-4851-A358-4CBD9DF8A390.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person\u0026#x27;s hands in a large tub of dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ABBA64B1-E633-4F0D-B881-3BFB78CC2B17.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The reason why many Lapsang Souchong teas available worldwide lack a fruity flavor is that many inexpensive export teas are made from tea not grown in Tong Mu Guan — known as Wai Shan Xiao Zhong — and these teas carry little fruity flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Further Maturation through Charcoal Roasting\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The most distinctive feature of the Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong production method is the charcoal roasting step that follows the standard black tea processes of withering, rolling, enzyme inactivation, and drying.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This step is shared with Phoenix Dan Cong oolong tea and Wuyi oolong tea. By applying heat slowly at a low temperature, the maturation of the tea is accelerated and the fruity flavor is enhanced.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This charcoal roasting process is essential for creating the unique fruity flavor of Lapsang Souchong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In recent years, many non-roasted or electrically roasted teas have been produced, but we insist on sourcing Lapsang Souchong roasted at low temperatures over charcoal.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460282032,"sku":"b54ca","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460314800,"sku":"b54cc","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460347568,"sku":"b54cb","price":19100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460380336,"sku":"b54cv","price":62200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b54_01.jpg?v=1737905819"},{"product_id":"b47","title":"High Mountain Purple Black Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Custom Black Tea Made from Purple Tea\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        High Mountain Purple Black Tea is a very rare black tea made from very rate tea called purple tea. The tea leaves used for production this time were sourced from a naturally cultivated tea garden at an altitude of 2000m, with no pesticides or fertilizers.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The flavor is characterized by a sweet and mellow flavor reminiscent of peaches and sweet potatoes, with a creamy mouthfeel typical of high mountain teas.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Made using the first flush of spring, it has a very soft mouthfeel, allowing you to drink several cups even on an empty stomach without experiencing stomach pain.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    This tea is also very suitable for milk tea. We recommend making it with plenty of milk.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted tea leaves on a wooden tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/68EA7F7C-21F9-45F2-AA9E-ED89CD4CCE85.png?v=1614651079\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rare Purple Tea in Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the southwest of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, there is tea called purple tea. Due to its cultivation in only a few regions, purple tea is very rare.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are various types of wild tea in the Lincang area, and some of them are very similar in characteristics to purple tea, suggesting that purple tea originated from wild tea that minority ethnic groups began to cultivate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By the way, in Xishuangbanna, there is a tea variety called Zijingcha, but it is a  different tea in terms of form.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Zijingcha has entirely purple leaves and a astringent taste, whereas Lincang purple tea, apart from having slightly purple stems, looks similar to ordinary tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Interestingly, purple tea changes to a very dark indigo color when processed. \n    \u003cimg alt=\"Young tea shoots on bare branches\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/210B1FDD-FC3A-42E9-A6E7-9E437123053F.png?v=1614651132\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding several young tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B4BFFA18-3BAC-4BD2-B886-9F2864DF8B5A.png?v=1614651152\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Custom Black Tea After Hearing It Was Delicious\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The area where purple tea is cultivated is extremely limited, and in Lincang City, purple tea is mainly cultivated  in parts of Zhenkang County and Yongde County.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since the raw material itself is very limited, we had never seen purple tea processed into anything other than raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, a few years ago, a producer we know mentioned that they had tried black tea made from purple tea and found it very delicious.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Apparently, his friend made it as an experiment and found it very unique and tasty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Intrigued by this story, I planned to produce black tea from purple tea by custom ordering it from a skilled tea master who owns black tea production equipment.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted tea leaves piled on a wooden board\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/855C56FB-A900-42AE-AA86-AD9C3629C2A8.png?v=1614651204\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Naturally Cultivated Tea Harvested from a 2000m Tea Garden\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purple tea used for production this time was sourced from a tea garden at a very high altitude of 2000m.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Of course, it is a naturally cultivated tea garden with no pesticides or fertilizers. The tea has a creamy mouthfeel characteristic of high mountain teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hazy mountain ridges above a village on a grassy slope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/DD5AAEB4-BD27-4944-B580-42C98F7B53AE.png?v=1614651270\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Characterized by a Sweet, Mellow Flavor Like White Peaches\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Black Tea is made using the first flush of spring, giving it a very soft mouthfeel that allows you to drink several cups even on an empty stomach without experiencing stomach pain.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, it has almost no astringency or bitterness, making it a tea that even children will enjoy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor of High Mountain Purple Black Tea is very distinctive, with a mellow scent reminiscent of peaches, nectarines, marigolds, sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, and dried sweet potatoes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of amber tea with a ceramic spoon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C73D6E43-9D77-4943-9103-54218A7B76C7.png?v=1614651322\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because it uses naturally cultivated tea as raw material, it has a strong lingering flavor and a rich aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Another characteristic of purple tea is its rich flavor (body and breadth). When you put it in your mouth, the flavor spreads softly, giving it a glamorous impression.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Black Tea is also very suitable for milk tea. We recommend making it with plenty of milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460150960,"sku":"b47ca","price":900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460183728,"sku":"b47cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460216496,"sku":"b47cb","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460249264,"sku":"b47cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5664-1.jpg?v=1737905816"},{"product_id":"b56","title":"Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This is a black tea made in Tong Mu Guan, Wu Yi Shan, Fujian Province, China.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The tea garden is situated at an elevation of 1000m, and the tea leaves are harvested from 50-year-old tea trees grown naturally without pesticides or fertilizers.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This rare black tea is characterized by its lingering aftertaste and rich, sweet flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    A very rare black tea from the high mountains of Wu Yi. This tea offers an uplifting sweet floral note with a smooth drinking sensation that lingers on the palate for a long time. It has no astringency or bitterness, and its soft taste makes it an ideal daily tea at any time of the day. Without sugar or milk, the tea has a natural sweetness that lingers on the palate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is from Tong Mu Guan in Wu Yi Shan, Fujian Province, China. The tea garden is located at 1000m above sea level and is fully sustainable, with tea trees grown without pesticides or fertilizers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Mist hanging over green forested mountains\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0236-1-1-1.jpg?v=1789408695\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea is Made Following the Process of Lapsang Souchong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is made from the Shui Xian cultivar following the process of traditional Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong). Yet, we do not call it Lapsang Souchong because the standard of Lapsang Souchong is to use local tea in Tong Mu. The name Souchong originally refers to the local seed-grown tea in Tong Mu Guan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Two Types of Lapsang Souchong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Currently, there are 2 types of Lapsang Souchong in Tong Mu Guan:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003e1. A well-known type of tea that gives a smoky scent.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003e2. A type that gives a sweet fruity scent and no smoky scent at all, as represented by teas such as Qi Zhong and Xiao Chi Gan (小赤甘).\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, traditional Lapsang Souchong has a smoky scent, and the fruity type is often considered a newly developed version of Lapsang Souchong. But we believe in another history.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong is also known as the model for Earl Grey tea. It is said that Earl Grey tea originated from an Englishman who drank Lapsang Souchong in the 1800s, was impressed by its tropical fruit-like scent, and later added bergamot flavor to black tea to imitate it. If traditional Lapsang Souchong were smoky, why wouldn't Earl Grey have become a smoky tea as well?\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Also, in the 1800s, due to the high demand for Lapsang Souchong, Keemun tea was developed following the method of making Lapsang Souchong black tea. If Keemun was made following the process of a smoky Lapsang Souchong, Keemun should also give a smoky scent. However, standard Keemun black tea is not smoky at all.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These historical accounts may not be 100% accurate, but they suggest that a fruity version of Lapsang Souchong black tea has existed since at least the 1600s.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"White cups of orange tea liquor and brown tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6526.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    A Very Rare Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Shui Xian is a very famous cultivar of Wuyi oolong tea (rock tea). Its popularity comes from its exceptional taste — a strong aftertaste and long-lasting finish. However, the flavor of the Shui Xian cultivar is generally more restrained, and only a highly skilled tea master can manage the process to draw out the flavor. Currently, the Shui Xian cultivar accounts for less than 1% of total tea production in Tong Mu Guan, making it a very rare tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Before the 1970s, the Shui Xian cultivar was grown by many farmers. However, many trees were removed afterward for 2 reasons.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Firstly, a professor in Fujian commented that in the relatively cooler climate of Tong Mu Guan, Shui Xian might produce a weaker flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Secondly, before 2000, black tea was not popular in the Chinese domestic market, so prices were low and farmers — especially those in remote areas — struggled to make a living. Many farmers cut down their tea trees and replaced them with more profitable crops, such as bamboo used as raw material for chopsticks and other items.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Higher Level of Fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Compared to other types of Lapsang Souchong such as Qi Zhong, the Shui Xian cultivar has larger and thicker leaves. As a result, Shui Xian fresh leaves are withered in a thinner layer than other teas, and the fermentation is carried out for a longer time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Man tossing tea leaves in his hands\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0244-2.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Traditional Charcoal Roasting Develops Thick Fruity Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In addition to the standard black tea process, Tong Mu Shui Xian and Lapsang Souchong black tea are roasted with charcoal fire.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eProcess of Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fresh tea leaves → Withering → Rolling → Fermentation → Heating to Stop Enzyme → Drying → Charcoal Roasting\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purpose of charcoal roasting is to intensify the taste of the tea. The roasting is carried out at a lower temperature over a long period to promote maturation and bring out the fruitiness in the flavor. Once roasted with charcoal, the tea develops a sweet and rich flavor reminiscent of dried fruits. Charcoal roasting is painstaking work — if the temperature is too high, the leaves will be scorched; if too low, the effect is minimal. Constant monitoring and adjustment are essential.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark brown black tea leaves in a white bowl\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6514.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Some producers bake tea with a hot-air oven, but once tasted, the result is entirely different from tea baked with charcoal fire. Charcoal fire has strong heat permeability and transmits heat to the center of the leaf, whereas hot air heats only the surface, reaching the inner part less effectively. Thanks to charcoal roasting, the tea delivers a clean and clear drinking sensation, with a rich taste that lingers on the palate across many infusions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460019888,"sku":"b56ca","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460052656,"sku":"b56cc","price":4300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460085424,"sku":"b56cb","price":12600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460118192,"sku":"b56cv","price":41500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6532.jpg?v=1737905815"},{"product_id":"t01","title":"7 types of tea trial set","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Each category includes a selection of 7 recommended teas, packaged in 10g portions. This set is ideal for those unsure of which tea to choose or looking for a casual gift. Each tea is vacuum-sealed, ensuring it stays fresh for years if unopened.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Foil pouches of tea packed in an open kraft box\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2650-1.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7257\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The teas are packaged in a box, making them suitable for simple gift-giving.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a kraft box with a HOJO label\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2643.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7260\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2658_86f0597e-008a-483a-99e8-4b1dfef0f652.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    7 Types of Tea, 10g Each\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The sample set includes the following 7 types of tea, each packaged in 10g portions:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite Tea: Ancient White Tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack Tea: Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOolong Tea: Dong Ding Oolong\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen Tea: Tsukigase Zairai Sencha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJasmine Tea: Snow Jasmine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaw Pu-erh Tea: Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh 2016\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRipe Pu-erh Tea: Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh 2019\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhite Tea: Ancient White Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis white tea is made from naturally grown tea harvested at around 2000m in Yunnan Province. The trees are grown without pesticides or fertilizers and grow almost like wild trees. It has a clear, floral flavor and a soft taste that seems to soak into the body. White tea is especially popular among women. Bai Mu Dan is also very good cold-brewed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8415.jpg?v=1737905528\" alt=\"Ancient White Tea leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlack Tea: Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYunnan Ancient Black Tea Xing Mi Xiang is made with almost no withering. This tea, in contrast, is withered thoroughly, as Darjeeling is, before it is processed into black tea. The withering gives it a bright, slightly spicy flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is made from seed-grown, naturally cultivated tea at 2100m in Lincang, Yunnan Province, plucked from old trees more than 100 years old. The aftertaste is very rich, with a deep finish that seems to reach far into the body. It also goes well with milk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2414_1.jpg?v=1737905827\" alt=\"Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Oolong Tea: Dong Ding Oolong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    A representative oolong tea from Taiwan. Extended fermentation enhances its floral and honey-like flavor. Harvested from the authentic Dong Ding Mountain, it offers a full-bodied taste. The flavor is very good, with a refreshing green tea-like drinking experience.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tightly rolled dark green tea leaves\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/o06_01.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7242\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGreen Tea: Tsukigase Zairai Sencha\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lightly steamed sencha from Tsukigase in Nara, grown without pesticides or fertilizers. Because no fertilizer is used, it is rich in polyphenols and has a floral flavor that recalls Taiwanese oolong. It is a very interesting tea that changes your image of Japanese tea in a good way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/5DD8B62E-8E6B-489E-B521-20258143C2D1.png?v=1737905771\" alt=\"Tsukigase Zairai Sencha leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eJasmine Tea: Snow Jasmine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA jasmine tea based on green tea, made from the first spring flush plucked in a naturally cultivated garden in Sichuan Province. The jasmine aroma is very strong and vivid, as if the flowers were right in front of you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_4734-1.jpg?v=1737905681\" alt=\"Snow Jasmine leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRaw Pu-erh Tea: Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh 2016\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Pu-erh tea comes in both raw and ripe varieties. To help you understand their characteristics, we have selected recommended teas from each type.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWu Liang Shan Gushu Raw Pu-erh is made from tea grown without pesticides or fertilizers. It has aged to a good degree and developed a sweet flavor like sugarcane, which makes it very easy to drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d47_05.jpg?v=1737905703\" alt=\"Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh 2016\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRipe Pu-erh Tea: Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh 2019\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has no unpleasant smell. It shows a sweet, fruity flavor that recalls dried jujube, with a long finish that seems to soak into the body. Surprisingly, it also goes well with milk, and we recommend it as a milk tea too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d107_01.jpg?v=1737905735\" alt=\"Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh 2019\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39316671922352,"sku":"t01","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2654-1.jpg?v=1737905783"},{"product_id":"b41","title":"Nepal 1st Flush Jun Chiyabari Estate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This is the spring tea harvested earliest in the season. It gives a long-lasting aftertaste, with fresh floral flavor and muscatel undertones. The flavor is similar to the Darjeeling First Flush, but its aftertaste is much stronger.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/20813598093_a4bf8204b1_o-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Plucker with a basket in a misty tea field beside a tree\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6018\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/20813598093_a4bf8204b1_o-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"421\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We purchased interesting black tea from Nepal. The tea garden is located behind the Himalayan range, on the opposite side of Darjeeling.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two women with baskets on their backs plucking tea leaves\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6026\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/17896760696_cc8e2745ae_o-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"421\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    IMO certified organic tea garden\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Out of many tea gardens in Nepal, we selected Jun Chiyabari tea garden. This garden practices natural farming methods. They use no nitrogen-based fertilizer and no pesticide. I noticed that their material quality is quite ideal. Thanks to the natural farming practice, tea grows very slowly. As a result, it gives a longer-lasting taste and is rich in flavor. Jun Chiyabari garden is also an IMO certified organic tea garden.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Woman in a blue scarf and red top plucking tea leaves\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6024\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/17920971082_89c13239cd_o-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"421\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Maximum 2100m of elevation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Jun Chiyabari garden is located at 1650 - 2100m. The high mountain climate makes the taste of the tea very rich and soft. At high elevation, the tea garden is exposed to strong sunshine in the daytime, and tea trees effectively carry out photosynthesis, while the temperature drops drastically at night and the consumption activity in the tea tree is very slow. As a result, the tea contains high polyphenol and mineral content, and this is reflected in the intensity of the aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hillside tea terraces dotted with small houses\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6020\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/21247895400_7cedbd3a3f_o-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"421\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pluckers with baskets working on a steep tea slope\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6021\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/21249227999_32b1b9f0d9_o-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"421\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Long-lasting flavor and muscatel flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The characteristic of tea from Jun Chiyabari tea garden is the long-lasting aftertaste. Generally, the flavor of their tea lasts longer than most Darjeeling teas. In addition, their autumnal teas emit a delightful muscatel flavor. The muscatel flavor is produced as a result of green flies, which usually appear in large numbers in a tea garden that practices natural farming. Once a tea leaf is attacked by this particular fly, it generates a substance called terpene, which is subsequently transformed into muscatel flavor during fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, the muscatel flavor becomes stronger after the tea is matured for a longer period of time. For further maturation, we suggest keeping the tea with an oxygen absorber. It is essential to remove oxygen for the development of the ideal flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In particular, the flavor of the First Flush tea becomes distinctive when it is further matured. In countries with an equatorial climate like Malaysia, the tea develops a flavor reminiscent of grapes in 3 to 5 years. In our shop in Malaysia, the aged First Flush tea is always more popular than the fresh First Flush.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Terraced tea garden on a hill with distant mountains\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6025\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/17921213532_8bfa366135_o-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"421\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two women with baskets plucking tea in a misty garden\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6019\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/21247788489_40b1bed831_o-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"421\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Unique selection following our preference\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a characteristic of Jun Chiyabari garden, their teas are generally baked longer at higher temperatures during the drying process. As a result, a number of their teas give a slight woodsy flavor and baked flavor. Some people may enjoy this characteristic. Nevertheless, I personally prefer tea that gives a refreshing floral or fruity flavor. So, out of many batches of tea, we have carefully selected the particular batch that underwent the least heat treatment, and it has a refreshing floral bouquet that suits our preference.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Women sitting on the floor with trays of tea leaves\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6022\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/21434480535_a5d2074320_o-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"421\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932455825584,"sku":"b41na","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932455858352,"sku":"b41nc","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932455891120,"sku":"b41nb","price":7100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932455923888,"sku":"b41nv","price":23800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b41_01-3.jpg?v=1737905754"},{"product_id":"d06","title":"Gong Ting Dian Hong","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Blend of Naturally Cultivated Yunnan Black Tea and Gong Ting Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have created a unique original tea by blending naturally cultivated black tea and Gong Ting ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea has a balanced flavor, combining the sweetness of black tea with the mellow, deep taste of ripe Pu-erh tea. It is also excellent as milk tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For ease of brewing, the tea is compressed into mini tuocha (approximately 5 g each), making it simple to brew a consistent cup by placing one in a teapot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While it is delicious to drink immediately, it can also be enjoyed with a different character after aging for some time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        High-Quality Ripe Pu-erh Tea is Never Musty\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe Pu-erh tea because of flavors described as \"old furniture,\" \"rotten wood,\" or \"mold.\" However, a musty smell indicates poor-quality ripe tea with issues in the fermentation process.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Good-quality tea always evokes a sense of excitement when tasted. We repeatedly taste a significant amount of tea to ensure we introduce only high-quality products.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        About Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/24F13E60-FAEC-412A-B0BB-E0927980166F.png?v=1615631026\" alt=\"Product Image\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have created a new tea by blending naturally cultivated black tea and Gong Ting ripe Pu-erh tea. The result is a balanced flavor that combines the sweetness of black tea with the mellow, deep taste of ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Collaboration of Gong Ting Pu-erh Tea and Naturally Cultivated Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Blending black tea and Gong Ting ripe Pu-erh tea turned out to be surprisingly delicious, and we personally enjoyed this combination for a long time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We wanted to share this blend with others and recommended it to many friends and customers. However, it never quite caught on for 3 reasons:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe need to obtain 2 types of tea separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe need to blend them oneself\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe extraction speeds of compressed ripe Pu-erh and loose-leaf black tea differ, making the flavor inconsistent\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Compressed into Mini Tuocha to Uniformly Blend the Two Ingredients\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We wanted to solve these 3 problems and make the blend of Yunnan black tea and Gong Ting Pu-erh tea easily accessible to everyone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, when blending the 2 teas in loose-leaf form, the Gong Ting grade ripe Pu-erh leaves are much smaller, making it difficult to blend uniformly with the larger black tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We therefore decided to compress the blended tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Compressing into 200 g or 357 g cakes causes the black tea leaves to break when the cake is separated, and uneven mixing can occur. Shaping into mini tuocha solved both problems.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Each mini tuocha weighs approximately 5 g, making it very convenient to brew a consistent and intended flavor simply by placing one in a teapot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F8CE53A3-2835-43E0-9F72-816018CA9AEC.png?v=1615631088\" alt=\"Mini Tuocha\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    High-Quality Tea Leaves of One Bud, One Leaf for Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For the black tea, we used leaves plucked around March 20th, consisting of one bud and one leaf.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While tea made from one bud and 2 leaves has a stronger flavor, we deliberately selected one bud and one leaf to achieve a smoother mouthfeel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea comes from a naturally cultivated garden at an altitude of 2000 m in Lincang, Yunnan Province. The tea is grown without pesticides or fertilizers, and even the ground vegetation is left untouched.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea has a very deep richness and medium body, making it delicious even as a standalone black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To obtain the earliest spring leaves, we stayed in Yunnan Province before the tea season began to ensure we secured the first-plucked harvest.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/CDD1E4B5-668F-4792-A8A5-1C5A2B7CA517.png?v=1615631181\" alt=\"Tea Leaves\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9DACE150-8BCB-43C5-8E9B-B61CA1AAFA93.png?v=1615631194\" alt=\"Tea Processing\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F8888851-9DBD-40C3-A5CC-F92B83A48810.png?v=1615631201\" alt=\"Tea Garden\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/CA4A4DBB-4F3F-462F-BA69-0F4BB60A8577.png?v=1615631215\" alt=\"Tea Garden\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/80E9E840-D063-4F05-9729-835E00BC8BD3.png?v=1615631230\" alt=\"Tea Processing\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Using Gong Ting Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For the ripe Pu-erh tea, we used our Gong Ting Jin Hao.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is also made from naturally cultivated tea from Lincang. After aging for 2–3 years, it develops a sweet flavor reminiscent of dried jujube.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, this black tea and Pu-erh blend can be enjoyed not only immediately but also with a distinctly different character after aging for some time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/7C3F38B6-26A5-4810-B1D6-4ED8085490C2.png?v=1615631377\" alt=\"Gong Ting Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Decided on the Name Gong Ting Dian Hong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The final product exceeded expectations, achieving exactly the intended flavor and character.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since it blends Gong Ting Jin Hao — a Gong Ting grade ripe Pu-erh tea — with Yunnan black tea, we named it Gong Ting Dian Hong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Dian Hong is the Chinese name for Yunnan black tea. \"Dian\" is an ancient name for Yunnan Province, and \"Hong\" means red, so Dian Hong literally means \"Yunnan red\" — the Chinese term for Yunnan black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/287132F5-7355-40C5-8615-735AD0868080.png?v=1615631425\" alt=\"Gong Ting Dian Hong\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E2326B30-D0E6-463C-8271-1C2EDF1BC308.png?v=1615631448\" alt=\"Gong Ting Dian Hong\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Delicious Even as Milk Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Gong Ting Dian Hong is excellent to drink straight, but it pairs exceptionally well with milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend brewing it strong with as little water as possible, then mixing with plenty of milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It feels like silk on the tongue and has a natural sweetness that requires no added sugar.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on teas with clarity and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we seek out remote mountain villages, selecting gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste \u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to originate from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves sourced from elsewhere, and can be found everywhere — from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters further is the surprising phenomenon where teas made from leaves in remote, lesser-known areas are often of higher quality than the genuine articles from famous regions. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and is well known among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Why are these older teas considered special? Many assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, which accounts for their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same level of quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932455071920,"sku":"d06ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932455104688,"sku":"d06cc","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932455137456,"sku":"d06cb","price":7200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932455170224,"sku":"d06cv","price":18100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8333.jpg?v=1737905745"},{"product_id":"b57","title":"Feizi Xiao","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is made by producers who live in Tongmu. Feizi Xiao is one of the teas in our Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) series.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Feizi Xiao: Named after Yang Guifei's Love for Lychee\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Feizi Xiao is a very rare tea even in its production area of Tongmu. Generally, Feizi Xiao is known as a high-grade version of Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong), alongside Jin Jun Mei.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, in Tongmu, there is no specific definition for the name Feizi Xiao. Even under the same name, the characteristics of the tea tend to vary among producers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the case of our producer, this black tea is named Feizi Xiao because of its subtle lychee-like flavor, reminiscent of the famous Yang Guifei's love for lychee.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Thin dark brown tea leaves in a small white dish\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8673.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Special Tea Made from Carefully Selected Leaves\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Feizi Xiao is made from tea leaves grown in tea gardens at an altitude of 1000–1200m in Tongmu. The producer meticulously selects the tea garden areas and tea trees to harvest from, and uniquely blends them to achieve the desired flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor and aroma of Feizi Xiao can be best understood as a high-grade version of Qizhong. The base flavor is very similar to Qizhong, but with an additional sweet fragrance reminiscent of peaches, longans, tropical fruits, lychee, and honey.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As befits a high-grade version of Qizhong, the taste of Feizi Xiao is very soft, with a long-lasting aftertaste and rich finish. Among our Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) lineup, it is of the highest quality. You can enjoy a deeply satisfying aftertaste that permeates the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932439113904,"sku":"b57ca","price":6600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932439146672,"sku":"b57cc","price":16200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932439179440,"sku":"b57cb","price":48100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932439212208,"sku":"b57cv","price":155500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8677.jpg?v=1737905536"},{"product_id":"b61","title":"Lapsang Souchong Hua Xiang","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pile of dark twisted dried tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8795.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is different from the commonly known smoky Lapsang Souchong and has a fruity and floral flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product is sourced from pesticide-free tea gardens.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong with a Sweet Flavor of Tropical Fruits and No Smoky Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong is well known among tea enthusiasts as the world's oldest black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Traditionally, Lapsang Souchong is dried using pine wood, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    On the other hand, there is a high-grade version of Lapsang Souchong with fruity and floral flavors. Our Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong, Xiao Chi Gan, Fei Zi Xiao, and Hua Xiang fall into this category.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Orange tea in a white pitcher beside a dish of leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8803.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Some consider this fruity and floral style of Lapsang Souchong a more recent development.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, others believe that this style has existed for a long time but was interrupted by the Cultural Revolution. Although the exact details are unclear, historical evidence suggests that the fruity style has a long history.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For example, Earl Grey was created by imitating Lapsang Souchong in the 1800s. If the Lapsang Souchong of that time had a smoky flavor, Earl Grey would not be as it is today.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Similarly, Keemun black tea was created in the 1800s by imitating the Lapsang Souchong production method, yet it has no smoky flavor — further supporting the idea that fruity, floral Lapsang Souchong has long existed.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Black Tea Made from Seed-Grown Tea at High Altitudes\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong Hua Xiang, like Qi Zhong, is made from naturally cultivated seed-grown tea from Tong Mu Guan. Seed-grown tea refers to tea grown from seeds. Compared to cutting-grown tea, seed-grown tea develops a deep root system, allowing for better mineral absorption and producing a richer aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Seed-grown tea plant with a long taproot beside a cutting-grown plant\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/R1043794-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The plant on the right in the photo above is seed-grown tea, characterized by its long, straight taproot.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea garden is located at an altitude of 1100m, under almost the same conditions as the Qi Zhong we carry. However, Lapsang Souchong Hua Xiang has a slightly shorter fermentation time. Like Qi Zhong, the finished tea is roasted at a low temperature over a long period with charcoal, allowing it to mature and develop a floral flavor reminiscent of rose, along with fruity notes of peach, mango, and longan, and a hint of sweet potato.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Clear orange tea in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8812-2.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932438982832,"sku":"b61ca","price":2300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932439015600,"sku":"b61cc","price":5400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932439048368,"sku":"b61cb","price":15900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932439081136,"sku":"b61cv","price":51800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8795-2.jpg?v=1737905534"},{"product_id":"b66","title":"Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong Classic","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong comes in 2 main types: one with a smoky flavor from drying over pine wood fires, and another with a sweet, fruity flavor. Although these teas have distinctly different flavors, fruity Lapsang Souchong is generally more expensive and popular among passionate tea enthusiasts in China. It is worth noting, however, that high-quality smoky Lapsang Souchong also exists.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong: 2 Main Types – Smoky and Fruity\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong Classic is a premium smoky version and is exceptional in flavor. High-grade Lapsang Souchong teas, such as Qi Zhong, Xiao Chi Gan, Fei Zi Xiao, and Jin Jun Mei, are generally known for their fruity flavors and no smoky flavor. We offer 4 varieties of high-quality Lapsang Souchong with sweet, fruity flavors and no smoky flavor: Qi Zhong, Hua Xiang, Fei Zi Xiao, and Xiao Chi Gan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Amber tea in a white cup beside a cup of dark dry leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0222_eda39e16-3c5c-4d53-9766-b75d8d1f15c3.jpg?v=1789407626\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While fruity Lapsang Souchong is delicious, many people also enjoy the smoky version. Each type has its own unique character, and the ability to enjoy both is one of the great appeals of Lapsang Souchong for tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Commitment to Tea Leaves, Processing, and Pine Wood\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have been selling a product called Lapsang Souchong Traditional Style, and we have now sourced an even higher grade tea, Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong Classic. This tea is made from a rare cultivar called Qi Zhong, naturally cultivated at an altitude of around 1300m.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During the withering, fermentation, and drying stages, high-grade teas use heat from burning pine wood.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Locally, this high-grade Lapsang Souchong has no specific name, and producers use different names. We have named our tea Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong Classic based on the local term Qi Zhong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Heap of dark thin tea leaves in a metal bowl\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0198-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Giant Pine Trees with a Diameter of 1m\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One of the critical points in producing Lapsang Souchong is the quality of the pine wood used. The higher the grade of the tea, the older the pine trees required — not just any pine tree will do.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Old pine trees grow very slowly and are rich in minerals, producing a long-lasting, refined flavor. Our Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong Classic uses giant pine trees with a diameter of 1m, delivering a deep, complex smoky flavor that permeates the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932432724144,"sku":"b66ca","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932432756912,"sku":"b66cc","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932432789680,"sku":"b66cb","price":19100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932432822448,"sku":"b66cv","price":62200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0206-3.jpg?v=1737905457"},{"product_id":"b63","title":"Darjeeling 1st Flush Arya Diamond","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Arya Diamond is the highest-grade tea from Arya.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry black and green tea leaves in a metal bowl\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0093-1.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9261\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    This tea is made exclusively from the rare AV2 clonal cultivar. The first flush of AV2 is very limited in Darjeeling, which is why Diamond is so expensive. Diamond's main characteristic is its smooth and soft texture, with a long-lasting aftertaste that seems to sink deep into the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry black and green tea leaves on a white background\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/b63_01.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9255\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed green-brown tea leaves in a white bowl\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/b63_02.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9254\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea presents a floral flavour with hints of young fruits, reminiscent of grapes and berries.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in minerals, this tea can be steeped multiple times, offering an enduring flavour experience.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932432462000,"sku":"b63ia","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932432494768,"sku":"b63ic","price":6000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932432527536,"sku":"b63ib","price":18200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932432560304,"sku":"b63iv","price":59600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/b63_01.jpg?v=1737905455"},{"product_id":"b67","title":"Darjeeling Autumnal Arya Ruby","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n    A Tea Characterized by the Elegant Aroma of AV2 Clonal\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Arya Tea Estate is one of our preferred partners due to its consistently high-quality tea and excellent processing techniques. Ruby, one of the representative teas of Arya Tea Estate, is mainly composed of a clonal cultivar known as AV2, which is highly regarded for its outstanding aroma and flavor. In the garden section where Ruby is harvested, AV2 is the principal cultivar, but other cultivars are also mixed in. We believe that this contributes to Ruby’s complex and elegant aroma. Likewise, Diamond, another representative tea from Arya Tea Estate, is composed exclusively of AV2. This results in the clarity and uniform aromatic profile that characterizes Diamond.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark black tea leaves with golden tips on a white background\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0008_7da38e94-c167-4c8e-a9ac-1bc97ef0ab5c.jpg?v=1710729716\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Full-Bodied with an Elegant Aroma\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea has a full-bodied character and carries an impression similar to Second Flush, with honey-like notes and dried fruit nuances. As with First Flush, Autumnal tea also benefits from about 1 year of maturation, which further enhances its aroma. However, our current lineup does not include Darjeeling Autumnal, and this tea already displays a vivid and well-defined aroma at present. Therefore, we decided to release it without long-term aging. If you are interested, we recommend keeping it unopened and storing it in a relatively warm place for several years. With further maturation, the rich fruit-like aroma is expected to become even more pronounced.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932431052976,"sku":"b67ia","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932431085744,"sku":"b67ic","price":3000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932431118512,"sku":"b67ib","price":8400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932431151280,"sku":"b67iv","price":25900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0008.jpg?v=1737905433"},{"product_id":"b70","title":"Tsukigase Black Tea Benihikari","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A pile of dark dried black tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9496.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have released a black tea from Tsukigase, Nara Prefecture, made from the Benihikari cultivar grown without pesticides or fertilizers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This black tea was developed in collaboration with the producer in Tsukigase, and we were directly involved in improving the production methods.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Japanese black tea is often said to have a distinctive fragrance, commonly regarded as one of its defining characteristics.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have found that in many cases this fragrance is actually caused by insufficient control of enzymatic fermentation during processing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We designed this production method to address this issue and to avoid over-fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Green tea leaves piled in a wooden box\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6931-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Pesticide Free Benihikari Black Tea from Tsukigase, Nara\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tsukigase, Nara was once called Tsukigase Village, but in 2005 it was incorporated into Nara City. Even as it became part of Nara City, its nature and climate still remain strongly present today.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tsukigase is located at the northeastern edge of Nara Prefecture, close to Minamiyamashiro Village in southern Kyoto and Iga Ueno City in Mie Prefecture. Across the slopes, tea gardens spread alongside plum groves, with the deep valley carved by the Nabari River forming a clear boundary. The terrain, with its elevation difference from the mountain foothills down to the Nabari River at the valley bottom, creates a large day-to-night temperature range, bringing softness and a clear fragrance to the tea through natural stress.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The soil there is formed from the ancient Lake Biwa strata, created roughly 5 million to 1 million years ago. The deep layers contain sediments and fossils, and in some places iron-rich yellowish soil is found in the surface layer. Tea gardens developed along the mountain shoulder often have a thick yellow soil layer, and that is where we source our lot. This iron-rich soil has the characteristic of producing a long finish. Because the tea gardens are situated on slopes rather than flat land, the root systems develop to draw water from deeper layers rather than relying on moisture near the surface, allowing the plants to absorb minerals from greater depths.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A green tea plantation on a hillside with trees at the top\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6939-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tea gardens in Tsukigase\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Importance of Fermentation Control in Black Tea Production\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Japanese black tea, often referred to as Wakocha, is frequently said to have a distinctive fragrance that many consider a defining characteristic.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, from a tea manufacturing perspective, this is not a natural characteristic of Japanese black tea, but an over-fermentation odor caused by insufficient control of enzymes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Japan, equipment designed for green tea is often reused for black tea production, even though it is not well-suited to black tea processing. As a result, producers often fail to stop enzyme activity precisely during heating and drying, allowing fermentation to proceed too far.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Consequently, the tea is over-fermented and tannins known as thearubigins are formed, while amino acids break down reductively, generating a musty odor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This musty smell is not a characteristic of Japanese black tea, but a flaw caused by problems in the manufacturing process. We often find the same type of odor in black teas from Taiwan, China, and India when manufacturing is poorly controlled.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To prevent such defects, we focus carefully on how each stage of the manufacturing process is designed and controlled. Based on a clear understanding of processing conditions, we evaluate the finished tea and select only lots that show clean, well-controlled aromatic quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Wet reddish brown tea leaves in a white dish\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9505.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup filled with amber colored tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9509.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tea with a Fragrance Reminiscent of Pineapple and Grapes\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Benihikari is a black tea cultivar developed in Japan in 1969 by crossing Benikaori with a Chinese-lineage tea plant, known for its light, menthol-like character.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is lightly fermented, producing a clean and refreshing fragrance with subtle menthol notes and impressions of pineapple, grapes, and honey. The fragrance remains clear even through multiple infusions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932426956976,"sku":"b70ja","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932426989744,"sku":"b70jc","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932427022512,"sku":"b70jb","price":6200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932427055280,"sku":"b70jv","price":20700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9496.jpg?v=1767797895"},{"product_id":"b71","title":"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003eWhat Is Qing Xiang Black Tea? Every year we stay in Yunnan Province, where we manage selecting fresh tea leaves, production, packing and export and we also work on developing new teas. In 2024 we developed a new style of black tea using processing techniques which is not found in conventional black tea, and we are now releasing the first tea of this style. We are not producers who own tea gardens. We borrow local producers' equipment and raw leaves, and we design and carry out the processing ourselves. This black tea was processed at low temperatures to keep avoid heat damage to the leaves, this tea is a black tea of its own that does not fit into any existing category. We had been calling it \"New Style Black Tea,\" but from now on we will call it \"Qing Xiang Black Tea.\" The Qing Xiang means refreshing flavor in Chinese We plan to release several teas one after another as the Qing Xiang Black Tea series.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9953.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eQing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is made from High Mountain Purple Tea from Yunnan Province, China. It uses the same High Mountain Purple Tea as our High Mountain Purple Black Tea, but a different processing method produces a completely different flavor and taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3077.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis purple tea grows at around 2,000 m in Lincang City. Depending on how it is processed, its flavor can resemble perilla leaves, peach, or menthol.\u003cbr\u003eOur Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea has a strong floral top note that recalls Phoenix Oolong, along with a cool, fresh note of perilla or menthol. It is so different from conventional black tea that you probably would not know it was black tea unless someone told you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh leaves of purple tea \u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2589.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eThe Philosophy Behind Qing Xiang Black Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flavor of black tea is formed mainly by two enzymatic reactions. One is the breakdown of terpene glycosides during withering and rolling, in which beta-glucosidase releases floral flavor compounds such as linalool and geraniol. The other is fermentation by polyphenol oxidase after rolling, which gives black tea its characteristic qualities. Of the two, the former is the main reaction that produces flavor compounds reminiscent of flowers and fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Qing Xiang Black Tea series, we put the emphasis on withering to allow sufficient breakdown of terpene glycosides, while deliberately limiting fermentation. By limiting fermentation, we aim to preserve as much as possible of the fresh, floral flavor that develops during black tea processing. For this reason, the leaves remain greenish, and after brewing, their color resembles that of Phoenix Oolong leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9966.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9959.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eKeeping the distinctive aroma that appears during black tea processing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have ever watched black tea being made, you may know that the leaves give off a vibrant aroma reminiscent of flowers or menthol right after rolling. As processing continues and the leaves are heated at high temperatures, however, that aroma gradually changes into the familiar aroma we associate with black tea. In developing Qing Xiang Black Tea, we aimed to preserve as much of that flavor as possible in the finished tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack tea is generally heated at high temperatures to stop enzymatic fermentation. However, high heat also destroys the fresh floral flavor. If heating is insufficient, some enzymes remain active, allowing fermentation to go too far and produce an unpleasant, stuffy smell. To solve this dilemma, we developed a method that reliably stops fermentation while keeping heating to a minimum. As a result, we made a tea with character somewhere between white tea and black tea that does not fit into any existing category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2347.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9942.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eThe Qing Xiang Black Tea Series Is Also Ideal for Cold Brewing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite tea is our top recommendation for cold brewing. Unlike green tea, white tea does not undergo the enzyme-deactivating process. As a result, various enzymes remain in the leaves without being deactivated. When brewed with hot water, these enzymes become active and gradually change the flavor over multiple infusions. In contrast, when brewed with cold water, the enzymes remain largely inactive because of the low temperature. As a result, the original flavor compounds in the tea leaves can be extracted without enzymatic intervention. This allows you to enjoy flavors reminiscent of flowers, citrus fruits, and perilla leaves.\u003cbr\u003eThe Qing Xiang Black Tea series combines elements of both white tea and black tea, so it is also excellent for cold brewing. When cold brewed, it develops a vibrant flavor reminiscent of natural wine rather than black tea and tastes like an entirely different tea.\u003cbr\u003eBlack tea is generally difficult to pair with food, but this tea does not have the typical black tea character. It complements Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, making it an excellent tea to enjoy with meals.\u003cbr\u003eIf you carbonate it with a soda maker, its flavor becomes so reminiscent of natural sparkling wine that you may forget you are drinking tea.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":45567928139952,"sku":"b71ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":45567928172720,"sku":"b71cc","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":45567928205488,"sku":"b71cb","price":6200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":45567928238256,"sku":"b71cv","price":20700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9953.jpg?v=1787816913"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/collections\/black_tea.jpg?v=1623054375","url":"https:\/\/hojotea.com\/en-en\/collections\/black-tea.oembed","provider":"お茶の専門店HOJO \/ HOJO CO., LTD.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}