{"title":"For Those Who Don’t Usually Drink Tea","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor people who do not usually drink tea, we recommend teas where bitterness and astringency stay in the background and the flavor does the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of what puts people off tea is astringency and a grassy note. Both can be kept almost entirely out through the quality of the leaf and the way it is processed. The teas here have gentle astringency and can be drunk for their flavor, the way black tea and oolong are. They also work as a gift when you don't know what the recipient likes.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"o14","title":"Ali Shan Jin Xuan Oolong Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        Floral Aroma and Soft Fresh Milk Scent\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        By gently processing the latest Jin Xuan cultivar grown in Ali Shan without roasting, we have achieved a tea with a scent reminiscent of fresh milk and flowers.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rolled green tea leaves on a white spoon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/87A200E1-69C7-471B-A78F-F05A8F1503DB.png?v=1613390603\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    \"First Impression is Fresh Milk\"\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By gently processing the latest Jin Xuan cultivar grown in Ali Shan without roasting, we have achieved a tea with a scent reminiscent of fresh milk and flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    You might think, \"Fresh milk in tea?! I don't want such a strange scent!\" but please try it first.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once you taste it, you will immediately understand that the expression \"like fresh milk\" is used in a positive sense. The unforgettable taste has many fans even at HOJO's direct store in Kuala Lumpur (KL).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    \"Good Balance Between Price and Quality\"\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of rolled green dried tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EA7FA793-82C7-4BDD-AFAB-389A095533A0.png?v=1613391063\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Taiwan, oolong tea harvested from an altitude of 600m or higher is generally called high mountain tea. Ali Shan tea gardens are at 1500m, which is a standard altitude for high mountain tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although teas like Lishan tea grown at 2400m are also good, they tend to be expensive. In that regard, Ali Shan tea offers a good balance between quality and price, making it a recommended high mountain tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Ali Shan Jin Xuan Oolong Tea Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person in a cloth head cover plucking tea in a field\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F20D0849-BE77-4D83-AE09-D35DC71161F5.png?v=1613391170\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [High Mountain Tea Harvesting Scene]\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you actually visit Ali Shan, you will realize that it is a very deep mountain composed of many peaks. Tea gardens are distributed everywhere from the foot to the vicinity of the summit of Ali Shan, and their location significantly affects the quality of the tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At HOJO, we aim to provide as clean and astringency-free tea as possible, so we source non-blended Ali Shan tea from tea gardens located around 1500m.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, this product is made from the Jin Xuan cultivar, which has a completely different aroma compared to traditional Ali Shan tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, this product is a Qing Xiang type with no roasting, focusing on a mellower taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    About Cultivars and Harvesting\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Unlike green tea, tea leaves are harvested when they have several leaves. If harvested too early, the tea will be rich in theanine, an umami component, but its aroma will be weak.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is important to select tea leaves that have a balanced amount of these substances. However, not any time is suitable; HOJO specifies only March-plucked tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As the harvest season progresses, the grade decreases, bitterness increases, and sweetness and mellowness decrease. This product is made from the Jin Xuan cultivar.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Side-by-side close-ups of two oolong tea leaf varieties\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/67BB8D5D-ED60-46F8-8309-6B3207B0081E.png?v=1613391470\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u0026nbsp;\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For more details about Ali Shan tea, please refer to the link below.\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\/alishan-tea\" aria-describedby=\"a11y-new-window-message\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Ali Shan Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/alishan-tea\" aria-describedby=\"a11y-new-window-message\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932467228848,"sku":"o14ta","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932467261616,"sku":"o14tc","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932467294384,"sku":"o14tb","price":8700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932467327152,"sku":"o14tv","price":21800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/87A200E1-69C7-471B-A78F-F05A8F1503DB.png?v=1737905886"},{"product_id":"o09","title":"Ali Shan Cha","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        Refreshing Floral Aroma and Pleasant Aftertaste\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Ali Shan tea is a representative of Taiwanese high mountain tea with a fruity and refreshing taste. It offers a great balance of quality and price, making it a popular high mountain tea recommended by HOJO.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        HOJO's Ali Shan tea is Qing Xiang type\/ green type, which is close to green tea in taste, with a refreshing sensation reminiscent of fruits, honey and flowers. It is also characterized by a faintly sweet aftertaste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        If you can't forget the delicious \"oolong tea\" you once had in Taiwan, please try HOJO's Ali Shan tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Standard of High Mountain Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Taiwan, oolong tea harvested at an altitude of over 1000 meters is called high mountain tea. Ali Shan tea gardens are located at 1500 meters, making it a standard high mountain tea. While tea like Li Shan tea grown at 2400 meters is also good, it tends to be extremely expensive. In that sense, Ali Shan tea offers a great balance of quality and price and is highly recommended.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Can Be Brewed Up to 6 Times?!\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Using 5g of tea leaves for 200cc of water, you can brew up to 6 times. When drinking at work, you can simply put the tea leaves in a mug or cup and pour hot water. When you finish drinking, just add more hot water.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Below is an introduction to Ali Shan tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/alishan-tea\" aria-describedby=\"a11y-new-window-message\" 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\/alishan-tea\" aria-describedby=\"a11y-new-window-message\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Ali Shan Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/alishan-tea\" aria-describedby=\"a11y-new-window-message\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/alishan-tea\" aria-describedby=\"a11y-new-window-message\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932466049200,"sku":"o09ta","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932466081968,"sku":"o09tc","price":5200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932466114736,"sku":"o09tb","price":10000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932466147504,"sku":"o09tv","price":24900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_9853.jpg?v=1737905871"},{"product_id":"o48","title":"Dong Ding Oolong Qing Xiang","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        Characterized by a Refreshing Floral Aroma\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This tea is grown in tea gardens at an altitude of around 500 meters in Zhushan Township, near Dong Ding Mountain. It is characterized by a refreshing floral aroma and was purchased with the intention of being an everyday tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        With a floral aroma and a refreshing taste, this tea is perfect for daily drinking due to its affordable price. For those trying Dong Ding Oolong for the first time, we recommend starting with this product.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Surrounding Tea Gardens of Dong Ding Oolong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We prioritize affordable pricing and source our tea from gardens around Dong Ding Mountain in Zhushan Township, Nantou County, the same area as Lugu Township, the birthplace of Dong Ding Oolong. This tea has a lighter body compared to the tea from Lugu.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Floral Aroma from Light Fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The light fermentation process results in a tea with a distinctive floral aroma. For those new to oolong tea, this tea offers a fresh surprise. It is much more fragrant than sencha, with a floral aroma that feels like inhaling the scent of flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    About Dong Ding Oolong Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Dong Ding Oolong tea is an oolong tea made from tea leaves harvested from Dong Ding Mountain in Lugu Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is said that the name \"Dong Ding\" comes from the fact that the path up the mountain is very slippery, requiring climbers to use their toes to reach the summit.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    About 150 years ago, oolong tea seeds from Wuyi, Fujian Province, China, were brought to Dong Ding Mountain for cultivation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Economic Value with Seven Brews\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When brewed in a small teapot (200-250cc), you can enjoy more than seven infusions. This means that a lightly heaped tablespoon of tea leaves can make up to a liter of tea, offering great economic value for a high-quality tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Relax with a Smooth, Easy-to-Drink Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    HOJO \"Dong Ding Oolong\" has no bitterness and a soft mouthfeel, making it enjoyable even for those with a weak stomach who find strong tea hard to drink. It is perfect as a morning tea to wake up to, or as a tea to relax before bedtime, brewed in a slightly elegant tea set.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Cultivation Varieties and Harvesting\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    HOJO's Dong Ding Oolong tea is made from a variety called Qingxin Oolong. Tea made from this variety is known for its refreshing taste and elegant aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5545EA1A-6840-4A00-8B9D-45DF02006A9B.png?v=1613709380\" alt=\"Qingxin Oolong Leaves\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As shown in the photo, the leaves are more yellow-green than blue-green and do not appear to be in perfect condition. However, these slow-growing leaves produce delicious tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1D74ACE1-FDA2-4FC5-B780-64267813CAA3.png?v=1613712684\" alt=\"Qingxin Oolong Garden\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eQingxin Oolong Garden\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9133EC60-A19F-4BA1-9F2B-1F23C841FDBC.png?v=1613712724\" alt=\"Qingxin Oolong Leaves\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eQingxin Oolong Leaves Used for Dong Ding Oolong\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    All tea plucking is done by hand. The new shoots, along with 3-4 leaves, are plucked by hand.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea plucking is done in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, but the highest quality tea leaves are harvested in spring and winter. However, there is a significant difference in quality between spring tea and winter tea, and HOJO only purchases spring tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Pesticide Management of Dong Ding Oolong Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Dong Ding Oolong tea is produced in low-pesticide tea gardens that meet Japanese standards. Before purchasing, we analyze 400 types of pesticides with SGS in Taiwan to ensure they meet Japanese pesticide standards before importing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Manufacturing Process of Dong Ding Oolong Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production of Dong Ding Oolong involves the following steps:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSun Withering\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eIndoor Withering and Fermentation\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRolling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Here is an explanation of each step.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Sun Withering\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After harvesting, the tea leaves are spread out on the ground under the sun to wilt. This is called sun withering. It is usually done on overcast days to avoid damage to the leaves from sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    On sunny days with strong sunlight, a cover is stretched several meters above the ground to soften the sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Sun withering causes the moisture in the tea leaves to evaporate, initiating a slow fermentation process. The leaves gradually become soft and begin to emit a fresh aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Indoor Withering and Fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fermentation of oolong tea is significantly different from that of black tea. The sun-withered tea leaves are brought indoors and spread on sheets. For moist and fresh tea leaves, spreading them thinly speeds up the evaporation of moisture.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Next, the tea leaves are spread on bamboo sieves. This promotes fermentation, and the leaves are repeatedly lifted and dropped onto the inclined sieves, allowing them to ferment while resting.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are then stirred in bamboo drums. This lifting and dropping action causes the edges of the leaves to be bruised, promoting enzymatic fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once fermentation is sufficiently advanced, the tea leaves emit a sweet, floral aroma. High-quality tea leaves processed by skilled craftsmen have edges that are distinctly red.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This indicates that only the edges of the leaves were bruised and partially fermented, distinguishing them from low-quality leaves that have uneven red discoloration.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fermented tea leaves are then heated to deactivate the enzymes and halt fermentation. If the fermentation is not stopped promptly, it continues, resulting in a flavor closer to black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The number of stirs and the resting time are determined based on the moisture content, aroma, and color of the tea leaves. This delicate timing is decided by the craftsmen's experience, which greatly influences the quality of oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The craftsmen work under the guidance of a master. The quality of the oolong tea's aroma is greatly influenced by the skill of the master. To consistently obtain superior quality, it is essential to work with a skilled master.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rolling\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At this stage, the tea leaves already have the flavor of oolong tea. However, the cells of the leaves remain intact except for the edges, meaning the flavor and aroma are not fully extracted during brewing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When tea leaves are subjected to high pressure rolling, as in black tea production, it results in unwanted bitterness being released into the tea. Furthermore, excessive exposure to air causes non-enzymatic oxidation, altering the flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To resolve these dilemmas, the method used in oolong tea production is called \"ball-rolling.\" This process involves wrapping the tea leaves in a cloth and then rolling them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are placed in a cloth bag while still warm and soft. Each bag holds 10-20kg of tea leaves, which are then rolled into a basketball-sized ball.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Nowadays, the ends of the bag are twisted tightly by machine. This strong twisting compresses the bag, applying pressure to the tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Next, the tea ball is placed in a device with rotating discs. The ball is sandwiched between two plates, with the upper disc stationary and the lower disc rotating. This process rolls the tea leaves while the ball rotates. After a while, the tea leaves are gently reheated.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If the tea leaves cool and harden, they become brittle and may break, so they are periodically heated to keep them soft. The tea leaves gradually become firm and are shaped into balls.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The higher the quality of the tea leaves, the tighter they are rolled, and the heavier they feel. High-quality tea leaves also have a glossy surface due to the solidified extracts released from the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This rolling process is repeated several times. The number of times and the rolling method, as well as the heating method, vary depending on the condition of the tea leaves. For example, tea leaves harvested from gardens with relatively low water and nutrient levels contain less moisture.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If these leaves are rolled in the same way, they may crack due to moisture loss or discolor due to heating.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Adjusting the conditions for each step according to the state of the tea leaves, the weather, and other factors is crucial and demonstrates the skill of the master.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The rolled tea leaves are dried in a dryer until their moisture content drops below 5%, completing the process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932464967856,"sku":"o48ta","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932465000624,"sku":"o48tc","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932465033392,"sku":"o48tb","price":5100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932465066160,"sku":"o48tv","price":13000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/0A94842C-C419-4C31-95C3-982390076666.png?v=1737905863"},{"product_id":"o01","title":"Oriental Beauty","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        Legendary Taiwanese Tea that Created a Sensation in Europe\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The incredibly fruity and sweet flavor, which seems almost unbelievable as a natural aroma, pairs wonderfully with sweets. This tea is extremely popular among women and enhances a stylish tea time.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The flavor and aroma improve with storage, making it a valuable addition to any collection.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea gives multi-layered sweet floral-fruity notes, which tea connoisseurs call muscatel flavor—a natural fruity and honey-like aroma with a lingering sweetish taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brown dried tea leaves with pale tips in a gray shallow dish\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/OB2_480x480.jpg?v=1623914494\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eIn the past, Oriental Beauty was known as Formosa Tea in Europe.\u003c\/strong\u003e This tea was once extremely popular, and people enthusiastically sought it out. At that time, it was said that 15kg of Oriental Beauty was equivalent to the cost of a house in Taiwan. The reason people love this tea is its sweet fruity flavor. The secret behind this flavor is the tiny green leafhoppers that attack the tea leaves during summer. Tea leaves bitten by leafhoppers change color to yellow and produce an antibody that gives a fruity flavor. It is a very tedious job to select and pluck only the leaves attacked by leafhoppers. Not only must the tea garden be maintained without pesticides, but a great deal of good luck is also needed to attract this tiny insect.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    History and Culture\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Legend has it that a farmer left his tea garden unattended as he was too busy to look after it. His garden was badly attacked by a large number of green leafhoppers, and all the bitten tea leaves changed color to yellow. Nevertheless, he still processed the tea leaves as he could not afford to give up his tea. To his surprise, the tea produced from insect-bitten leaves had a very strong fruity flavor. Coincidentally, a European tea merchant noticed this tea, loved its quality, and named it Formosa Tea. It is believed that this is the prototype of Oriental Beauty. However, it is slightly different from the conventional Oriental Beauty. The processing method of Oriental Beauty has changed over the years, and according to the older generation, the production method in their youth was quite different. In any case, one thing has remained unchanged: only the leaves attacked by leafhoppers are selected. Usually, each twig consists of 1 bud and 2 leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Production Area\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Oriental Beauty is made only from tea leaves attacked by green leafhoppers, which appear during June–July. Due to increasing demand, China has started producing tea under the same name, yet the identical muscatel flavor of Oriental Beauty is difficult to replicate. In Taiwan, it depends very much on luck whether the leafhoppers return to the same tea garden. Farmers must keep their gardens as natural as possible in the hope that the insects will return each year.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A small green insect on a tea leaf held between fingers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/o02_pho_06.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The yellow spots seen below the green leafhopper (center) are evidence that the tea leaf has been bitten.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea garden is located in Xin-zhu (新竹县). The altitude is about 1000m a.s.l. The tea garden receives sunshine only in the morning; from the afternoon onward, the entire garden is covered by thick fog. Thanks to the fog and higher altitude, the taste and flavor of the tea are very rich, and it gives a very smooth drinking sensation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Cultivar and Plucking\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Oriental Beauty is made from the cultivar called 青心大冇. During June–July, many green leafhoppers attack the tea garden on the mountain. The leafhoppers suck the juice from young leaves, causing the attacked leaves to change color to yellow. It is said that the tea garden sometimes emits a sweet fragrance from the leaves that have been bitten.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The mechanism behind this mysterious fragrance is yet to be fully understood. We assume that leaves attacked by these insects subsequently produce a type of antibody. The antibody produced by plants is known as phytoalexin. One type of phytoalexin is known to give a fruity aroma—a small molecular substance called a terpenoid. We wonder whether this substance plays a role in the flavor of Oriental Beauty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A small insect and bite marks on the edge of a tea leaf\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/o02_pho_10.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A pesticide-free tea garden is necessary to attract green leafhoppers. But this is not sufficient—it also very much depends on luck.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A young shoot with fresh leaves on a tea plant\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ot2_pho_03.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tea leaves bitten by green leafhoppers turn yellowish and their shape also changes.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Plucking is carried out to select only the leaves attacked by leafhoppers. Only 1 bud and 2 leaves are carefully plucked by hand.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Processing\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Sunshine Withering\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After plucking, the tea leaves are spread over the ground under natural sunshine. This is called sunshine withering. Cloudy weather is generally ideal to avoid excessive damage to the leaves. If sunny weather continues, a black cloth is used to block the harsh rays. During sunshine withering, moisture inside the leaves evaporates and fermentation is moderately triggered, causing the leaves to gradually release a refreshing aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Indoor Withering\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The method of fermentation for oolong tea is completely different from that of black tea. After sunshine withering, the leaves are brought into the factory and spread over a sheet. Oriental Beauty uses only 1 bud and 2 leaves, unlike ordinary high mountain oolong tea, which requires 4–5 leaves. Because the moisture content of Oriental Beauty leaves is generally higher than that of ordinary high mountain tea, the withering process takes much longer. This extended withering period accelerates hydrolysis, generating the tea's characteristic sweet flavor and taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are then tossed onto a bamboo tray. This agitation causes friction that triggers fermentation. The tray is placed on a rack, and this process is repeated several times. The tea leaves begin to ferment when bruised. The fermentation of Oriental Beauty takes longer than that of ordinary oolong teas, and because the leaves are tender and fragile, the entire process is carried out very gently. Once the tea master determines that fermentation is sufficient, the leaves are sent for heat treatment to stop further fermentation. If this is not done promptly, fermentation will continue until the tea turns into black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The number of rotations and timing of fermentation are judged based on the moisture content, flavor, and color of the leaves. These decisions require highly experienced tea technicians and have a tremendous impact on quality. All technicians follow the instructions of the tea master, and producing good quality tea depends on finding an excellent one.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Rolling\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea leaves are first rolled by a rolling machine. For Oriental Beauty, bag rolling is not carried out in order to protect the leaves from cracking. Excessive rolling pressure can damage the leaves, causing bitterness, astringency, and off-flavors. The rolling process is therefore conducted under moderate pressure. During rolling, the temperature of the leaves drops and they become brittle, so they are heated in a drum at 60–80°C to soften them. If the pressure is too firm, the leaves produce an undesirable taste; if too gentle, the taste becomes weak. The same sequence is repeated several times, with each parameter adjusted according to the condition of the leaves, including moisture content. The tea master must carefully assess the condition of the leaves at each stage and apply the appropriate method. It requires a great deal of precision and expertise.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After rolling, the leaves are dried to reduce moisture content to 5%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":44932464279728,"sku":"o01ta","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40g (in can)","offer_id":44932464312496,"sku":"o01tc","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g (large bag\/40g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932464345264,"sku":"o01tb","price":11000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"360g value pack (large bag [40g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932464378032,"sku":"o01tv","price":36300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_65151.jpg?v=1737905858"},{"product_id":"o11","title":"Wen Shan Bao Zhong","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wen Shan Bao Zhong is one of the representative Taiwanese teas. The tea leaves are lightly rolled and lightly fermented, resulting in a very strong floral fragrance with a hint of green tea aroma, and a sweet, refreshing taste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wen Shan Bao Zhong is known for its floral fragrance as its trademark. However, in recent years, many Wen Shan Bao Zhong teas have a seaweed-like aroma, making it difficult to find a tea with a satisfactory fragrance.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Therefore, we treat our Wen Shan Bao Zhong at low temperatures in-house to bring out the original floral fragrance and immediately cool it to prevent condensation.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        You can enjoy the strong floral fragrance of Wen Shan Bao Zhong.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark green dried tea leaves on a bamboo scoop\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A38A10AE-83B3-49EA-B0DB-2DEB53B50D17.png?v=1613739494\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many experts consider oolong tea to be the most difficult tea to produce. This is due to the wide range of fermentation levels (10–80%) that oolong tea can have, making the control of fermentation very difficult.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wen Shan Bao Zhong is one of the lightly fermented teas among them. Because of this, people new to it often mistake it for green tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wen Shan Bao Zhong is characterized by a very strong floral fragrance, a hint of green tea aroma, and a sweet, refreshing taste. We select spring tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A few thin twisted dried tea leaves on a patterned stone surface\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/CB15E8A3-3DEA-45E9-AD9B-C7DDA81BE375.png?v=1613739564\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed dark green tea leaves in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/DF8C1A89-7F4D-4349-88C3-E59B88CCDCFF.png?v=1613739595\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Increasingly Common Seaweed-like Aroma in Recent Years\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wen Shan Bao Zhong is known for its floral fragrance as its trademark. However, in recent years, many Wen Shan Bao Zhong teas have a seaweed-like aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, even when sourcing in Taiwan, many Wen Shan Bao Zhong teas have a somewhat green seaweed-like aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many producers insist this is the aroma of Wen Shan Bao Zhong, but from our experience, many Wen Shan Bao Zhong teas used to truly have a floral fragrance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The change can be attributed to insufficient cooling after drying, such as packaging the tea while it is still warm. Ideally, tea should be cooled by blowing air after heating.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Hot tea leaves generate steam, causing condensation on the surface of the leaves and leading to oxidation. Oxidized Wen Shan Bao Zhong smells like seaweed.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, we treat our Wen Shan Bao Zhong at low temperatures to bring out the original floral fragrance and immediately cool it to prevent condensation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Please enjoy the traditional floral fragrance of Wen Shan Bao Zhong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Fine dried tea leaves spilling from a dark blue pouch\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/84D9BDBD-02B3-4A64-9ABE-A0D4AE528E44.png?v=1613739728\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    History of Wen Shan Bao Zhong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wen Shan Bao Zhong has a history of over 100 years. The Wenshan area in Taiwan is said to be the first place where oolong tea trees were planted.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The name Bao Zhong was initially used in Anxi and Fuzhou in Fujian Province. It comes from the way the tea was packaged.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Around 1820, Anxi tea was made by imitating the method of making oolong tea from Wuyi Mountain.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, at that time, oolong tea made in Anxi was sent to Fuzhou, where it was scented with flowers and sold as flavored oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea was called Bao Zhong because it was packaged in rectangular boxes wrapped in paper. In Chinese, Bao Zhong means \"package type.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By 1873, oolong tea was being produced in the Wenshan area of Taiwan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At that time, the global economy was sluggish and the tea market was also slow. Moreover, the price of Taiwanese tea was high, so Taiwanese traders did not buy Taiwanese oolong tea, resulting in a large stockpile of unsold inventory.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To overcome this situation, Taiwanese producers sent unsold oolong tea to Fujian Province, where it was scented with flowers and sold as flavored tea in Southeast Asia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like Bao Zhong tea from Anxi, Taiwanese flavored oolong tea was also called Bao Zhong because it was packaged in paper.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By 1881, tea masters were invited from Fujian Province to Taiwan, where flavored tea was produced and sold in Southeast Asia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After 1885, further research and improvements were made to the quality and processing methods of Bao Zhong tea. As a result, light fermentation technology was developed, successfully bringing out a natural sweet floral fragrance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although it is no longer packaged in paper bags, the name Bao Zhong (Wen Shan Bao Zhong) is still used today.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark green twisted tea leaves in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D2105B17-7555-4036-91DA-FE0185FB806B.png?v=1613739776\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Production Area and Cultivar of Wen Shan Bao Zhong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The main production area of Wen Shan Bao Zhong is distributed around Pinglin Township in Wenshan District, New Taipei City, Taiwan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This area is relatively close to Taipei, with an altitude of about 600–800 meters. The main cultivar is Qingxin Oolong, characterized by its deep fragrance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The cultivated variety is Qing Xin Oolong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Processing Details of Wen Shan Bao Zhong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wen Shan Bao Zhong is the least fermented tea among Taiwanese oolong teas and is made by lightly rolling the leaves. This leads many people to believe that its production is relatively easy, but the opposite is true.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because of the low level of fermentation, it requires precise control of fermentation, which necessitates uniform leaf shape and careful management from the tea-plucking stage.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The processing steps of Wen Shan Bao Zhong are as follows:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTea Plucking\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOutdoor Withering\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eIndoor Withering\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInactivate Enzyme\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRolling\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDrying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    1. Tea Plucking\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea plucking season for Wen Shan Bao Zhong is around early April.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Usually, 1 bud and 2–3 leaves are hand-plucked. If the leaves are damaged during plucking or transportation, unintended fermentation starts, making it impossible to bring out the characteristic floral fragrance of Wen Shan Bao Zhong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, careful handling of the leaves is essential.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    2. Outdoor Withering\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are spread thinly on sheets and withered in the sun for 10–20 minutes on sunny days and 30–40 minutes on cloudy days.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During this time, the temperature of the leaves must be maintained at 30–35°C. If it exceeds 40°C, the leaves deteriorate due to heat. The purpose of this process is to reduce the moisture content of the leaves, making them ready for the subsequent fermentation process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    3. Indoor Withering\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The ideal environment for enzyme reactions is room temperature at 23–25°C and relative humidity of 70–80%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After sun withering, the leaves are spread on bamboo mats and gently stirred by hand.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The friction during this process creates fine wounds on the edges of the leaves, initiating fermentation as the polyphenols and enzymes in the leaves come into contact.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After stirring, the leaves are left to rest on bamboo mats to promote fermentation. Although it may seem like a simple task, achieving uniform stirring and precise control of fermentation levels requires considerable skill.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If the stirring is too strong, the edges of the leaves turn red, weakening the floral fragrance and increasing astringency. On the other hand, if the stirring is too weak, the leaves continue to lose moisture, resulting in insufficient fermentation and a greenish aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Stirring must be done gently yet effectively, requiring experienced hands.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    4. Inactivation of Enzyme\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When the tea is sufficiently fermented, it is heated in a stainless steel drum at 140–160°C.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This process removes excess moisture, deactivates enzymes through heat, and softens the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The higher the temperature—provided the leaves do not burn—the more floral and clear the fragrance of the finished tea will be.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If the temperature is too low or the heating time is insufficient, the remaining enzymes activate, causing the tea to become cloudy and over-fermented, resulting in a weak aroma and astringency.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    On the other hand, if over-heated, the moisture content of the leaves drops below a safe threshold, causing burning and an increase in tea dust.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This also weakens the fragrance due to heat damage.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    5. Rolling\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rolling is done with light pressure. It compacts the leaves and creates fine wounds, making the tea easier to extract when brewed.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    6. Drying\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The rolled leaves are dried, adjusting the moisture content to about 5%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Drying is done at 100–105°C for 25–30 minutes, or in 2 stages: 105–115°C for 10 minutes, then 85–95°C for 40–60 minutes. The parameters vary depending on the processing volume.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932464148656,"sku":"o11ta","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932464181424,"sku":"o11tc","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932464214192,"sku":"o11tb","price":11000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932464246960,"sku":"o11tv","price":36300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/011_02.jpg?v=1737905857"},{"product_id":"o03","title":"Spring Oriental Beauty","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        A Tea That Can Be Called the Ultimate Quality of Oriental Beauty\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Spring Oriental Beauty is a tea made from tea leaves grown in Alishan.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Unlike Oriental Beauty harvested in summer, this tea is plucked in spring, and only the leaves bitten by leafhoppers more extensively than those used for Oriental Beauty are carefully selected to create the ultimate masterpiece of Oriental Beauty.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This tea is suitable for aging, and the longer it is stored, the more it transforms into a tea with a smoother mouthfeel and a more elegant aroma.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Ultimate Quality of Oriental Beauty\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Speaking of Oriental Beauty, it is synonymous with leafhoppers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By processing only tea leaves bitten by leafhoppers, it is famous for having a muscat-like aroma (muscatel flavor).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For Spring Oriental Beauty, tea leaves bitten even more extensively by leafhoppers than those used for Oriental Beauty are carefully hand-plucked.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea can be said to represent the ultimate quality of Oriental Beauty. It is made using luxurious raw materials.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are yellow, resembling ripened yellow fruits like banana.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, the harvest is carried out earlier than for Oriental Beauty. In spring, when leafhoppers usually do not swarm, certain tea gardens experience leafhopper infestations, and the insects fly to the still tender tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This unique feature of Spring Oriental Beauty creates a soft floral aroma reminiscent of spring flowers and a soft, sweet taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Secret of the Fragrant Muscatel Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like Oriental Beauty, Spring Oriental Beauty is made only from tea leaves attacked by 2mm long green insects called leafhoppers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Leafhoppers selectively fly to pesticide-free tea gardens. When managed pesticide-free, the tea gardens' productivity drops significantly. Additionally, only tea leaves bitten by leafhoppers and turned yellow can be used, making the raw tea leaves rare and difficult to secure in sufficient quantities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, this tea is harvested in spring, unlike Oriental Beauty, which is harvested in summer. In spring, there are fewer leafhoppers compared to summer, making it even harder to secure tea leaves turned yellow by leafhopper bites.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Only the yellowed leaves of one bud and two leaves are plucked. To make Spring Oriental Beauty, only the \"more yellowed leaves\" compared to the raw materials for Oriental Beauty are used.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea leaves attacked by insects turn yellow and simultaneously biosynthesize a substance akin to antibodies in humans (called phytoalexin in plants).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In tea, one of the commonly known phytoalexins is a low-molecular-weight substance called terpenoid.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These substances are also known for having fruity aromas, and these substances form the \"mi xiang.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Processing of Spring Oriental Beauty\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The processing of Spring Oriental Beauty involves the following steps:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSun Withering\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eIndoor Withering ~ Fermentation\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRolling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Below are the explanations for each step.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Sun Withering\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After harvesting, the tea leaves are spread on the ground under the sun to wither.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This process is called sun withering. Because the cultivation area is at a high altitude, there are many days of light clouds, and the soft sunlight shines on the tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    On sunny days with strong sunlight, a black mesh sheet is stretched several meters above the tea leaves to soften the sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Through sun withering, the moisture in the tea leaves evaporates, and fermentation gradually begins. The tea leaves become softer and start to emit a fresh aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Indoor Withering ~ Fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fermentation method for oolong tea is significantly different from that for black tea. After completing sun withering, the tea leaves are brought indoors with air conditioning, spread on sheets, cooled, and moisture evaporation is promoted.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves for Spring Oriental Beauty use only one bud and two leaves, unlike the usual oolong tea (one bud and three to five leaves), so the moisture content is high, resulting in a longer withering process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Extended withering promotes hydrolysis of the components, forming a distinctive sweet aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Indoors, the tea leaves are spread on bamboo trays. Spreading the leaves on trays promotes fermentation, and the process of lifting the tea leaves, \"dropping them on a tilted tray,\" and \"letting them rest to ferment\" is repeated.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fermentation of Spring Oriental Beauty lasts longer than standard oolong tea. However, since the tea leaves are young and tender, the work is done gently overall.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fermented tea leaves are heated to deactivate the enzymes and stop fermentation. If fermentation is not stopped promptly, the fermentation will continue, resulting in a flavor close to black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The number of times the leaves are stirred and the time they are left to rest are determined based on the moisture content, aroma, and color of the tea leaves. These delicate decisions are made by the artisans, and this \"decision\" greatly affects the quality of the oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The artisans work under the guidance of the master. The quality of the oolong tea is significantly influenced by the master. To consistently achieve superior quality, one must work with an excellent master.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rolling\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like Oriental Beauty, no \"bag rolling\" is done, which involves wrapping and rolling in cloth. Since young tea leaves are used, strong rolling would break the leaves and increase bitterness and astringency, so gentle hand-rolling is mainly employed.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During the rolling process, the temperature of the tea leaves gradually decreases, becoming hard and crispy. In this case, heating at 60-80°C is performed to soften the tea leaves and continue rolling. If the rolling is too weak, the tea's flavor is not sufficiently extracted.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Conversely, if it is too strong, it causes off-flavors and can break the tea leaves. It is crucial to adjust the conditions of each operation timely, considering the state of the tea leaves, the weather of the day, and various other factors, which is the expertise of the master.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After rolling is completed, the tea leaves are dried in a dryer to reduce the moisture content to below 5%, completing the process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Storage of Spring Oriental Beauty\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Store at room temperature, no need to refrigerate. This tea ages over time, developing a smoother mouthfeel and a more elegant aroma. Avoid humidity and store in a place away from direct sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Quality Evaluation of Spring Oriental Beauty\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Twisted brown tea leaves with silvery tips on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/3AEEB5DB-E95D-46B7-BBD8-B1A4026842BB.png?v=1613742421\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Reddish-brown opened tea leaves in two white lidded cups\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5447BA82-F241-46E3-BD55-1DF5D332DA3C.png?v=1613742452\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tea Sediment of Spring Oriental Beauty (left) and Oriental Beauty (right)\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The photo above compares the tea sediment of Oriental Beauty and Spring Oriental Beauty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":44932464017584,"sku":"o03ta","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"30g (in can)","offer_id":44932464050352,"sku":"o03tc","price":10800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"90g (large bag \/ 30g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932464083120,"sku":"o03tb","price":30800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"270g value pack (large bag [30g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932464115888,"sku":"o03tv","price":77800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/pho300_o03.jpg?v=1737905855"},{"product_id":"o74","title":"Anxi Se Zhong","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Se Zhong is one of the traditional oolong teas of Anxi, Fujian Province, China, generally made by blending multiple oolong varieties such as Mao Xie, Mei Zhan, Huang Jin Gui, and Ben Shan.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Se Zhong in Chinese means \"various kinds of tea.\" Although the same name is used, the blend ratio varies greatly depending on the producer, resulting in teas with different flavors and aromas.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This Anxi Se Zhong is medium roasted, featuring a toasty aroma and a sweet fragrance reminiscent of dried fruits, caramel, and roasted sweet potatoes. After drinking, a refreshing floral aroma lingers in the mouth.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Despite its reasonable price, it has a long aftertaste and a firm flavor, making it very satisfying. It pairs well with various dishes and sweets, making it an ideal tea to enjoy after meals.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details of Anxi Se Zhong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A pile of dark green rolled dried tea leaves on a wooden surface\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/8C329323-C8C4-4882-9DCD-41C64FFFB691.png?v=1613995115\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Small rolled dried tea leaves arranged on a patterned stone surface\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/42A58C6D-8619-4C98-B2C1-C7A421F55BF4.png?v=1613995140\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Oolong Tea Blended from Multiple Varieties\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Se Zhong is one of the traditional oolong teas of Anxi, Fujian Province, China, generally made by blending multiple varieties such as Mao Xie, Mei Zhan, Huang Jin Gui, and Ben Shan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, the varieties used are not limited to these 4. The blend varies depending on the producer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, varieties like Tie Guan Yin or Rougui can produce very appealing flavors and aromas as single-variety teas. However, these grow slowly and have low yields, making them expensive due to high demand.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What makes Se Zhong interesting is that blending multiple teas allows the individual characteristics of each variety to complement one another, resulting in a tea with a rich aftertaste, aroma, and complexity — despite being affordable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For example, Mao Xie is known for its rich body but relatively weak aftertaste. Huang Jin Gui is prized for its intensely floral and appealing aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ben Shan has a comparatively strong aftertaste and rich flavor. By understanding the characteristics of each variety and adjusting the blend ratio, Se Zhong achieves a captivating balance of aroma and taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The interesting aspect of Se Zhong is that the blend ratio varies greatly from producer to producer, resulting in teas that differ noticeably in flavor and aroma even under the same name.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two hands holding a white cup of pale yellow tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/DC7833AE-A85F-448F-B343-638BCC0B1230.png?v=1613995219\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Using First Flush Tea Plucked in Spring\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The raw material is the first flush spring harvest, produced around Daping Village in Anxi at an altitude of approximately 1000 meters. Demand for Anxi oolong tea is very high in China, and even in midsummer, farmers can be seen producing oolong tea throughout the region.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While there is debate over whether spring or autumn tea is superior for oolong, a straightforward tasting comparison clearly shows that spring tea comes out ahead.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Autumn tea has a stronger aroma and makes a good first impression, but it carries more astringency and lacks the smooth, mellow quality of spring tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Terraced tea fields on a hillside with clouds drifting over the mountains\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6F58C712-52EE-4EFC-B33D-1A4508977765.png?v=1613995287\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Toasty and Sweet Aroma, Recommended for Daily Drinking\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Anxi Se Zhong is medium roasted, featuring a toasty aroma and a sweet fragrance reminiscent of dried fruits, caramel, and roasted sweet potatoes. After drinking, a refreshing floral aroma lingers in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Despite its reasonable price, it has a long aftertaste and a firm flavor, making it very satisfying. It pairs well with various dishes and sweets, making it an ideal tea to enjoy after meals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Among our oolong teas, it is relatively affordable, making it a great choice for daily drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed dark green tea leaves in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6DB326A0-4F2F-447D-81BC-9C803943E78A.png?v=1613995351\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two white cups of yellow tea on a wooden table\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/235FD316-8CEF-4878-B276-8F514730BDB6.png?v=1613995388\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932463100080,"sku":"o74ca","price":650.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932463132848,"sku":"o74cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932463165616,"sku":"o74cb","price":3700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932463198384,"sku":"o74cv","price":9300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_9089.jpg?v=1737905847"},{"product_id":"o73","title":"Black Tie Guan Yin","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n    Long and Multiple Baking Processes\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Black Tie Guan Yin is made from traditional Tie Guan Yin. The uniqueness lies in its deep baking process, turning the tea leaves black. However, the baking method is not simple. The tea undergoes several stages of baking at different temperatures. Thanks to this special baking method, the tea develops a unique flavor, with hints of dried fruit and caramel notes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea garden is located above 1000m. The high mountain climate gives the tea a strong aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7946-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of dark rolled dried tea leaves on a wooden surface\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6224\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7946-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7932-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark rolled dried tea leaves on a wooden scoop\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6222\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7932-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7929.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark rolled dried tea leaves in a metal scoop\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6221\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7929.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    We Have Tested to Ensure the Tea Meets Japan's Pesticide Standards\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, teas produced in Fujian province tend to contain higher pesticide residues. From the past to today, Fujian teas have always been in high demand in the domestic Chinese market. Most tea producers focus on the domestic market, where pesticide requirements are lower. They do not have to strictly control it. Subsequently, it was very tough to find tea that could meet our standards. We selected material from gardens managed according to European pesticide standards. Additionally, we sent the tea to the SGS Lab and tested it for more than 400 substances to ensure it meets Japan's standards.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    5g for 1 Liter of Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For brewing Black Tie Guan Yin, we can use the same method as for brewing ordinary oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    With 5g of tea leaves, we should be able to brew 1000ml of tea. Please use boiling hot water for brewing.\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7949-1_c2b3b9ed-81c1-4920-8ce0-c9142961045b.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Amber tea in a white cup with a white spoon\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6218\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7949-1_c2b3b9ed-81c1-4920-8ce0-c9142961045b.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Cold Water Brewed Black Tie Guan Yin\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Black Tie Guan Yin is also suitable for cold water brewing. In fact, I enjoyed this tea very much in summer because of the hot weather. The cold water brewed Black Tie Guan Yin is mellower, and the drinking sensation is softer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is very easy to prepare Black Tie Guan Yin in cold water:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    1. Use about 5g of tea leaves and place them in a bottle of cold water.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    2. Leave it in the fridge for more than 5 hours, and the tea is ready.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I usually prepare it at night and drink it the next day. If we keep the tea in the fridge, we can continue drinking it for 3-4 days. Please note that you should not use aluminum, copper, or colored glass bottles for brewing. These materials spoil the taste of the tea and make it taste flat. If you prefer a stronger flavor, please use water that has been boiled once and cooled down. Fresh water contains calcium bicarbonate, which is converted into calcium carbonate once boiled. This is why boiled water gives a sweeter taste.\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8023-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark tea leaves steeping in a glass pot\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6223\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8023-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7956.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a glass of amber tea against green foliage\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6217\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7956.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Black Tie Guan Yin with Milk\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Another way to enjoy Black Tie Guan Yin is to serve it with milk. Normally, black tea pairs well with milk. However, I personally think that deeply-fired oolong also has a good affinity with milk. If you wish to add milk to Black Tie Guan Yin, please brew the tea with less water and mix it with fresh milk. Since the flavor of Black Tie Guan Yin is very stable, it's fine to brew the tea in hot water for more than 10 minutes. It is also nice to drink it chilled.\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7969-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A glass of milk tea with ice cubes\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6215\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7969-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7992.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a glass of iced milk tea\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6214\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7992.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7971-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Glass of iced milk tea on a wooden table\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6216\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7971-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932462706864,"sku":"o73ca","price":650.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932462739632,"sku":"o73cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932462772400,"sku":"o73cb","price":3700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932462805168,"sku":"o73cv","price":9300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7946-1.jpg?v=1737905843"},{"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":"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":"o103","title":"Phoenix Oolong Mi Lan Xiang 2025 No.2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This product is a Mi Lan Xiang (蜜蘭香) finished with a \"3-time fire\" heavy roasting method, which is favored among Chaozhou locals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark, twisted tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/o103_05.jpg?v=1737905810\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The \"3-time fire\" (三次火) method refers to a finishing process where the tea is roasted over charcoal three times, with each roasting spaced months apart. This method prevents uneven moisture distribution between the tea leaves' core and surface. Typically, the first roast happens right after production, the second in autumn, and the third in the following year. Thus, this product, while from the 2021 harvest, underwent its third charcoal roast in 2022.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Originally, due to a lack of proper storage techniques in China, Phoenix Town (鳳凰鎮) preserved its tea's freshness through multiple rounds of charcoal roasting. Consequently, Chaozhou locals have been accustomed to deeply roasted Phoenix Dan Cong teas like \"3-time fire\" and \"4-time fire\" since childhood, which is why heavily roasted Phoenix Dan Cong remains popular in Chaozhou.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of amber tea seen from above\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/o103_06.jpg?v=1737905810\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Through repeated roasting, the tea undergoes maturation, deepening its liquor color into a rich orange hue while developing a robust fruit flavor reminiscent of raspberry and lychee.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Phoenix Dan Cong, there are two primary roasting styles: light charcoal roasting for a floral flavor and repeated roasting for a more intense and matured fragrance. Both styles are highly appreciated by tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Our previous heavily roasted Phoenix Dan Cong Mi Lan Xiang is now labeled as No.1. No.1 was finished with a \"2-time fire\" method, resulting in a fresher flavor compared to this \"3-time fire\" version.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hojo-phoenix-common\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe frequently visit Fenghuang Town in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, to source high-quality Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong tea directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7967.jpg\" alt=\"An old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7986.jpg\" alt=\"Tea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\na:hover {\n    background-color: #333; \/* Invert background color on hover *\/\n    color: #f0f0e0; \/* Invert text color on hover *\/\n    box-shadow: 0 12px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3); \/* Add depth with a stronger shadow *\/\n    transform: translateY(-5px); \/* Slightly lift on hover *\/\n    text-decoration: none;\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":44932459495600,"sku":"o103ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40g (in can)","offer_id":44932459528368,"sku":"o103cc","price":5000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g (large bag\/40g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932459561136,"sku":"o103cb","price":14600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [40g x 3 bags] x 5 bags)","offer_id":44932459593904,"sku":"o103cv","price":59600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/o103_05.jpg?v=1737905810"},{"product_id":"o18s","title":"Tian Chi Li Shan Cha Special","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Tian Chi Li Shan Cha is tea harvested from gardens at an altitude of 2500–2600m in Li Shan, named after a nearby pond called Tian Chi. While Tian Chi Li Shan Cha is one of our standard products, the Special grade introduced here is of an entirely different caliber. A particular lot from a specific section of the garden had a truly distinctive flavor — one that surprised us the moment we tasted it, and we decided to purchase it on the spot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\n    The dried tea leaves have a citrus-like aroma, but when brewed, they release a refreshing citrus scent combined with an aroma reminiscent of matsutake mushrooms. Although the comparison to matsutake may seem surprising, it is entirely positive. The fusion of the clean, forest-like quality of matsutake with the brightness of citrus creates a fragrance reminiscent of tropical fruits. Thanks to the extremely high altitude of the tea garden, the taste is very soft and smooth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea garden with rows of tea bushes and tall trees in fog\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7844\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/83711446_473585796657128_56471217850286080_n-1024x768.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rolled green oolong tea leaves on a bamboo scoop\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7841\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5226.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Opened green tea leaves in a white bowl\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7846\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5249-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932458840240,"sku":"o19sta","price":10300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932458873008,"sku":"o19stc","price":20200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932458905776,"sku":"o19stb","price":40000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932458938544,"sku":"o19stv","price":98500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5226.jpg?v=1737905804"},{"product_id":"g35","title":"Uji Genmai Cha","description":"\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        Umami ≠ Delicious\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The current mainstream of Japanese tea focuses on high umami content. The main component of umami is an amino acid called theanine, but umami does not mean delicious. Umami refers to a taste represented by sodium glutamate, similar to that found in soup stock.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        To increase the amino acid content in tea leaves, nitrogen fertilizers must be applied. Tea trees in nitrogen-fertilized gardens grow vigorously, but the amount of polyphenols and minerals, including catechins, decreases. Moreover, tea with a high theanine content has a weaker depth of flavor and aftertaste, resulting in a lighter-tasting tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Rich Flavor is the Hallmark of Our Japanese Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We focus on selecting teas with rich flavor, choosing teas that are high in catechins and minerals rather than theanine.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea rich in minerals is produced through natural cultivation with no fertilizer or only limited fertilizer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Please enjoy the sweet aftertaste that lingers in your throat after drinking our tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Changing the Common Perception of Genmaicha\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have developed a genmaicha that overturns the casual image of traditional genmaicha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In pursuit of a rich, full-flavored genmaicha, we use Uji Sencha Jubuzan, one of the most popular teas in our Japanese tea lineup. It has a strong flavor, mellow body, and lingering flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is perfect for those who are not satisfied with ordinary genmaicha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To preserve the fresh aroma of newly made tea, we remove only foreign matter and immediately pack it in an oxygen-free package.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tin of green tea leaves mixed with toasted brown rice\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/g35_01.jpg?v=1615113668\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    We Created a Special Genmaicha for Tea Enthusiasts\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We developed a genmaicha with a strong flavor and a clear, clean taste using naturally cultivated Zairai Tea. This tea overturns the casual image of genmaicha, offering a very rich taste with a long-lasting aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, genmaicha is considered a casual everyday tea, available at supermarkets and often made from bancha. However, many genmaicha fans appreciate its suitability with meals and its comforting quality — a reflection of the deep relationship between Japanese people and rice.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have created an exceptionally delicious genmaicha that is not typically available elsewhere.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Developing a Rich, Full-Flavored Genmaicha\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Genmaicha is usually considered a casual tea. Most genmaicha is made from leaves plucked after the second harvest, resulting in a lack of depth and lingering aftertaste — the main reason genmaicha is perceived as light. Even genmaicha blended with matcha or gyokuro does not significantly improve its depth of flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We therefore reconsidered the ingredients used in making genmaicha and focused on enhancing both the depth of flavor and the lingering flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Using Uji Sencha Jubuzan as the Base Ingredient\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea used is Uji Sencha Jubuzan, one of the most popular teas in our Japanese tea lineup.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btnB\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/products\/g32\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOur Uji Sencha Jubuzan\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is naturally cultivated at an altitude of approximately 500m on Mount Jubu. It is characterized by a strong flavor and a soft, full body unique to raw tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Sencha Jubuzan is a naturally cultivated Zairai Tea grown without any nitrogen fertilizers, allowed to develop slowly and become rich in minerals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It has a floral flavor more reminiscent of Taiwanese oolong tea than typical Japanese tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Most importantly, this tea has a very strong flavor, allowing you to sense its flavor and sweetness deep in your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By blending this rich tea with genmai, we have created a genmaicha with depth of flavor comparable to premium tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Traditional Approach with a Moderate Use of Genmai\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, a large amount of genmai is added to genmaicha to reduce costs, since genmai is cheaper than green tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We focused on flavor and carefully considered the blending ratio of genmai. As a result, we use less genmai than green tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Traditional genmaicha uses only plain roasted rice, without the popped rice added in modern genmaicha for visual appeal.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Sencha Jubuzan Genmaicha is priced slightly lower than the sencha itself, as genmai costs less than tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932458250416,"sku":"g35jc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932458283184,"sku":"g35jb","price":3700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932458315952,"sku":"g35jv","price":9300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/g35_01.jpg?v=1737905779"},{"product_id":"g34","title":"Uji Hojicha Jubuzan","description":"\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        Umami Does Not Equal Deliciousness\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The current mainstream in Japanese tea focuses on high umami content. Umami is primarily composed of an amino acid called theanine, but umami does not equal deliciousness. Umami refers to flavors represented by monosodium glutamate, like those found in broth.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        To increase the amino acid content in tea leaves, nitrogen fertilizer is necessary. While tea trees in nitrogen-fertilized gardens grow vigorously, they also contain fewer polyphenols and minerals, such as catechins.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Additionally, tea with high theanine content has a weaker depth of flavor, resulting in a lighter taste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Our Japanese Tea Focuses on Rich Flavor and Aftertaste\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        We select tea with a rich flavor, choosing teas high in catechins and minerals rather than theanine. Tea rich in minerals is typically grown naturally, with little to no fertilizers.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Enjoy the sweet aftertaste that lingers in your throat when you drink our tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Hoji Tea with Deep, Lingering Aftertaste Comparable to Premium Teas Worldwide\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Hojicha Jubuzan is a hoji tea made from the first flush of naturally cultivated tea in Jubuzan, a mountain in Wazuka Town, Kyoto Prefecture.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wazuka Town, along with Ujitawara Town, Minamiyamashiro Village, Kasagi Town, Tsukigase, and Asamiya, has long been known as a producer of high-quality Uji tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have produced hoji tea with a rich flavor and a long-lasting aftertaste. The tea is custom roasted from the first flush of naturally cultivated tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This hoji tea is of a quality that even those accustomed to high-end Chinese teas will appreciate. The deep richness and sweet aftertaste that lingers in your throat redefine the standards of hoji tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Unusual Quality, That is Defined by The Long Lasting Aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We wanted to create a high-quality hoji that you've never tasted before.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High-quality tea has depth of flavor, making the tea feel soft and the sweet aftertaste linger. The most important factor in achieving this flavor is the selection of raw materials. We chose Uji Sencha Jubuzan, known for its deep throat feel and excellent raw material quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By growing the tea slowly and without any fertilizer, the leaves contain more polyphenols and iron. The difference in fragrance and taste is evident even to those not familiar with tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    We Paid Attention to the Roasting Process\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The raw sencha was roasted using a sand-roasting method. Sand has a large surface area, allowing heat to be evenly transferred to the tea leaves, resulting in uniform roasting.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    A Sweet, Toasted Flavor Similar to High-Quality Oolong Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many people have tasted this tea, and most of them said, \"This is not hoji tea.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It truly doesn't taste like hoji tea. It has a sweet flavor like high-quality oolong tea, an unimaginable smoothness, deep throat feel, and a lasting sweet aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The brewed tea has an amber color and tastes and smells more like high-quality oolong tea than hoji tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Thin stem-like tea leaves in a white gaiwan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/513CB004-8453-4DA7-BD10-39AAA2EA9680.png?v=1615373015\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tea has a glossy amber color, and its potential can be sensed the moment you smell it.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed tea leaves in a white gaiwan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0CFFA927-0A56-441A-BD4A-BCBC6AD8839A.png?v=1615373054\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Touch the brewed tea leaves. They are surprisingly soft and elastic, contrary to their appearance.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Experience the Quality Difference Through Water Quality\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The higher the quality of tea, the more iron it contains, which alters the nature of the water itself.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The iron in the tea affects the water quality, making it very soft and viscous.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Hojicha Jubuzan dramatically changes the water's nature. Just a small sip gives a pleasant tea high.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A glass pitcher filled with yellow tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F363AA85-EB7E-4F15-A8B9-7FF56923E9F8.png?v=1615373119\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It has a color more like oolong tea than hoji tea.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two small white cups of pale yellow tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E614BD32-7E51-4A2E-B439-0131659AF0A0.png?v=1615373135\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Because of its high quality, it is also suitable to drink from small tea cups.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product uses Uji Sencha Jubuzan as the raw material. Unlike hoji tea made from stems or coarse tea, the raw material itself is costly.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, when making hoji tea, the extra roasting process results in weight loss, which is reflected in the cost, making it slightly more expensive than sencha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Below is an explanation of the raw material used, Uji Sencha Jubuzan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    We Focused on Natural Cultivation Without Fertilizers to Achieve Deep Throat Feel and Sweet Aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Jubuzan is a 682-meter-high mountain located between Ujitawara Town and Wazuka Town. This area used to be the bottom of Lake Biwa, which is why it contains rich clayey red soil.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When sourcing this tea, we selected naturally cultivated tea leaves from Jubuzan's ideal environment. Natural cultivation means growing the tea without fertilizers or pesticides, allowing it to grow robustly and naturally over time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Modern agriculture often relies on fertilizers for tea production.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, tea grown with excessive fertilizer grows excessively, accumulating large amounts of amino acids but lacking polyphenols and minerals essential for flavor and aftertaste, resulting in bland tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In general, Japanese tea relies heavily on amino acids, leading to a very light taste. Excessive roasting is used to enhance the tea's character, but good tea should be impressive even in its raw state.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The phrase \"tea rich in theanine\" often cited in books implies tea heavily fertilized with nitrogen, which, in my definition, means less tasty tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The difference is clear when comparing fresh leaves from various tea gardens. When planning this year's new product, we focused extensively on selecting the best raw materials before discussing the processing methods.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By sourcing excellent raw materials, we achieved delicious tea without the heavy roasting typically seen in the Japanese tea industry.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Preserving the Natural Flavor by Not Removing Stems\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Japanese tea, stems are usually removed because they are yellow and noticeable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Modern tea production always removes stems to achieve visually appealing green leaves. However, we intentionally leave the stems. Through various experiments, we found that stems play a crucial role. Stems contain abundant minerals and have a sweet flavor and body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Those familiar with stem tea, like Karigane, know that stem tea is very sweet!\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We conducted a comparison by hand-removing stems with tweezers from some tea and leaving the stems in others.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The results were surprising; the tea with stems had a much better flavor and body. Everyone who tasted it agreed that the tea with stems was more delicious.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Removing the stems made the flavor sharper and significantly weakened the sweet, floral scent and body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Historically, it was considered good luck to have a tea stem standing upright in your cup, known as \"chabashira\" in Japanese. Nowadays, stems are not included in tea, so this rarely occurs. In the past, people appreciated the sweetness of stems and habitually drank tea with them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Today, aesthetics often take precedence over flavor and aroma, leading to the removal of stems.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Sourcing Tea from Completely Natural Cultivation Gardens to Provide Sweet, Lingering Aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The moment you swallow this tea, you will be amazed at how different it feels from ordinary tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea smoothly flows down your throat, leaving a pleasant sweetness from the root of your tongue to the back of your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a characteristic of high-quality tea. Although this product would command a high price overseas, the unique standards of Japanese quality allowed us to offer it at a realistic price.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Simply put, the definition of good tea is \"rich flavor.\" Richness refers to the deep, satisfying taste felt in the back of your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Using more tea leaves for cheaper tea increases bitterness but does not enhance the richness. Uji Sencha Jubuzan meets this definition of richness. Even with a small amount of tea leaves, it makes the water taste rich, providing deep satisfaction. It's similar to how high-quality kombu requires only a light touch in water to impart its flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Unlike typical Japanese tea with a strong amino acid flavor, this tea has a refreshing, clean scent, similar to oolong tea. It is perfect for those who enjoy oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Blind Spot of Organic Cultivation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There is a common belief that organic cultivation equals healthy and delicious. While organic cultivation is safe from a pesticide perspective, it does not necessarily mean the tea is delicious or healthy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To produce delicious vegetables, fruits, and tea, it is essential to grow the plants slowly to develop high cell density leaves, rich in polyphenols and minerals, resulting in a flavorful, rich sweetness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I have tasted many organically grown teas, but many of them were indistinguishable from regular tea in terms of quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This largely depends on the fertilizers used and the cultivation methods. Even organic fertilizers like compost act similarly to chemical fertilizers like nitrates.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Nitrogen stimulates vigorous growth, causing large cell growth, which results in fewer polyphenols and minerals, producing bland tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    My family grows apples, and when nitrogen fertilizer is applied, the leaves turn deep green and the apples grow larger. However, the apples taste bland and watery.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Regardless of organic or inorganic, growing tea naturally — like wild vegetables, slowly and robustly — is crucial for producing high-quality tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea grown under harsh conditions over time reflects its struggle in its quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea plant growing beside a mound of compost\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F5BD0218-AA80-494C-B5BC-DB0EF6FF4EED.png?v=1615373343\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea tree beside animal manure. The leaves are large and deep green, unlike typical tea trees. Tea made from such leaves will have a bland taste and little throat feel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Deep Pruning\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The more deeply a tea tree is pruned, the more vigorously it grows the following year.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Vigorous growth\" means larger cells with fewer minerals, resulting in lower-quality tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Deep pruning is common in high-production areas like Shizuoka and Kagoshima. By providing nitrogen and deep pruning, growth is accelerated, leaf size increases, and production volume rises.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High quality typically means lower production and rarity. It's unrealistic to expect both high quality and high production.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As with highland vegetables or delicious apples, slow growth results in high-density cells, producing flavorful food.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This applies not only to vegetables but also to fish. Farmed fish grown quickly and naturally grown fish grown slowly have similar differences.\n\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea plants growing among ferns and other greenery\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/36BD8751-6769-4876-A0A0-F4FCD9879400.png?v=1615373542\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Pruned tea leaves produce vigorous young branches and large green leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The More You Drink, the Sleepier You Get\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is not an issue with Uji Sencha Jubuzan. On the contrary, it is perfect for those seeking deep sleep.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High-mineral tea, which is considered \"premium tea\" in overseas markets, warms the body and makes you sleepy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While tea contains caffeine, known to prevent sleep if consumed excessively, high-quality tea's increased mineral content improves circulation, leading to sleepiness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Sencha Jubuzan contains abundant minerals, sometimes causing a light tea high, similar to the relaxation felt after drinking premium brandy, whiskey, or wine.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is not a psychological effect; continued drinking will make your face flush and feel relaxed and mellow.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although Japanese law prohibits specifying health benefits, foods that improve circulation also aid in relaxation, digestion, and sleep.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Experience it for yourself by drinking it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    About Jubuzan\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Hojicha Jubuzan is grown in Jubuzan, a mountain in Wazuka Town, Kyoto Prefecture.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wazuka Town, along with Ujitawara Town, Minamiyamashiro Village, Kasagi Town, Tsukigase, and Asamiya, has long been known as a producer of high-quality Uji tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The area, once the bottom of Lake Biwa, was uplifted, and subsequent erosion by the Nabari River created unique river terraces characteristic of Tsukigase.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The former lakebed contains extremely high-quality, fine-grained red soil.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, not all areas along the Nabari River have red soil; it is found only in tea gardens located at the top of mountains, untouched by erosion.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Conversely, areas shaped by river erosion contain more sand, producing ordinary Japanese tea with little throat feel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hillside cut showing layers of soil beside a tea field\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A6EBB7B9-616E-43ED-ABD4-42862ADBB459.png?v=1615373600\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Surroundings of Jubuzan: This area is covered with rich clayey red soil abundant in iron.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rows of tea plants on a hillside with forested mountains behind\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/FF8EF98F-AA64-4780-8851-1F22184250C1.png?v=1615373624\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Uji tea region: The unique environment of mountains and valleys creates significant temperature differences between day and night, producing high-quality tea.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The following diagram explains why red soil layers are found only at high altitudes. Erosion by the river has washed away the soil from the mountains, leaving the red soil layers in limited areas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Diagram of soil layers before and after river erosion, with tea garden positions\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/68B5DBE9-4495-411F-A5AA-3CECF68318B7.png?v=1615373695\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Made from Rare Native Varieties of Sencha\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Sencha Jubuzan is made from Zairai tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Zairai are often thought of as indigenous or original species native to Japan, but they are grown from seeds, resulting in diverse shapes, sizes, colors, aromas, and flavors within the same tea garden.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many high-quality teas in China are made from native varieties, often referred to as mixed varieties. Famous teas like Longjing are made from mixed varieties for high-quality products.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The following video introduces the tea-making of Tsukigase.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uOkkyHNm3sg\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\n\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932456579248,"sku":"g34ja","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932456612016,"sku":"g34jc","price":2900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932456644784,"sku":"g34jb","price":5400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (100g x 6 bags)","offer_id":44932456677552,"sku":"g34jv","price":14000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/513CB004-8453-4DA7-BD10-39AAA2EA9680.png?v=1737905762"},{"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":"s04","title":"Pu-erh Jasmine Pearl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    It is a rare jasmine tea that can only be made by us, as we stay in Yunnan for nearly two months every year to select teas according to our quality criteria.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Normally, jasmine tea is made of green tea. It has a strong jasmine flavor and a weak tea taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After trying many jasmine teas available in the market, we decided to produce our own jasmine tea using raw pu-erh tea. You might worry that raw pu-erh tea gives an odd flavor, like old furniture or a stale odor. This tea is totally different. On the first sip, you will enjoy an uplifting and refreshing jasmine bouquet, followed by a rich tea taste, a mellow drinking sensation, and a long-lasting aftertaste. This is not just an ordinary jasmine tea; it is a well-balanced jasmine tea in both taste and flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We carefully selected the base tea from a natural farming garden, which uses no pesticides or fertilizers. Thus, the tea grows slowly and is rich in minerals and tea substances, which you can tell by the deep lingering finish down the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/PJ9_480x480.jpg?v=1614962733\" alt=\"Jasmine Tea\" width=\"595\" height=\"385\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Why Use Pu-erh Tea for Jasmine Tea?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The reason for making jasmine tea from raw pu-erh tea is to achieve a richness in taste that cannot be obtained with ordinary tea leaves. The strength of the richness is reflected in the lingering flavor, and you can feel the jasmine flavor travel deep down the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0988-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jasmine Tea\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The raw pu-erh tea used in this production is of such high quality that it could be part of HOJO's standard raw pu-erh tea lineup. This tea is grown entirely naturally, in a mountain about 12 hours by car from Lincang, near the Myanmar border. This area has limited infrastructure, no proper tar or cement roads, and you need a jeep or tractor to reach the producers in the Lahu villages. These areas have very little rain and very dry mountains, populated with tea trees planted by their ancestors hundreds of years ago. As a tradition of ethnic minorities, they do not use fertilizers or pesticides, and weeds growing around the tea trees are left unattended. They only remove the weeds once a year before the spring harvest, and then the weeds are left untouched until the next spring. According to them, this method of growing tea trees has been continued for over 1,000 years. With this method, tea trees grow very slowly and produce very few leaves, so the tea leaves contain a high concentration of minerals. The quality of these tea leaves is among the highest in China, but because it is located in the mountains, we obtained the tea leaves at a realistic price and made jasmine tea with a rich taste that is unachievable with ordinary tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0974-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jasmine Tea\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea trees in the natural farming garden. Obviously, there are very few tea leaves on each tree.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0923-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jasmine Tea\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Jasmine Raw Pu-erh Tea Resembles White or Green Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When you hear about jasmine raw pu-erh tea, you might think, \"Did you make jasmine tea with the brown-colored tea that tastes musty like old furniture?\" Many people associate pu-erh tea with dark-colored ripe pu-erh tea, which is made by microbial fermentation. Ripe pu-erh is a tea developed in the 1970s and has a history of about 40 years. On the other hand, raw pu-erh tea is dried under the sun after being heated in the same way as green tea, but for raw pu-erh tea, some remaining enzymes are activated during the sun-drying process, making it a semi-fermented tea. In other words, from the viewpoint of manufacturing methods, raw pu-erh is very close to white tea, green tea, or Taiwanese oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_10941-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jasmine Tea\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves of raw pu-erh tea are green.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Enjoy the Lingering Sweetish Taste of Minerals Unavailable in Ordinary Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, it is said that the higher the quality of tea, the softer the taste, and after drinking such tea, the warmer the body feels. Drinking pu-erh jasmine tea makes your face blush and your body warm rapidly. This is because the minerals aid in improving blood circulation throughout the body, including the face. Depending on the amount you drink, you may feel too relaxed and experience a \"tea drunk\" feeling, which is a feeling of tipsiness caused by lowering blood pressure and improving blood circulation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    How is the Jasmine Flavor Achieved?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The scenting process is conducted in Guangxi, the hub of jasmine flower plantations in China. Only fresh jasmine flowers of the right size are used, and the scenting is conducted repeatedly at night, at least five times, to produce the utmost quality of jasmine tea. Each time, fresh jasmine flowers are blended with the tea overnight to let the tea absorb the natural jasmine fragrance when the flowers bloom at night.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/jasmine03.jpg\" alt=\"Jasmine Tea\" width=\"316\" height=\"237\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/jasmine02.jpg\" alt=\"Jasmine Tea\" width=\"316\" height=\"237\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    With fresh jasmine flowers, the outcome of scented jasmine tea is totally different from commercial jasmine tea, which is perfumed with essential oil. The pu-erh jasmine pearl is scented with fresh jasmine flowers for many nights, so the jasmine flavor lasts for several brews. After brewing, the jasmine flavor still remains on the brewed leaf, unlike perfumed jasmine tea, where the flavor reduces drastically after the second brew.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/jasmine01_480x480.jpg?v=1615018250\" alt=\"Jasmine Tea\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea in pearl shape is mixed with fresh jasmine flowers and proceeds for scenting overnight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/Jasmine_02_480x480.jpg?v=1615018361\" alt=\"Jasmine Tea\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The next morning, the jasmine flowers are sieved and separated from the tea, and the tea will be dried and kept for the next scenting with fresh jasmine flowers again.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932450549936,"sku":"s04ca","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932450582704,"sku":"s04cc","price":3900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932450615472,"sku":"s04cb","price":7600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932450648240,"sku":"s04cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5267.jpg?v=1737905683"},{"product_id":"s01","title":"Jasmine Pearl","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n     Until now, HOJO has been using green tea made from tea leaves from Fujian Province to produce Jasmine Pearls. However, in recent years, the price of tea leaves from Fujian Province has skyrocketed due to the influence of the white tea market, leading to a significant increase in the price of jasmine tea as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe wanted to continue supplying high-quality tea at the same price as before, so we decided to explore green tea raw materials suitable for jasmine tea outside Fujian Province.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter several years of examining green tea from various production areas in China in terms of quality, pesticide use, supply stability, and price, we found excellent raw materials in Yunnan Province.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYunnan Province's tea gardens are located at altitudes above 1500m, and since almost no fertilizer is used, the tea grows slowly, resulting in less bitterness and higher quality tea.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBecause the base tea quality is high, we used one bud and one leaf (one bud and one leaf) to make Jasmine Pearls (Jasmine Longzhu), instead of just the buds as before, but the result is still smooth and without bitterness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy using one bud and one leaf instead of just the buds, we were able to reduce costs, allowing us to offer the product at a lower price than before. This is a highly cost-effective and affordable product.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are selected from March pluckings, which are plucked during a very cold period, so the components accumulated during the winter are concentrated in the new buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fresh flavor of green tea reminiscent of spring and the floral scent of jasmine combine to create a very elegant and rich flavor. Particularly, first-time drinkers will be surprised by the depth of flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor lingers in the throat, and you can feel the deliciousness of the tea throughout from the mouth to the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is the tea we most want you to experience first among HOJO's lineup, and it is also ideal for those new to Chinese tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    A Custom Jasmine Tea with No Compromises in Raw Green Tea, Jasmine Flowers, and Production Methods\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Do you know what determines the quality of jasmine tea? It is often thought that the quality is determined by the jasmine flavor, but this is not the case.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While the jasmine scent is naturally expected, more important is the quality of the tea leaves used in jasmine tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Some customers misunderstand jasmine tea as \"tea made from jasmine flowers\" or \"tea made from jasmine leaves,\" but proper jasmine tea refers to tea leaves that have absorbed the scent of jasmine flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, the quality of the tea leaves used greatly reflects the final quality of jasmine tea. The highest quality jasmine tea is made from tea buds plucked in the spring.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Incidentally, the tea plucking period can be identified by the ratio of white to black parts of the tea leaves. Early-plucked tea has more white parts, and even the darker parts are more silver in color.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We select March-plucked tea leaves. These are plucked during a very cold period, so the components accumulated during the winter are concentrated in the new buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fresh flavor of green tea reminiscent of spring and the floral scent of jasmine combine to create a very elegant and rich flavor. The depth of flavor is particularly noteworthy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor lingers in the throat, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness of the tea from the mouth to the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have fundamentally reviewed the quality of the raw tea leaves to create a quality that ordinary Jasmine Pearls cannot match.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Brewing is Easy with a Glass\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    You don't need special tea utensils to drink jasmine tea. Using a long glass, anyone can easily enjoy jasmine tea. Below is a picture of jasmine tea leaves opening in a long glass filled with hot water.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tall glass on a wooden coaster with dry tea pearls at the bottom\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5374924B-FB6A-4C2B-8421-593BCC4762CE.png?v=1615904774\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Add a teaspoon of tea leaves. There's no need to be greedy and add a lot.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tall glass just filled with hot water, bubbles around the tea pearls\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/956F43E7-DB38-4180-8964-43381E3CF89B.png?v=1615904796\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Let the boiled water cool a bit and gently pour it into the glass at 80-85℃.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea pearls starting to open in a tall glass of water\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5BC2B78E-F174-4ADC-8BF2-BBA2F57F0F5B.png?v=1615904811\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tea leaves will start to open immediately. It is said that the higher the quality, the faster they open.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Opened green tea leaves resting at the bottom of a glass\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/58E6A64A-6241-4AD9-BF1B-A089587DFFCD.png?v=1615904834\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You may feel inclined to shake the glass, but to get a delicate taste, please leave it undisturbed.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Opened yellow-green tea leaves at the bottom of a clear glass\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/FCD3BB3A-E78E-4022-A730-B5CD195ED8D2.png?v=1615904855\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e After 3 minutes, the hairs on the tea leaves will detach and float in the water. Gently swirl to even out the concentration.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Fully opened tea leaves and pale yellow tea in a glass\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A793204A-F42F-4641-8F03-504EDDB1D748.png?v=1615904872\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e After finishing your tea, add more hot water. You can brew it 5-6 times.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Deliciousness of Cold Brew\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    HOJO's jasmine tea is made from green tea made only from soft buds harvested right after winter. This tea, traditionally used for white tea, is surprisingly delicious when cold brewed, astonishing even your family!\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Making it is very simple!\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003ePrepare about 1000ml of water for 5g (example). Using boiled water that has cooled will improve the flavor and taste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eDo not use a teapot. Put the tea leaves and water in a plastic or glass container, such as a PET bottle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003ePlace the container in the refrigerator for several hours or more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eIt is ready to drink when the tea leaves have fully opened.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The advantage of cold brew is its very mellow taste and sweet aftertaste, and it is safe to store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days without any issues.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you make too much, you can freeze it into ice cubes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two glass teapots, one with dry tea pearls and one with opened leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D5B0A28A-747E-47CE-88CE-30BE6E46705F.png?v=1615905045\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    What Differentiates Our Product from Others? - Detailed Explanation of the Differences in Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Oh! I know this tea!\" they say.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many people think that all jasmine tea in a pearl shape is the same type.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, did you know that the spherical jasmine tea \"Jasmine Pearl\" is produced by hundreds or thousands of different producers in China, Taiwan, and India? Each company produces similar-shaped jasmine tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, even if the shape is the same, there are significant differences in quality and price. The purpose of shaping the tea into spheres is to make it easier to mix with jasmine flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, the mixing method, the type of jasmine used, the type of tea leaves, the tea leaf processing method, and many other factors greatly influence the quality. The most important factor affecting quality is the quality of the green tea used.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Green tea begins to be harvested in March, followed by April, May, June, and even autumn pickings that circulate in the market.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At HOJO, we use March-plucked green tea, and by seeking green tea produced with minimal use of fertilizers, we emphasize the richness of the aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rolled tea pearls pouring onto a wire sieve\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D0075DA9-051C-4813-BBA8-E613AD5A6BCC.png?v=1615905316\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cbr\u003e Before being shipped, the jasmine tea is sieved and visually inspected in Japan.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The History and Culture of Jasmine Pearl - Why Chinese Quality is the Best\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Jasmine flowers originate from Iran. It is said that jasmine flowers were brought to China via the Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty, and it has been 1,700 years since jasmine entered China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Initially, jasmine flowers were used solely for decoration. The practice of using jasmine flowers for tea began in Guangdong Province around the Southern Song period (1240).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During the Ming Dynasty, the technology to infuse tea leaves with jasmine aroma dramatically improved, establishing methods for selecting raw materials, blending recipes, and drying methods, creating a manualized process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Large-scale industrial production began in Fuzhou during the Qing Dynasty. By 1900, the production of jasmine tea in Fuzhou reached 1,500 tons.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At its peak (1928-1938), the total production of jasmine tea reached 7,500 tons. By the end of the 19th century, foreign trading companies had established offices in Fuzhou, making jasmine tea an important trade item with foreign countries.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand pouring tea from a white lidded cup into a blue patterned vessel\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A347B9A1-FD3B-47BA-9247-F2E529EDAE5A.png?v=1615905428\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As its popularity increased, the production of jasmine tea expanded from the south to the north and east (Zhejiang, Sichuan, Hunan, Guangxi, Yunnan).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, jasmine cannot grow in cold environments, and in colder regions, the flowers had to be moved indoors with heating.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to the high costs of managing this, northern production companies found it unprofitable and were eliminated. Jasmine's aroma also attracted the attention of Taiwanese tea traders.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In 1873, tea leaves were exported from Taiwan to Fuzhou for commissioned processing to add jasmine aroma. By 1882, Taiwanese traders had brought jasmine seeds back and began cultivation in Taiwan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By 1939, the production of jasmine tea in Taiwan had reached 1,300 tons per year. However, due to Taiwan's unique climate, the aroma of jasmine flowers was inferior compared to those from China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 1980, the Guangxi government has made great efforts to expand jasmine tea production. At the same time, Guangxi was recognized as the production area for jasmine flowers by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to these series of reforms, Guangxi's jasmine gardens are now the largest and known for producing high-quality jasmine.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Importance of the Encounter Between Excellent Tea Leaves and Flowers for the Best Jasmine Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A heap of white jasmine flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1005BF6E-9940-41DC-AB50-99F3077253C0.png?v=1615905470\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Jasmine Flowers\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Jasmine buds on a stem among green leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E3FA8C7F-3C05-4C79-9011-AAF99BC2636C.png?v=1615905491\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Jasmine Flowers\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Jasmine naturally prefers tropical climates and requires temperatures above 20°C. So far, it has been proven that Guangxi's jasmine cultivation areas are most suitable for growth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This region is located in a subtropical monsoon climate. Thanks to this climate, jasmine can easily overwinter, with no concerns about freezing or frost.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During the flowering period, the atmospheric temperature should ideally be above 25°C. The jasmine gardens are located on the slopes of hilly areas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This location provides good drainage and ample sunlight for jasmine. Additionally, the land is very fertile, producing large, fragrant flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to this quality advantage, it is said that the same level of aroma can be achieved with 70% of the quantity of other flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Until around 2010, the main tea leaves used for jasmine tea production were the Fuding Dabai variety from Fujian Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, due to the white tea boom in Fujian Province, the price of white tea soared, and many green tea farmers producing jasmine tea switched to white tea production.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While some farmers still produce green tea for jasmine tea, the prices have risen significantly, drawing attention to green tea from Yunnan Province in recent years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At HOJO, we use green tea from Yunnan Province for Jasmine Pearl and blend buds from Yunnan and Fuding to create the ideal flavor for Jasmine Pearl Special.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rolled tea pearls scattered on a gray surface\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/67C25A5B-A826-40A8-8A9D-043018516748.png?v=1615905564\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Jasmine Flowers\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A jasmine field with white flowers under a blue sky\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A802C54E-2340-4DC2-9642-CBE3F4AD1E3D.png?v=1615905623\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Jasmine Flower Fields\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Jasmine flowers can be broadly divided into three groups.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eSingle-Petal Jasmine\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eDouble-Petal Jasmine\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eMulti-Petal Jasmine\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    ① Single-Petal Jasmine\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Before 1963, this type of jasmine was mainly cultivated for jasmine tea processing. Compared to Double-Petal Jasmine (8-9 am), this type blooms earlier (6-7 am). Its production is very low, and the yield per unit area is about half of that of Double-Petal Jasmine. Additionally, it is very susceptible to disease and has low environmental adaptability, so it is rarely cultivated in recent years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    ② Double-Petal Jasmine\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to its high production, strong environmental adaptability, simultaneous blooming, and strong aroma, it is suitable for jasmine tea production.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    ③ Multi-Petal Jasmine\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After plucking, the flowers bloom from 7 to 8 am. However, because the blooming is not uniform and occurs gradually and randomly, it is not suitable for jasmine tea processing due to its weak aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The harvesting period of flowers is not fixed due to differences in climate and growth conditions in various regions. Generally, it is divided into four main seasons.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eSpring Flowers: Generally from May to June, producing 15% of the annual yield.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eSummer Flowers: Generally in July, producing 30% of the annual yield.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e伏花 (Summer End Flowers): Generally in August, producing 30% of the annual yield.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eAutumn Flowers: Generally from September to October, producing 25% of the annual yield.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person in a conical hat plucking flowers in a jasmine field\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A16B5FFC-EEF4-4DB4-BED3-89487576FB66.png?v=1615905717\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Jasmine flowers spread over tea pearls\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1C0BB25B-3086-4B5B-A494-C0D15EA61F74.png?v=1615905691\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During spring, the yield is low, and the quality is inferior due to low environmental temperatures and lack of accumulated nutrients in the plants. Flowers harvested in early spring and late autumn are small and yellowish.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    They are not suitable for jasmine tea processing because they rarely bloom. The most suitable flowers for jasmine tea processing are those harvested in summer and late summer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High temperatures, sufficient sunlight, and rain during these periods create more flowers, larger sizes, and better quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When harvesting, it is crucial to ensure that the plucked flowers bloom at night. Therefore, the flowers are carefully selected for jasmine tea processing. The criteria for flower plucking are as follows.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe petals are intact and white, with long stems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eGreen-petaled flowers do not bloom, so they are not plucked.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eFlowers that have already bloomed lose most of their fragrance, so they are not plucked.\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    Processing - All Made by Hand\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Jasmine Pearl is made through an extremely complex hand-crafted process. The green tea is processed in early spring and then stored until the jasmine season (summer). During the scenting process, excessive care is taken to ensure the best aroma is absorbed into the tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Processing Green Tea for Jasmine Tea\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Why are high-quality jasmine teas spherical? All high-quality jasmine teas are in pearl form.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Do you know the reason for this shape? It is actually to facilitate smooth mixing and distribution with jasmine flowers by processing the tea leaves into spheres to match the shape and size of jasmine buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The spherical tea leaves and jasmine buds mix well together.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production of Jasmine Pearl involves the following steps.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eIndoor Withering\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003ePan Frying: Enzyme Deactivation\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eFirst Drying\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eRolling\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eSecond Drying\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eGrading\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eRe-firing\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eCooling\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Below are the details of each process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Indoor Withering\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After plucking, the tea leaves are carefully spread in a thin layer. Damaged leaves turn brown or black, affecting the final product's quality. The withering process continues until the tea leaves' moisture content reaches 70%. Withering reduces the grassy aroma, bitterness, and astringency, increasing the proportion of amino acids, resulting in a stronger sweetness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Pan Frying: Enzyme Deactivation\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are rapidly heated by passing through a drum heated to 260°C, deactivating the enzyme (polyphenol oxidase).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At the same time, high-temperature processing helps to remove the grassy aroma. Heating makes the tea leaves softer, making them suitable for the subsequent rolling process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    First Drying\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are dried in a drying machine until their moisture content reaches 30%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Rolling\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After drying, the tea leaves are cooled and then moved to the rolling process, which is done entirely by hand. The characteristic pearl shape is made to increase the surface area, making it easier to absorb the jasmine aroma. Because it is all done by hand, even skilled craftsmen can only produce 2kg of the product per day.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Second Drying\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The rolled tea leaves are dried again in a drying machine. Initially, the temperature is set high at 110-120°C, then adjusted to a lower temperature of 95-105°C. After drying, the product contains 7% moisture. The dried tea leaves are stored in a warehouse until the jasmine season. During storage, they are kept in vacuum containers in a shaded, cool place to maintain the moisture level below 9%. The tea leaves are pre-treated before the scenting process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Grading\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaf pearls are sieved and graded by size, while fragments and uneven leaves are removed.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Re-firing\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are dried again in a drying machine. The temperature is kept low (100-110°C) to avoid giving the tea leaves a burnt smell. Drying evaporates the moisture absorbed during storage and volatilizes any attached aromas. The final product's moisture content is below 5%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Cooling\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The dried tea leaves are cooled to 60-80°C. The tea leaves are spread in a thin layer and cooled to a temperature 1-3°C higher than room temperature. If the tea leaves are not sufficiently cooled, it affects the subsequent scenting process. Jasmine flowers are very sensitive to changes in ambient temperature, and low temperatures are necessary for blooming.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea pearls opening in a glass as hot water is poured in\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D59BFD25-326B-4433-85ED-C93EB152B84A.png?v=1615905842\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman pouring hot water from a kettle into two glasses with tea pearls\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/942300DA-FE1B-405C-ACFD-CCDF91D0FA92.png?v=1615905812\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two glasses of yellow-green tea with opened leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A1E436F8-F5CB-4617-BBA6-AA3A1F4C8A00.png?v=1615905867\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Preparing Flowers for Jasmine Tea Production - Strict Quality Control Like a Florist!\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Freshly plucked jasmine flowers are managed based on the following criteria.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Cooling\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During transportation to the factory, the flowers continue to breathe, gradually increasing the temperature to 38°C. This temperature rise affects blooming in later stages, so the flowers are spread in a thin layer of less than 10cm. If the flowers are harvested after rain, they are spread in an even thinner layer, and an air blower is used to volatilize the moisture.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Fresh Flower Care\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This process strictly controls the temperature of the piled flowers. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the flowers bloom when needed. Jasmine flowers are very sensitive to temperature changes. To bloom as scheduled, the flower temperature must be maintained at 32-37°C. If the temperature of the piled flowers falls below 30°C, the thickness is increased to raise the temperature, and if it exceeds 38°C, the layer is thinned to lower the temperature.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Sieving\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When about 60% of the flowers have bloomed, they are sieved. The purpose of sieving is to grade the flowers by size and to remove green buds and stems. Only flowers of uniform size are collected and used. This is important to ensure they bloom at the same time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A thick layer of small jasmine flowers over tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B2FFCD95-F248-429D-BA6A-A098D1DEFC4E.png?v=1615905978\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Jasmine buds piled on a white plate\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/8697A9F9-C1DC-4378-AE2B-5EDABE31A3AC.png?v=1615905994\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Mixing Tea Leaves and Jasmine Flowers - First-Class Care\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a very important process that greatly affects the quality of the final product. Here are the five important factors.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    1) Tea Leaves and Flowers Mixing Ratio\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The amount of flowers used depends on the grade of the final product. Higher-quality products require more flowers. To make 100kg of the highest grade jasmine tea, 100kg of flowers are needed. The 100kg of flowers are used in four rounds: 1) first scenting: 38kg, 2) second scenting: 30kg, 3) third scenting: 26kg, and 4) fourth scenting: 6kg. For first-grade products, the final scenting is not performed. For lower-grade jasmine tea, the tea leaves are scented with used flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    2) Blooming Ratio\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When more than 80% of the flowers have bloomed, the tea leaves and flowers are mixed. If mixed before sufficient blooming, the flowers will be crushed by the weight of the tea leaves and will not bloom further. Also, larger, fully bloomed flowers have a larger surface area, making scenting more efficient.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    3) Moisture Content\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During scenting, the moisture content of the tea leaves is maintained at 4-4.5%. After scenting, the moisture content of the tea leaves increases significantly. However, it is necessary to manage it so that the moisture content does not exceed 18%. If the moisture content exceeds 18%, the flowers begin to deteriorate, producing an unpleasant odor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    4) Thickness of Piled Flowers and Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purpose of adjusting the thickness is to manage the temperature of the tea leaves and flowers. Generally, a thickness of 30-40cm is used, but the thickness is adjusted as needed based on various external factors.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    5) Mixing Tea Leaves and Flowers\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The process must be done quickly. The longer it takes, the more the flower aroma dissipates.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Jasmine flowers spread over tea pearls\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1C0BB25B-3086-4B5B-A494-C0D15EA61F74_3566da54-10e1-4583-96ca-3748e3b29431.png?v=1615906045\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mixing Jasmine Flowers and Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The mixing process is carried out entirely by hand. First, the tea leaves and flowers are divided into 3-5 groups. The first group is spread in a layer of 10-15cm.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    On top of that, the flowers of the first group are piled. Similarly, each layer alternates between tea leaves and flowers. Finally, a rake is used to mix. The mixture of flowers and tea leaves is then left undisturbed for 5-6 hours.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    通花 (Ventilation)\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ventilation is carried out for three main reasons:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eTo lower the temperature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eTo provide air to the flowers, promoting continuous blooming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eTo release carbon dioxide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Craftsmen use a rake to spread the mixture of tea leaves and flowers to a thickness of 10-15cm. This process is repeated every 15 minutes and continues for an hour. After that, the thickness of the layers of tea leaves and flowers is adjusted according to the temperature changes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In total, the scenting process takes 10-12 hours. If the temperature drops, the aroma is not fully absorbed, and if it rises too much, the flowers turn yellow and impart a spoiled smell to the tea, so temperature control is a very important factor in determining the quality of jasmine tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    起花 (Flower Separation) - Separating Flowers and Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once scenting is complete, the old flowers are removed. If the timing of removal is delayed, the flowers deteriorate and transfer an unpleasant odor to the tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Jasmine flowers mixed with dark tea pearls, some petals browning\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9FEA5AC7-4F1F-4176-82EC-C904C43112D7.png?v=1615906099\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Jasmine Flowers Fully Bloomed Overnight\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Jasmine flowers spread over a perforated metal tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/62754C6C-617F-4587-A6F3-FB086560A056.png?v=1615906113\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Once the flowers open, they become larger than the tea leaves (pearls) and can be easily removed by sieving.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    烘焙 (Hong-bei) - Drying\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The scented tea leaves are dried in a drying machine. The drying conditions vary depending on the number of scenting rounds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eFirst Scenting - 110-120°C, Moisture Content 5.0-5.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eSecond Scenting - 100-110°C, Moisture Content 5.5-6.0%\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThird Scenting - 90-100°C, Moisture Content 6.0-6.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After drying, the tea leaves must be cooled to below 40°C. Once cooled, the tea leaves proceed to the next round of scenting.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    提花 (Ti-hua) - Final Scenting\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This process adds a very fresh flower aroma to the jasmine tea. The purpose of the final scenting is to enhance the jasmine aroma and impart the fresh scent of raw flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The highest quality jasmine flowers (large petals, white color, strong aroma) are used for this process. To preserve the natural flower aroma, the tea leaves are not dried after the final scenting.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Before the final scenting, the moisture content of the tea leaves is analyzed, and the amount of flowers to be used is calculated to ensure the final product's moisture content is below 8.5%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A navy HOJO tea tin beside a lidded cup and tea tools\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/96AB11C7-99B0-40B5-B3DF-3482FA0DE1F2.png?v=1615906182\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Comments\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman tipping tea pearls from a small dish into a lidded cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5AF38A32-E738-4806-99C5-B23820B5D03D.png?v=1615906243\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932450189488,"sku":"s01ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932450222256,"sku":"s01cc","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932450255024,"sku":"s01cb","price":7200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932450287792,"sku":"s01cv","price":18100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/jasmine-pearl.jpg?v=1737905677"},{"product_id":"o89","title":"Huang Jin Gui","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHuang Jin Gui is a tea with a very distinctive floral flavor. This tea is very popular in Anxi alongside Tie Guan Yin.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    Anxi, One of the Three Major Production Areas of Chinese Oolong Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    Anxi in Fujian Province is known as the homeland of Taiwanese tea and is one of the three major oolong tea production areas in China, along with Wuyishan and Chaozhou for Phoenix oolong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    Anxi has high-altitude tea-producing areas, and the entire region consists of red soil, which is rich in iron, contributing to the strong aftertaste of the tea. As a result, even with moderate fertilization, the tea produced in Anxi has a distinctly rich taste compared to other regions. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHistorical records of tea show that Anxi's oolong tea technology had already developed significantly by the 1600s. It is said that tea masters from Anxi brought oolong tea-making techniques to the famous Wuyishan. As evidence, a certain number of people in Wuyishan speak Minnan dialect, which is the dialect of Anxi.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Terraced tea fields on a hillside under mist\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8595\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7652-2.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7652-2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Terraced tea fields rising up a hillside beside a paved path\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8596\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7654-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7654-1.jpg\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    Huang Jin Gui: Popular for Its Brilliant Flavor, Second Only to Tie Guan Yin\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    Anxi has many distinctive tea varieties. The most famous is Tie Guan Yin, but Huang Jin Gui, with its unique flavor, is arguably the second most popular tea in Anxi.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    The name Huang Jin Gui is not a variety name. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHuang Jin Gui is made from a variety called Huang Dan. Generally, oolong tea made from Huang Dan is called Huang Jin Gui. The name Huang Jin Gui is not specific to a particular processing method; oolong tea made from Huang Dan is called Huang Jin Gui regardless of whether it is lightly fermented, medium roasted, or heavily roasted. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe name Huang Jin Gui means \"golden osmanthus.\" It is named for its golden infusion color and the sweet, floral flavor reminiscent of osmanthus flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rolled oolong tea leaves in a small white dish\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8593\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7615-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7615-1.jpg\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Opened oolong tea leaves after steeping in a white bowl\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8591\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7620-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7620-1.jpg\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    Bright and Milky Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    The tea is made similarly to Tie Guan Yin, harvested at a mature stage and the poly phenol enzyme fully fermented. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis product is lightly roasted to enhance its sweet flavor, making the sweetness noticeable when sipped. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt has a floral and slightly milky fragrance, with a faint toastiness. It pairs very well with meals and complements a wide variety of cuisines, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs it is a highly fermented tea, it is not recommended for cold brewing. However, brewing it strong and then diluting it with cold water to make iced tea is very enjoyable in hot weather.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A cup of golden oolong tea beside a bowl of steeped leaves\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8590\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7619-2.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7619-2.jpg\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    In terms of quality, it has a pleasantly long aftertaste, a solid body, and a rounded, rich flavor. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe concept behind sourcing this tea was to offer a delicious oolong tea suitable for everyday drinking. Therefore, we have chosen this tea with a balance of price and quality in mind.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932439900336,"sku":"o89ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g (in can)","offer_id":44932439933104,"sku":"o89cc","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g (large bag\/80g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932439965872,"sku":"o89cb","price":10300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"720g value pack (large bag [80g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932439998640,"sku":"o89cv","price":25700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7615.jpg?v=1737905544"},{"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":"o102","title":"Phoenix Oolong Lao Cong Gong Xiang 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is sourced from Qixing'an Village (七星案村) at an altitude of approximately 900m. \n    Gong Xiang (貢香) is known for its exceptionally strong fragrance among various Phoenix Dan Cong varieties.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A heap of dark, twisted dry oolong leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8692.jpg?v=1737905518\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The name \"Gong Xiang\" conveys the idea of a tea that stands out with its bright and prominent flavor. \n    Upon sipping, it releases a strong top note that flows from the mouth to the nose, followed by a long-lasting lingering fragrance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Through a low-temperature charcoal roasting process, this tea achieves a refreshing Qing Xiang (清香) aroma. \n    It carries berry-like fragrances reminiscent of raspberry, cherry, mulberry, and strawberry, \n    combined with the fresh floral scent of ginger blossoms.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Being an \"Lao Cong\" (老欉) tea harvested from old trees, this is a premium-grade tea. \n    It commands a higher price but offers exceptional flavor and aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    What is Lao Cong in Phoenix Dan Cong?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the context of Phoenix Dan Cong, Lao Cong refers to tea made from older tea trees. However, there is no strict definition of what qualifies as \n    Lao Cong, as the age criteria vary by cultivar and producer. Generally, older trees grow more slowly than younger ones, resulting in a longer-lasting \n    aftertaste and deeper complexity, making Lao Cong teas some of the most sought-after and high-end selections in Phoenix Dan Cong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea trees beside a path in a misty tea garden\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4014.jpg\" width=\"680\" height=\"453\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hojo-phoenix-common\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe frequently visit Fenghuang Town in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, to source high-quality Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong tea directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7967.jpg\" alt=\"An old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7986.jpg\" alt=\"Tea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong Dan Cong teas, tea harvested from especially old trees is called \"Lao Cong.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\na:hover {\n    background-color: #333; \/* Invert background color on hover *\/\n    color: #f0f0e0; \/* Invert text color on hover *\/\n    box-shadow: 0 12px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3); \/* Add depth with a stronger shadow *\/\n    transform: translateY(-5px); \/* Slightly lift on hover *\/\n    text-decoration: none;\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":44932437803184,"sku":"o102ca","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"40g (in can)","offer_id":44932437835952,"sku":"o102cc","price":6300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g (large bag\/40g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932437868720,"sku":"o102cb","price":18400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"360g value pack (large bag [40g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932437901488,"sku":"o102cv","price":45000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8692.jpg?v=1737905518"},{"product_id":"o128","title":"Anxi Traditional Oolong","description":"\u003cimg alt=\"Pile of rolled green-brown dry tea leaves on a white background\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0250.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9573\"\u003e Anxi, located in Fujian province, China, is celebrated for its Tie Guan Yin tea. However, the Traditional Anxi Oolong from this region boasts a unique fruity flavour, distinguishing it from Tie Guan Yin.\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Anxi: A Renowned Hub for Oolong Tea Production in China\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\nFujian Province, renowned for its rich tea heritage, boasts several prominent tea producing regions like Fuzhou, Fuding, Anxi, and Wuyishan. Among these, Anxi stands out as a distinguished origin of oolong tea. Anxi oolong tea, alongside Wuyishan and Phoenix Dan Cong teas, holds the esteemed title of one of China's three major oolong teas. At the forefront of Anxi's tea culture is the oolong tea crafted from the Tie Guan Yin cultivar, while recent years have seen the rise of other popular cultivars like Huang Jin Gui. \u003cimg alt=\"Terraced tea fields on a mountain slope\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7647.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9574\"\u003e Anxi, known for its expertise in oolong tea production, played a significant role in transmitting tea manufacturing methods to Taiwan. However, there are notable differences in the production process between the two regions. In Taiwan, oolong tea is crafted using relatively younger tea leaves and undergoes a lighter level of enzymatic fermentation compared to Anxi. Consequently, Taiwanese oolong tea showcases refreshing qualities akin to green tea, with a delicate mouthfeel. On the other hand, Anxi's oolong tea employs more mature tea leaves and undergoes a deeper fermentation process, resulting in robust flavours and aromas synonymous with oolong tea. Moreover, the finishing method further diversifies the flavour profile. Anxi oolong teas are often categorized based on their finishing method: those with floral fragrances, known as Qing Xiang, or those subjected to roasting to enhance nutty flavours. These distinctions contribute to the diverse range of flavours and experiences offered by Anxi's oolong teas. \u003cimg alt=\"Green mountain slopes with clouds and scattered houses\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7687.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9575\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Distinctive fruity fragrance achieved through deep fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\nThe Traditional Anxi Oolong Tea is a blend crafted from three distinct cultivars, Tie Guan Yin, Mao Xie, and Ben Shan, cultivated at a high altitude of around 1000m in Anxi Datong village. Characterized by its traditional style, this tea undergoes an extended fermentation process. By adopting a Qing Xiang finishing method, this tea stands out from modern Tie Guan Yin varieties, renowned for their orchid like flavour, instead offering a fragrance reminiscent of tropical fruits. In today's tea market, teas requiring meticulous work and prolonged fermentation are increasingly rare and challenging to find, making Traditional Anxi Oolong Tea a prized and unique find for tea enthusiasts. \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed tea leaves with green and reddish tones in a white dish\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0268.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9571\"\u003e As a result of its meticulous fermentation process, this tea boasts a visually striking appearance reminiscent of the vibrant colours of autumn leaves. When brewed, the liquor takes on a rich, deep ochre hue, enhancing the overall sensory experience of enjoying this exquisite tea. \u003cimg alt=\"Deep golden-yellow tea liquor in a white cup\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0265.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9572\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    A distinctive fragrance reminiscent of tropical fruits and starch syrup\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\nUpon tasting, the captivating flavour of this tea unfolds with delightful notes reminiscent of tropical fruits such as pineapple, pomegranate, and guava, accompanied by a lingering sweetness akin to syrup. Its robust body, derived from the inclusion of the Mao Xie cultivar, envelops the palate with a satisfying fullness, offering a truly indulgent experience. As each sip is savoured, the flavour expands, creating a vibrant and elegant sensation that lingers on the palate long after the tea is consumed. Moreover, the tea boasts a moderate depth of finishing, making it effortlessly enjoyable for tea enthusiasts of all preferences.","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932434690224,"sku":"o128ca","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g (in can)","offer_id":44932434722992,"sku":"o128cc","price":3200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g (large bag\/80g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932434755760,"sku":"o128cb","price":9400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"720g value pack (large bag [80g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932434788528,"sku":"o128cv","price":23300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0250.jpg?v=1737905476"},{"product_id":"o63","title":"MEdium Fired Tie Guan Yin","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Name Tie Guan Yin\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tie Guan Yin is a very famous tea, so many people have probably heard of it at least once. Tie Guan Yin is not the name of a tea-making method, but rather it refers to a tea made from the Tie Guan Yin cultivar. Just as apples have different cultivars like Fuji, Jonathan, and Golden Delicious, tea also has many cultivars, and Tie Guan Yin is one of them. The characteristic of Tie Guan Yin is that it grows slower than other cultivars, resulting in a strong aftertaste and long finish. Additionally, when semi-fermented, Tie Guan Yin has a floral flavor reminiscent of orchid blossoms.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2195.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Hand holding out a small white cup of pale yellow tea\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2195.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-595\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Spread of Oolong Tea from Wuyi Mountain to Anxi and Taiwan\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Anxi is a county located north of Xiamen, and it is one of the three major oolong tea producing regions in China along with Fenghuang and Wuyi Mountain.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    According to the \"Tea Doctrine\" written by Wang Zi, the magistrate of Chong'an County in 1706, \"As the popularity of Wuyi Mountain's oolong tea rises, the method of making Wuyi Mountain's oolong tea is being imitated in Anxi.\" However, another historical fact suggests that people from Anxi were involved in tea making in Wuyi Mountain and later returned to their hometown of Anxi to start making oolong tea. As evidence, some tea producers in Wuyi Mountain speak Min Nan, a dialect of Anxi.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After the oolong tea-making method was transmitted to Anxi, the tea in Anxi evolved uniquely with the development of original processing methods like Baozhong (a method of rolling tea leaves into a ball shape). Today, Anxi is a very popular oolong tea producing region both in China and abroad.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, Anxi is one of the hometowns of Chinese people who have emigrated to Southeast Asia. Many Taiwanese, Malaysian and Singaporean people's ancestors also come from Quanzhou and Xiamen, including Anxi. Historically, the tradition of tea making in Anxi was brought to Taiwan by immigrants from the Min Nan ethnic group, which laid the foundation for today's Taiwanese oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    High-Altitude Tea Gardens Produce Superior Tie Guan Yin\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As with other teas, the higher the altitude, the better the quality of Tie Guan Yin. When we talk about altitude, we tend to focus on Darjeeling and Taiwanese high mountain teas, but in fact, altitude is a very important factor that influences the quality of all types of tea. Higher altitude results in a longer aftertaste, reduced bitterness, and a better quality flavor, making the flavor feel stronger. The Medium Fired Tie Guan Yin we are introducing today is made in Daping Village, Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China. The tea garden is located at an altitude of 1000m to 1300m.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7705.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Terraced fields spreading across misty mountains\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7705.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6205\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ciframe height=\"354\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2bYHTuxmIuY\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Medium-Roast Balancing Orchid Flavor and Toastiness\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Medium-roast refers to a tea finishing method where the tea is roasted to a medium degree. While light-roast Tie Guan Yin is also famous, I believe that medium-roast is the most popular style in China. Medium-roast Tie Guan Yin has both a floral flavor reminiscent of orchids and a toasty flavor, making it a tea that appeals to everyone. It is recommended for various occasions such as before meals, during meals, and after meals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2178.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dry Tie Guan Yin leaves in a white dish on a dark table\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2178.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-594\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932430790832,"sku":"o63ca","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"70g (in can)","offer_id":44932430823600,"sku":"o63cc","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"210g (large bag\/70g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932430856368,"sku":"o63cb","price":10400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"630g value pack (large bag [70g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932430889136,"sku":"o63cv","price":25700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2178_b77c522a-c69e-41a6-b010-445f6f3ee306.jpg?v=1737905428"},{"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":"o131","title":"Phoenix Oolong Lao Cong Mi Lan Xiang 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis tea was harvested from tea trees over 80 years old in Da An Village in Wu Dong Shan, at an altitude of 950m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the sweet, lychee-like flavor typical of Mi Lan Xiang, it has a showy floral flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignleft size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/o131_0e15a4bf-46b2-487a-8c1d-9f910b0ed648.jpg\" alt=\"Phoenix Oolong Lao Cong Mi Lan Xiang 2021\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a Nong Xiang (heavier roast) type, but the charcoal roasting is not too strong, and the liquor has a color close to golden yellow. Five years of aging have made the showy flavor of a high-grade Mi Lan Xiang even more intense and thick.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother appeal is the full-bodied taste and very long lingering finish that come from trees over 80 years old. Because the tea trees are grown free from agricultural chemicals and without any fertilizer, it has very clear and transparent flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hojo-phoenix-common\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe frequently visit Fenghuang Town in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, to source high-quality Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong tea directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7967.jpg\" alt=\"An old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7986.jpg\" alt=\"Tea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong Dan Cong teas, tea harvested from especially old trees is called \"Lao Cong.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":45567870566576,"sku":"o131ca","price":2900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40g (in can)","offer_id":45567870599344,"sku":"o131cc","price":7300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g (large bag\/40g x 3 bags)","offer_id":45567870632112,"sku":"o131cb","price":21600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"360g value pack (large bag [40g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":45567870664880,"sku":"o131cv","price":52900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/o131_0e15a4bf-46b2-487a-8c1d-9f910b0ed648.jpg?v=1788878675"},{"product_id":"o49-2026","title":"Phoenix Oolong Mi Lan Xiang Nong Xiang 2026 No.1","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePhoenix Oolong Mi Lan Xiang Nong Xiang 2026 No.1\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\u003cp\u003eMi Lan Xiang has a sweet, lychee-like flavor. Many people trying it for the first time are surprised by a fruit flavor so pronounced that it is hard to believe it comes from tea. Its flavor is that sweet and fruity.\u003cbr\u003eThe Nong Xiang style is a very popular way of finishing tea in China. As the name “thick aroma” suggests, it is characterized by an intense flavor. This tea undergoes two rounds of charcoal roasting. Rather than using high temperatures, gentle heat is applied over a long period at a temperature low enough to avoid scorching the leaves. This accelerates the aging of the tea’s components, creating a captivating, fruit-like flavor.\u003cbr\u003eIf you have never tried Phoenix Oolong, this is the tea we would like you to try first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hojo-phoenix-common\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe frequently visit Fenghuang Town in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, to source high-quality Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong tea directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7967.jpg\" alt=\"An old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7986.jpg\" alt=\"Tea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":45618963218608,"sku":"o49ca","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40g (in can)","offer_id":45618963251376,"sku":"o49cc","price":3900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g (large bag\/40g x 3 bags)","offer_id":45618963284144,"sku":"o49cb","price":11400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [40g x 3 bags] x 5 bags)","offer_id":45618963316912,"sku":"o49cv","price":46800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/o49_2013_01.jpg?v=1737905474"}],"url":"https:\/\/hojotea.com\/en-en\/collections\/for-people-new-to-tea.oembed","provider":"お茶の専門店HOJO \/ HOJO CO., LTD.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}