{"title":"Yunnan Province","description":"\u003cp\u003eYunnan Province covers 394,000 square kilometers, which is larger than Japan, and just under 90% of it is mountainous. It sits at about the same latitude as Darjeeling, Fujian, Guangdong, and Taiwan, so the climate is warm but still has four distinct seasons, which suits high-quality tea. Most tea gardens lie at around 1,500 meters, and in Lincang in the southwest some gardens reach nearly 2,400 meters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"CollectionLinks__more\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-yunnan-tea\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"f13","title":"Flower of Ancient Tea Tree","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This is the fresh tea flower hand-plucked from old tea trees in ancient tea gardens. The tea garden is entirely sustainable, using natural farming practices with no pesticides or fertilizers. It is located at an altitude of 2000–2200m in the western part of Lincang.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tea Flowers Are Difficult to Obtain\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you visit a typical tea garden in Japan or Taiwan and look carefully, you may notice that despite the large plantation, tea flowers are sparse. In fact, the number of tea flowers is inversely proportional to the amount of fertilizer applied — fertilized tea trees produce fewer flowers, while trees grown without fertilizer in sustainable conditions produce many. A well-fertilized tea tree is, in a sense, like a person living a comfortable life with every need met, and thus has little drive to produce offspring.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried tea flowers in a small white dish\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-8000\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5635.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Quality of Tea Flowers Varies Greatly, Just Like Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like tea leaves, tea flowers vary remarkably in quality. The concentration of aftertaste and flavor depends greatly on altitude, tree age, and whether fertilizer is used. Flowers from old trees grown at high altitude without fertilizer develop slowly, resulting in a rich flavor and aroma with a thick, long-lasting finish and lingering depth on the palate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Fresh white tea flowers with yellow stamens held in a hand\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7997\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6995.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have collected tea flowers from the same tea garden where we produce Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh Tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LnkQUUuyRPY\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UrPPfUTr3WQ\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Our tea flowers were collected from trees approximately 200–300 years old. These are large trees, roughly the size of a two-story house, so farmers must climb them and pluck each flower by hand.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman spreading tea flowers on a large tray inside a greenhouse\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7996\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6990.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea flowers spread on a woven bamboo mat\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7995\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6988.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Sweet Scent Like Peach\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The uplifting scent of tea flower is reminiscent of the barley drinks popular in Malaysia. When brewed, notes of fresh peach and pear emerge in the flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Blending Is Fun\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea flower is enjoyable on its own, but it is also interesting to blend with other teas. Since tea flowers come from the same plant, they pair well with all types of tea — green tea, white tea, black tea, pu-erh, and oolong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried tea flowers in a metal scoop\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-8001\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5630.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Low Caffeine — Less Than 1\/20 of Tea Leaf\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea flowers are recommended for those who wish to minimize caffeine intake. According to research by Mr. Sakamoto of Kagoshima Agricultural Experiment Station, tea leaves contain approximately 2–5% caffeine, while tea flowers contain only 0.1%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This makes tea flower a suitable choice for those who need very low caffeine, such as pregnant women and nursing mothers, as the caffeine content is roughly one-twentieth that of tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Brewing with Cold Water\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We also recommend brewing tea flower in cold water, which is particularly refreshing during warm weather.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For cold water brewing, use water that has been boiled and then cooled down.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a simple guide, use 5 grams (approximately one tablespoon) of tea flower per 2 litres of water. Leave it in the refrigerator for half a day to overnight to draw out its full flavor and taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932467097776,"sku":"f13ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (50g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932467130544,"sku":"f13cc","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (50g x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932467163312,"sku":"f13cb","price":5000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932467196080,"sku":"f13cv","price":13500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/f13_01.jpg?v=1737905883"},{"product_id":"d171","title":"Wu Jia Zhai Raw Pu-erh Tea 2025","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932466868400,"sku":"d171cc","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (50g x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932466901168,"sku":"d171cb","price":7000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932466933936,"sku":"d171cv","price":17600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4226-2.jpg?v=1788162070"},{"product_id":"d151","title":"Da Xue Shan Wild Tea 2024","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n    Why Wild Tea Is Delicious\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea refers to tea that grows naturally in the mountains, not cultivated through human agriculture.\u003cbr\u003e\n    We source wild \u003cem\u003eCamellia taliensis\u003c\/em\u003e tea from Da Xue Shan in Lincang.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When people hear \"wild tea,\" many associate it with harshness, bitterness, or astringency. However, think about it carefully — wild means natural.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Wild mushrooms, wild seafood, and mountain vegetables all share a distinctive and exceptional flavor.\u003cbr\u003e\n    The common traits of wild foods include a long-lasting aftertaste, a clean and refreshing quality, and a strong flavor that is uniquely natural.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Wild tea harvested in early spring is akin to fresh mountain vegetables.\u003cbr\u003e\n    The wild tea we offer is free from bitterness or astringency, delivering a clear and concentrated liquor.\u003cbr\u003e\n    With a high concentration of minerals, it provides a sensation that spreads through the body, almost as if it permeates the cells.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Change in Wild Tea Sourcing Since 2019\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In 2019, before the pandemic, I stayed in the region for two months, visiting many villages in Yongde County.\u003cbr\u003e\n    My goal was to gather information and explore new sources of wild tea and tea gardens at high altitudes.\u003cbr\u003e\n    One day, guided by a relative of my tea producer, I visited a village near Da Xue Shan where residents made their living by harvesting bracken ferns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Mountain valley with winding dirt roads and distant ridges\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8061\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4109.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This remote mountain village, reachable only after several hours of driving, depends primarily on bracken fern harvesting for income.\u003cbr\u003e\n    These ferns are predominantly exported to Japan, where they are used in dishes such as mountain vegetable udon and soba.\u003cbr\u003e\n    During my visit, I learned that the villagers, with their extensive knowledge from searching for bracken, also know the locations of naturally growing wild tea.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Through their introductions to other villages and locals, we successfully began sourcing new wild tea from 2020 onward.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Bracken fern shoots spread on a woven bamboo tray\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-8063\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5146.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For the actual procurement, I relied on a family of tea producers I have worked with for many years.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Securing authentic wild tea requires reaching out in advance to express purchase intentions, then visiting the villagers to pay in cash on the spot.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Authentic wild tea is exceedingly rare and in high demand, making it increasingly difficult to obtain.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Despite the use of the term \"genuine,\" the majority of so-called wild tea available in Yunnan is actually cultivated tea from managed gardens.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Based on my observations, approximately 95–98% of the \"wild tea\" in the market falls into this category. Even if the tea plants are of wild species, they are grown through human intervention and cannot be considered true wild tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Introducing Low-Temperature Pan-Frying\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea is often processed by ethnic minority farmers in mountain regions.\u003cbr\u003e\n    As a result, temperature control during pan-frying is often imprecise, leading to excessive oxidation of the tea's components.\u003cbr\u003e\n    We aimed to improve the pan-frying conditions for wild tea and experimented with various approaches to identify the optimal method.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A man spreading fresh tea leaves on woven mats outdoors\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8067\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0400-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By pan-frying at lower temperatures, we can suppress the thermal decomposition of the tea's components, ensuring a smoother and more refined result.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Imagine a well-executed stir-fry of vegetables: the pan is heated to the optimal temperature before the vegetables are added, allowing them to cook evenly while preserving their natural aroma and texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n    However, excessive heat applied for too long once the moisture has been driven off can cause scorching, diminishing the ingredients' intrinsic qualities.\u003cbr\u003e\n    The pan-frying process for tea requires the same level of precision and care to achieve the desired result.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By staying on-site and working directly in the production areas, we were able to refine the pan-frying process.\u003cbr\u003e\n    As a result, the 2024 Da Xue Shan Wild Tea has an exceptionally smooth texture and a more sophisticated aroma.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark compressed tea cake with a hollow center on white paper\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8065\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5779.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Recommended for Beginners, Cold Brewing, and Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea has a distinctive aroma, making it an excellent introduction to raw Pu-erh tea for beginners.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Its fruity, grape-like aroma lingers gently after swallowing, leaving an elegant sweetness in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It can be enjoyed brewed with hot water, but is equally delightful when cold-brewed.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Da Xue Shan Wild Tea also offers a unique experience when aged.\u003cbr\u003e\n    After aging in an oxygen-free environment for over a year, it develops a honey-like sweetness.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Further aging for several years intensifies its rich fruity aroma.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932466540720,"sku":"d151ca","price":3200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g(cake)","offer_id":44932466573488,"sku":"d151cc","price":12400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932466606256,"sku":"d151cv","price":49700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5301-2_3c6a2faf-452a-440c-a69c-2e0ddb83f6b8.jpg?v=1737905876"},{"product_id":"d113","title":"Da Cha Tou 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1022-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark Cha Tou lumps on a gray surface\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6744\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1022-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Have you ever tried the Cha Tou Mao Cha (Crude Cha Tou 茶头毛茶)? We managed to obtain the mao-cha of Da Cha Tou(大茶头). Since the Da Cha Tou Mao Cha gives very nice and distinctive drinking experience, we decided to release it on pre-booking basis.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    It is not easy to purchase Cha Tou\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Chinese, Cha Tou means \"head of tea\", the small tea blocks. It is naturally formed during the fermentation process of ripe \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about_pu-erh\"\u003epu-erh tea\u003c\/a\u003e. Because of its outstanding flavour and taste, Cha Tou is always sought after among the tea connoisseurs in China, yet most of the time the tea manufacturers will keep it for their own drinking. Those who have ever tried this tea will make an advance booking for the next batch of Cha Tou in upcoming years. Therefore, it is very hard to obtain this tea, and it's not a common tea in commercial tea market.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5783.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a lump of tea above a heap of dark leaves\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6734\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5783.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Da Cha Tou : Big Cha Tou\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During our trip to Yunnan in April, we managed to purchase the very rare Cha Tou called Da Cha Tou (in Chinese, Da means Big). Da Cha Tou is not only rare but also known for its outstanding quality in both taste and flavour.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As the Da Cha Tou was naturally formed during the fermentation, it has irregular size and shape. When we first tried this tea, we were fascinated by its unique drinking sensation. Since the stock of Da Cha Tou is limited, the original shape of Da Cha Tou is very beautiful and it is nice to drink, we decided to release this tea on pre-booking basis.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1000-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Da Cha Tou lumps of different sizes on a bamboo scoop\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6745\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1000-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Usually, Cha Tou varies in different sizes: big, medium and small. We have also bought medium Cha Tou, and that has been already compressed into 250g brick.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Spring Cha Tou is highly sought after yet extremely limited\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fermentation of ripe pu-erh tea is carried out by aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria and mold. Cha Tou is slowly formed in the middle of fermentation process from the interaction between tea constituents and the polysaccharide produced by bacteria. As spring tea is very rich in polyphenol and other tea constituents, Cha Tou naturally appears during the fermentation of spring tea. Normally, it is not formed in summer tea. It is because of in summer, tea grows faster due to more rain and higher temperature which result in lower concentration of certain tea constituents.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Sometimes a very small quantity of Cha Tou may be formed in autumn tea. For example, may be only about 20-30kg of Cha Tou is formed out of multi-tonnes of fermented autumn ripe pu-erh tea. However, the Cha Tou formed from autumn tea is very loose and fragile, while the spring Cha Tou is very solid and big in size thanks to rich content of tea constituents. Compared to spring Cha Tou, the autumn Cha Tou gives much thinner and lighter taste, and lack of complexity in taste. Unfortunately, there are very limited ripe pu-erh tea produced from spring tea. Naturally, Cha Tou is even more limited.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In addition, there are a number of tea merchants who are looking for Cha Tou. Due to the limited stock, we often face the fierce competition among the tea merchants to obtain this tea. It often happened that the Cha Tou we pre-booked was intercepted by other people.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0989.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cha Tou lumps in a black dish\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6737\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0989.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Unique flavour is formed during natural maturation process\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Da Cha Tou is unique not only because of its shape. We can easily tell the difference in flavour and taste when we compare it with loose ripe pu-erh teas of the same batch.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Da Cha Tou has rich dry-fruity flavour with thick taste and long-lasting finishing. In addition, it gives very silky and creamy mouth-feel. I think the reason why Cha Tou gives very distinctive flavour and taste is because of the process of its formation. Cha tou is formed in the middle of fermentation. At this stage, the tea leaves forming Cha Tou are not fully fermented yet. As tea leaves are firmly coagulated, there is no oxygen inside it. Due to the heat generated from the pile of ripe pu-erh tea on microbiological fermentation and the high moisture content, it undergoes further maturation; that could be the reason that develops unique and complex flavour.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1065.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Hands holding a white cup of amber tea\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6738\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1065.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tea is collected from the garden left in wild\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Another reason that makes this Da Cha Tou very special was it is made of raw pu-erh tea collected from the garden that follows perfectly natural farming practice. The tea garden is located in the high mountain, altitude about 2000-2100m in the south west of Lin Cang.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Exceptionally long-lasting aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It gives long-lasting aftertaste with thick flavour and mellow drinking sensation that lasts for a long time. In my own experience, this level of aftertaste is very rare in ripe pu-erh teas. One of the reasons why Cha Tou is loved by so many people is that it ages excellently well. The changes of flavour are much more significantly than common ripe pu-erh teas. It reminds me of Chinese dates, dried apricots or prunes, raisins and sometimes brandy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Usually, ordinary Cha Tou gives slight harshness in taste when tea is new. Thus, I normally prefer the Cha Tou aged for more than 2-3 years. Nevertheless, I was very surprised that this Huo Cao Shan Da Cha Tou was not harsh at all and it is perfectly right for drinking now even it is just produced a year ago. In my experience, this is the first time I encountered such Cha Tou. So, you might want to drink it right away and\/or keep it for further aging.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0980.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of dark Cha Tou lumps\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6743\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0980.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Whitish powder on the surface is actinomycetes\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Some of Cha Tou appear whitish as it contains white filaments on its surface. It is pretty normal and not harmful. Please do not worry as it is not mold. It is the friendly bacteria called actinomycetes which is the key bacteria appears when the fermentation of ripe pu-erh tea is successfully carried out. If any problem occurred during fermentation, the white filaments would not appear. Usually, these whitish filaments are not noticeable after compression. We hardly see these white filaments on the compressed tea because they disappear once tea is steamed for compression.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1263.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A heap of dark brown tea leaves in close-up\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6736\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1263.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932466180272,"sku":"d113ca","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932466213040,"sku":"d113cb","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (200g x 5 bags)","offer_id":44932466245808,"sku":"d113cv","price":18100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5872-2.jpg?v=1737905873"},{"product_id":"b39","title":"Yunnan Ancient black tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Natural Farming Black Tea with Honey Flavor and Refreshing Uva-like Flavor\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor features a muscatel flavor and menthol flavor, characterized by a sweet and refreshing flavor in this naturally farmed black tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Made from tea trees that are several hundred years old in the remote mountainous regions of Lincang, Yunnan, this tea offers a deep richness that permeates the throat and warms the body as you drink it.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Enjoy the natural farming black tea with honey flavor and a refreshing Uva-like flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried black tea leaves mixed with golden tips on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E6E5D358-800E-47EB-9B1F-86F66101D490.png?v=1614474892\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Luxurious Black Tea with Uva Flavor and Muscatel Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor is a very rare tea that combines two flavors highly sought after by black tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    You can enjoy both the muscatel flavor like that of Oriental Beauty or Darjeeling First Flush, and the refreshing menthol flavor like that of Sri Lankan Uva or Taiwanese Ruby Red Tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, in terms of flavor balance, the menthol flavor is stronger, while the honey flavor is present in a harmonious level without being too dominant.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried black tea leaves with golden tips in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0582578C-9C1C-47FF-A4F3-744E45D7FA93.png?v=1614474938\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rich in Iron, May Cause Tea Drunkenness\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, this tea is made from tea trees that are several hundred years old and naturally farmed, offering a deep richness that permeates the throat and warms the body as you drink it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Despite drinking tea, you may feel a light, pleasant sensation and sometimes become sleepy. This is known as tea drunkenness, a phenomenon said to be caused by improved blood circulation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Improved blood circulation is good news for those who suffer from constipation or cold sensitivity.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Orange-colored tea in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C25C692D-95B8-4ED8-8409-5D926837BA99.png?v=1614474985\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Reddish-brown brewed tea leaves spread on a white dish\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1BC93307-8296-4507-846A-D8DDB31AD1A3.png?v=1614475007\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Natural Farming Tea by Ethnic Minorities\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One of the characteristics of this tea is that it is made from naturally farmed (wild-grown) tea owned by ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Not only is it pesticide-free, but no fertilizers are used, and the tea trees are left unpruned, allowing them to grow naturally like wild plants, blending with the surrounding ecosystem.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in blue with a bamboo basket on her back plucking young tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2F923B48-4B71-4EE5-9B7F-0FCAA9A157E4.png?v=1614475136\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea trees with fresh growth standing in a field with small white flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/320C35F6-DBFE-464C-B6BE-05BC7FA8CA2A.png?v=1614475157\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea trees that have become part of the ecosystem grow extremely slowly, and as a result, do not need to actively photosynthesize, leading to an extremely low number of tea leaves per tree.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because they grow slowly and have very few leaves per tree, each leaf is rich in minerals, resulting in healthy tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For more information on natural farming, please refer to the \"Golden Tea\" page below.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGolden Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree branch with brown seed pods and fresh leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C9CD4E41-2A87-492E-921B-7FF325B7445B.png?v=1614475379\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The wild-growing nature of natural farming contributes to the formation of muscatel flavor (honey flavor).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because no pesticides are used and the weeds around the tea trees are not removed, many insects inhabit the area, including leafhoppers, which prefer tea buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea leaves sucked by leafhoppers produce a substance akin to human antibodies.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This substance, called phytoalexin, changes during the fermentation process, creating a sweet muscatel flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While Darjeeling and Oriental Beauty are harvested in June when leafhoppers are abundant, Yunnan tea gardens allow you to enjoy honey flavor even in the high-quality tea plucked in March.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tiny insect on a young tea stem\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D14484DC-C9DA-4765-92AD-3B8859B6F2F1.png?v=1614475426\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea branch with yellowing leaves among green ones\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/09667376-C861-44DC-9719-C2964B7EFB22.png?v=1614475450\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The most notable point about naturally farmed tea is its very rich flavor, with a strong sweet aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is like eating wild mountain vegetables. For example, what is the difference between wild and cultivated fuki, tara no me, natural wasabi, and natural mitsuba?\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild vegetables contain abundant minerals, giving them a rich flavor and leaving a lingering aftertaste and sweetness in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Brewing naturally farmed tea makes the water feel distinctly different.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The water becomes finer and slips smoothly down the throat, giving a unique sensation of the tea permeating the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932461199536,"sku":"b39ca","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932461232304,"sku":"b39cc","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461265072,"sku":"b39cb","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461297840,"sku":"b39cv","price":24800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b039_11-1.jpg?v=1737905829"},{"product_id":"b52","title":"Yunnan Gong Fu Black tea","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea with Outstanding Quality from Yunnan with a Floral Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan, like Darjeeling, has a high elevation, so the quality of tea from general tea gardens is very similar to that of Darjeeling tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, when it comes to tea leaves harvested from old trees in natural, abandoned tea gardens that serve as raw material for high-quality raw pu-erh tea, the quality is astonishingly high.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea from Yunnan, as previously mentioned, typically undergoes a short withering process and has deep fermentation, making it similar to Assam tea in nature.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This makes it a tea with a mild flavor and a very good compatibility with milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A bowl full of fine black dried tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A0253850-6C2A-49B9-AEC2-5AE176A7E197.png?v=1614599701\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea is made using more mature tea leaves with one bud and two to three leaves for withering.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Long thin dark brown dried tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/044A6F64-D4F8-4F90-840E-04285F6AC7D4.png?v=1614599781\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hands holding a white cup of orange-colored tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F4A742A5-BDBF-4527-9FD4-FF7B20389CF0.png?v=1614599824\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea with a Rich Flavor by Innovating the Withering Method\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n   When producing Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea, we experimented with various withering methods. Initially, we considered spreading the tea leaves on bamboo baskets indoors since Yunnan lacks proper equipment. However, the results were not favorable, so we introduced withering layers and used air to efficiently wither the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result of prolonged withering, the tea has a rich flavor that pairs well with milk, and the tea leaves turned a reddish color due to the thorough withering process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, since we used extremely high-quality first flush tea leaves, the tea has a deep richness, a long-lasting aftertaste, and a very complex flavor, making it a tea in a different class from typical black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Most Yunnan Black Tea Comes from Managed Tea Gardens in Fengqing County\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan black tea is also known as \"Dian Hong.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Dian\" refers to Yunnan Province, and \"Hong\" refers to black tea. Therefore, \"Dian Hong\" refers to black tea from Yunnan Province. Most Yunnan black tea (Dian Hong) is produced in an area called Fengqing County in Lincang City.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you receive Yunnan black tea or Dian Hong as a gift, or if you purchase Yunnan black tea from a specialty Chinese tea store, it is safe to assume that most of it comes from Fengqing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fengqing County is a region with a high population of Han Chinese, unlike other regions in Yunnan where ethnic minorities are the majority. In Yunnan, historically significant tea gardens with old trees are typically owned by ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, many of the tea gardens owned by Han Chinese are newly developed and follow a conventional cultivation style, similar to tea gardens in Japan, Taiwan, India, and Sri Lanka, with tea plants of relatively young age.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The elevation of these tea gardens is around 1500-1600m, and while the quality is good, it is considered middle to upper grade compared to other black tea-producing regions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A forested mountainside in evening light with a small house\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/8A8879B0-EC74-49D3-8F53-6E96758CDC7D.png?v=1614599881\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea plants grow among shrubs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree among shrubs with small white flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EAE77A9D-F69D-414C-8D8B-D340D442AEC8.png?v=1614597535\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A smiling man plucking tea leaves among tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/798751D4-CDA2-4A43-8661-6D9226C264C0.png?v=1614597560\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea from Top-Quality Raw Materials Used for Raw Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To achieve high-quality raw tea leaves, we chose natural farming tea gardens at an elevation of 2100-2200m in Zhenkang County, rather than well-managed tea gardens in Fengqing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These tea gardens are owned by the Yi ethnic minority, and all the trees are over 100 years old, semi-wild. The quality of tea leaves is higher at higher elevations, with older trees and no fertilizer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The common factor among these three elements is slow growth. Tea leaves that grow slowly are rich in polyphenols and minerals, providing a deep aftertaste, long-lasting finish, and a richness that permeates the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These high-quality tea leaves are usually processed into raw pu-erh tea because high-quality raw materials fetch a higher price when made into raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, by purchasing directly from farmers, we kept the purchase price low.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a pink hat plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0E09299F-9023-44FB-9410-F206D8559D81.png?v=1614597840\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Mystery of Tea Creating Flavor When Attacked by Insects!\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In semi-wild tea gardens, tea leaves coexist with various plants and insects, making it inevitable for insects like leafhoppers to suck the sap from the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, tea leaves attacked by insects produce defensive substances called terpenes to resist. Interestingly, these tea leaves develop a honey-like sweet flavor after fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460937392,"sku":"b52ca","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460970160,"sku":"b52cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461002928,"sku":"b52cb","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461035696,"sku":"b52cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2414_1.jpg?v=1737905827"},{"product_id":"b29","title":"Wild Black Tea","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Black Tea Made from Wild Tea Growing Deep in the Mountains of Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild Black Tea is a strong black tea made from wild tea growing deep in the mountains of Yunnan Province. Wild tea refers to tea growing naturally in the mountains, untouched by human hands.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is characterized by a honey-like sweet aroma, strong body, and profound richness unique to wild tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in minerals, it improves blood circulation, making you feel warm and relaxed almost instantly.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F951F0DF-1894-430D-AC8F-941ACD71D306.png?v=1614601516\" alt=\"Wild Black Tea\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Black Tea Made from Leaves Harvested from Wild Tea Trees\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C7161E64-87F2-45EA-B72F-F70234602154.png?v=1614601610\" alt=\"Harvesting Wild Tea\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea trees refer to natural tea trees growing in remote mountain areas of Yunnan Province, not old trees over hundreds or thousands of years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  When we first introduced Wild Black Tea around 2013, black tea made from wild tea was very rare and difficult to obtain. However, by the 2020s, black tea made from wild tea became a kind of boom, and everyone started making wild black tea. Unfortunately, many of these teas have not been well-managed, resulting in an over-fermented, stuffy smell, or lacking top notes, leading to unsatisfactory quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5358359D-10CF-42F6-BDDA-D4F56455C6AD.png?v=1614601694\" alt=\"Wild Black Tea Infusion\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Well-made Wild Black Tea should have a very complex aroma and a strong aftertaste with profound richness unique to wild tea. Depending on the water used to brew the tea, the aroma changes significantly. With the right water, it has a honey fragrance similar to Oriental Beauty tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E87C907B-A16B-4D88-8A90-D3E58D1F3950.png?v=1614601755\" alt=\"Wild Black Tea Leaves\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    What is Wild Tea?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Our wild tea is harvested from the  mountain in Lincang, Yunnan Province. Wild tea refers to tea growing naturally in the mountains without any human intervention.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Almost every store or site specializing in Chinese pu-erh tea has \"wild tea,\" but I would say that 90% of them are not wild tea but tea harvested from old tea trees cultivated by ethnic minorities near their village or in their tea garden.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    True wild tea should grow in the mountains without any human care.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A man in an old cultivated tea tree beside tall mossy wild tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_02_1719317248.jpg?v=1719317256\" id=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_02_1719317248.jpg?v=1719317256\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Deliciousness of Wild Vegetables\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In spring, Japanese people often eat wild vegetables, which are very tasty. Cultivated vegetables taste completely different from those grown in the mountains even those they are replanted.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The sweetness is particularly notable. Wild tea is very sweet, like wild vegetables harvested from the mountains, leaving a sweet aftertaste in the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I have never tasted such a mellow and sweet tea in my life. Wild Black Tea is one of the strongest teas sold by HOJO, making you feel tea intoxication immediately after drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It warms your body instantly, making you feel relaxed right away.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5EF94331-3B6B-41C0-8102-A0DA748D3313.png?v=1614601850\" alt=\"Wild Tea Aroma\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Grape-Like Aroma\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While many wild teas are bitter and cater to enthusiasts, Wild Black Tea is an exception.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like wild vegetables that vary in bitterness, wild tea flavors vary by tree. The Ai Lao Shan wild tea sold last year was slightly bitter.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, Wild Black Tea has no bitterness. It has a strong woody aroma, and after drinking, a faint aroma of wild grapes or dried apricots lingers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, this tea has a smoky aroma. Interestingly, the smoky aroma present before drinking disappears in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I carefully selected teas from nearly 20 different wild tea regions to find non-bitter teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Tea Loved by Children\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    My children also love this tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Good tea is rich in iron, similar in nature to human body fluids and breast milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although the aroma doesn't seem suitable for children, when brewed, they often say, \"It has a strong flavor and is delicious.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    They repeatedly ask for refills, and by the time they finish drinking, their faces are flushed and their bodies are very warm.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in iron, it is said to be good for modern people who are often iron-deficient.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u0026nbsp;\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    How is Wild Tea Different from Regular Tea?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea grows amidst fierce competition with other plants. In the dim forest, tea leaves strive to reach sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the tea tree only has leaves at the top where it receives sunlight. Despite the tree's size, the few leaves contain a high concentration of minerals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Without pruning or fertilizers, the wild tea tree grows very slowly, resulting in small, dense cells that produce rich flavors like freshly harvested wild vegetables.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in iron, it is also beneficial for those who need iron. Wild tea leaves are characteristically brownish, even when fresh.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Old tea trees on a hillside and a hand holding young leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_01_1719317173.jpg?v=1719317180\" id=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_01_1719317173.jpg?v=1719317180\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The above photo shows tea trees hundreds of years old. High-quality raw pu-erh tea is made from such old trees.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, these old trees are not wild tea. They are old and high-quality tea leaves, but they are classified as \"cultivated tea.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Wild tea trees in a forest, with close-ups of bark and a shoot\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d22e_02_1719317301.jpg?v=1719317303\" id=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d22e_02_1719317301.jpg?v=1719317303\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a wild tea tree growing deep in the mountains, a few hours' walk from the nearest village.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea grows at altitudes around 2000m and above, with trees ranging from young to over 1000 years old. The buds stretch upwards, seeking sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Video of Wild Tea Exploration\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This video shows my wild tea exploration, giving you a better understanding of wild tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k6WRvgJl80g\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460806320,"sku":"b29ca","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460839088,"sku":"b29cc","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460871856,"sku":"b29cb","price":10400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460904624,"sku":"b29cv","price":34200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b29_06.jpg?v=1737905825"},{"product_id":"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":"s07","title":"Jasmine Wild White Tea Bud","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    We have released an original jasmine tea called \"Jasmine Wild White Tea Bud\". \"茉莉\" means jasmine. It is probably a rare tea unique in the world.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The World's First Jasmine Tea from Wild White Buds\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    HOJO has a lineup that includes a white tea called \"Wild White Tea Bud\". This is a white tea made from wild tea buds, featuring a distinctive flavor, long-lasting aftertaste, and soft flavor. While sourcing this tea this year, I thought, \"Wouldn't it be delicious if this tea were processed into jasmine tea?\" So, as an experiment, I transferred a portion of the wild white buds sourced in spring in Yunnan Province to a jasmine tea factory in Guangxi  Region and entrusted them with the processing. The jasmine tea was processed using fresh jasmine flowers. The idea of processing wild white buds into jasmine tea had never been thought of before, making this a new and unique attempt.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pale downy tea buds in a metal scoop\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7627\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_4980.jpg?v=1737905803\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Wild Tea Growing in High Mountains\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The wild white tea bud is made from a type of wild tea called Camellia Assamica Dehongensis. This tea grows widely at altitudes of 2000-2400m in the southwestern part of Yunnan Province and is often seen in the mountains, especially in bushy areas. Although it is labeled as wild, there are many \"white bud teas\" produced in tea gardens that are also marketed as wild teas, so care is needed. Cultivated teas generally have a shorter aftertaste and lack depth in flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea branches with green leaves and reddish new shoots\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6032.jpg?v=1737905803\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cimg alt=\"Tea tree foliage with green and brown leaves\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7631\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6064.jpg?v=1737905803\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    A Gorgeous Flavor Like Herbal Tea or Flower Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When making typical jasmine tea, a green tea base with a mild flavor is selected to emphasize the jasmine scent. This allows the jasmine flower aroma to stand out. On the other hand, wild white tea buds have a unique flavor similar to fresh cloves. However, I hoped that the unique flavor of the wild white tea buds would blend well with the jasmine aroma. In fact, Jasmine Wild White Tea Bud turned out to have the exact flavor I had imagined. The jasmine flower scent mellowed the unique flavor of the wild white tea buds, creating a very interesting flavor reminiscent of herbal tea or flower tea. The high mineral content of the wild white tea buds results in a very dense flavor, a very rich aftertaste, and a flavor that permeates the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pale tea buds arranged in a circle on a white background\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7634\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_4975-2.jpg?v=1737905803\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOf course, it is also very delicious as a cold brew.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932458741936,"sku":"s07cc","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932458774704,"sku":"s07cb","price":4600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932458807472,"sku":"s07cv","price":15600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_4966-1.jpg?v=1737905803"},{"product_id":"g38","title":"Yunnan Chun Jian Green Tea","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n    Yunnan Province as an Unparalleled Source of Tea Leaf Material\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nOver the past twenty years since founding our tea company, I have visited virtually every major tea producing region. Through this experience, I am convinced that Yunnan Province stands as the finest source of tea leaf material in the world. In particular, the mountainous areas of Lincang City are located at elevations approaching 2000 meters. Scattered throughout these mountains are naturally cultivated tea gardens managed without fertilizers or pesticides. In addition, the areas of Yongde and Zhenkang, from which we source tea, are home to a large number of old tea trees over 300 years in age. There are no other tea producing regions that combine these conditions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nThese three factors high elevation, natural cultivation, and old trees all slow the growth of the tea plants, allowing the leaves to develop gradually over time. As a result, the cellular structure becomes dense, and components such as minerals and polyphenols are steadily accumulated within the leaves. Tea made from such material yields a liquor with long lasting persistence and notable density.\n    \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Twisted green tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9033-1-3.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/g38_01.jpg\" alt=\"Yunnan Green Tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Developing a Wider Range of Teas in Yunnan\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nTea manufacturing techniques in Yunnan are not as developed as in other provinces, and the range of teas traditionally produced there is limited. However, given the exceptional quality of the raw material, we work together with local producers to conduct various trials on site, aiming to create teas that differ from conventional Yunnan products. This Yunnan Chun Jian Green Tea is made by intentionally processing high grade leaf material that would normally be used for white tea or raw pu erh tea into green tea. With its notably long persistence and concentrated character, it clearly challenges conventional expectations of green tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Twisted green tea leaves in a white gaiwan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9037-2.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Yellow-green tea leaves in a white gaiwan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9056-2.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    A Yunnan Green Tea Noted for Nut and Floral Flavor with a Substantial Finish\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nThis tea is made from hand plucked leaves consisting of one bud and two leaves, harvested in early April. The origin is a mountainous area of Zhenkang County in Lincang City, at an elevation of 2100 meters. The tea is finished using pan frying heated by firewood. Its flavor profile is close to that of Longjing tea, with subtle nut like and floral notes. It is especially recommended for those who enjoy Chinese green teas such as Longjing. Above all, compared with typical Chinese green teas, it offers an exceptionally long lasting finish and a substantial aftertaste, providing a very satisfying drinking experience.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"A metal container filled with curled green tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9183-2.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nAs noted above, while tea leaf material from Yunnan is outstanding, the production areas are located in extremely remote regions. For this reason, despite the use of high quality raw material, we have been able to offer this tea at a relatively accessible price. It is also well suited as a green tea to enjoy on a daily basis.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932458348720,"sku":"g38ca","price":970.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932458381488,"sku":"g38cc","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932458414256,"sku":"g38cb","price":6200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932458447024,"sku":"g38cv","price":20700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9033-1-3.jpg?v=1767802164"},{"product_id":"d81","title":"Gong Ting Jin Hao Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Gong Ting Jin Hao Ripe Pu-erh is made from tea harvested in an area near the Myanmar border, about ten hours by car from Lincang City.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Ripe Pu-erh is made from plantation tea grown with modern farming methods. For this tea, however, the tea trees are owned by an ethnic minority community, and the leaves come from trees grown with natural farming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sorted Mao Cha made from naturally grown spring tea, collected only the buds, and compressed them. It is a very luxurious tea, with a strong richness with a sweet flavor like sugarcane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe taste is very thick, with no astringency or bitterness at all. It can easily make you tea drunk, so we recommend it for times when you want to relax completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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        High-quality ripe Pu-erh tea is never moldy.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe tea because it smells like \"old furniture,\" \"rotten wood,\" or \"mold,\" but moldy flavors indicate poor quality tea with fermentation issues. High-quality tea should evoke a certain level of emotion when tasted. HOJO conducts extensive tasting to ensure we introduce only the best quality teas.\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-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A round compressed tea cake of dark brown leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/24666433-0F11-4CEF-8279-C951232943E0.png?v=1615625436\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGong Ting Jin Hao Ripe Pu-erh has a delicate taste with silky texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe taste is very thick, with no astringency or bitterness at all. It can easily make you tea drunk, so we recommend it for times when you want to relax completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like Pu-erh, you may have heard the name Gong Ting Pu-erh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eWhat Is Gong Ting Pu-erh?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGong Ting means imperial, which is one category of Ripe Pu-erh after the grading process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBooks and websites often describe Gong Ting Pu-erh as the highest grade of Pu-erh, but that is not necessarily accurate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRight after processing, the crude Ripe Pu-erh leaves are called Mao Cha, and they consist of one bud and two to 3 leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eMao Cha right after fermentation \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding dark tea leaves over a pile of leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9F00D9C2-3011-4716-98FB-F8A5651B0474.png?v=1615625490\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Ripe Pu-erh, the Mao Cha is either compressed and sold as it is after removing dusts, or sifted and graded by size and part of the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eLeft: Mao Cha. Right: after grading. \u003cimg alt=\"Two kinds of dark tea leaves side by side in a bamboo tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/71CC1434-C930-43BF-8F38-268C523FDD26.png?v=1615625544\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeither is better than the other. When the tea is graded, though, it can be separated into buds, leaves, stems and so on, so a graded tea may show character that Mao Cha does not have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGong Ting Pu-erh is the grade made by collecting only the buds at the tips. Because it contains so many buds, the tea is a golden-orangish color before compression, and its appearance gives the impression of an exclusive tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly a small amount can be obtained, and it is popular, so among the graded parts Gong Ting Pu-erh fetches the highest price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are exceptions depending on the producer, however. Sometimes the tea called Cha Tou, which forms naturally when tea leaves clump together, sells at the highest price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eComment \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding clumps of dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E1EFA213-02FE-410A-A61B-1483773CDDF7.png?v=1615625594\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf course, even among Gong Ting Pu-erh teas, there is a world of difference in quality depending on the raw material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTea grown with lots of fertilizer, naturally grown tea, and naturally grown tea plucked from old trees differ in the strength of their aftertaste. The soil of the tea garden also affects the body of the tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat matters is getting good raw material with excellent aftertaste and richness. Tea made from it is, naturally, very good to drink even as Mao Cha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGong Ting Pu-erh made from good raw material is naturally of good quality because it starts from a good source, and it gives you a taste that stays in your memory after a single cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A round compressed tea cake of dark brown leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/24666433-0F11-4CEF-8279-C951232943E0_cc69972f-3e91-46e8-b681-d0939bf0f09c.png?v=1615625646\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gong Ting Jin Hao Ripe Pu-erh we offer at HOJO is harvested in an area near the Myanmar border, about ten hours by car from Lincang City.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea trees are owned by an ethnic minority community, and the tea comes from trees grown with natural farming. In fact, most Ripe Pu-erh is made from plantation tea grown with modern farming methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you stop by a tea shop in Yunnan, or at any airport in China, you will find huge amounts of Pu-erh for sale, but almost all of it is plantation Ripe Pu-erh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlantation tea is not bad in itself. On plantations, however, the soil is modified and pesticides and fertilizers are used, so apart from safety concerns, the tea grows faster, tastes thin and lacks richness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRipe Pu-erh does not have a strong flavor to begin with, so richness is the key factor to enjoy drinking it. We are always looking for Ripe Pu-erh made from naturally grown old trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural farming sounds nice, but in short it means tea trees that are left alone. Left in harsh natural conditions and growing without fertilizer or human interventions, these trees adapt to many kinds of environmental stress and grow very slowly over a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a result, the tea's cells become smaller, and minerals, polyphenols and other constituents in the tea become concentrated. Tea made this way has a strong aftertaste that you won't forget once you have tried it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932455301296,"sku":"d81ca","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932455334064,"sku":"d81cc","price":8100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932455366832,"sku":"d81cv","price":32400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/D41_07-2.jpg?v=1737905748"},{"product_id":"d06","title":"Gong Ting Dian Hong","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Blend of Naturally Cultivated Yunnan Black Tea and Gong Ting Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have created a unique original tea by blending naturally cultivated black tea and Gong Ting ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea has a balanced flavor, combining the sweetness of black tea with the mellow, deep taste of ripe Pu-erh tea. It is also excellent as milk tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For ease of brewing, the tea is compressed into mini tuocha (approximately 5 g each), making it simple to brew a consistent cup by placing one in a teapot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While it is delicious to drink immediately, it can also be enjoyed with a different character after aging for some time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        High-Quality Ripe Pu-erh Tea is Never Musty\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe Pu-erh tea because of flavors described as \"old furniture,\" \"rotten wood,\" or \"mold.\" However, a musty smell indicates poor-quality ripe tea with issues in the fermentation process.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Good-quality tea always evokes a sense of excitement when tasted. We repeatedly taste a significant amount of tea to ensure we introduce only high-quality products.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        About Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/24F13E60-FAEC-412A-B0BB-E0927980166F.png?v=1615631026\" alt=\"Product Image\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have created a new tea by blending naturally cultivated black tea and Gong Ting ripe Pu-erh tea. The result is a balanced flavor that combines the sweetness of black tea with the mellow, deep taste of ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Collaboration of Gong Ting Pu-erh Tea and Naturally Cultivated Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Blending black tea and Gong Ting ripe Pu-erh tea turned out to be surprisingly delicious, and we personally enjoyed this combination for a long time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We wanted to share this blend with others and recommended it to many friends and customers. However, it never quite caught on for 3 reasons:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe need to obtain 2 types of tea separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe need to blend them oneself\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe extraction speeds of compressed ripe Pu-erh and loose-leaf black tea differ, making the flavor inconsistent\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Compressed into Mini Tuocha to Uniformly Blend the Two Ingredients\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We wanted to solve these 3 problems and make the blend of Yunnan black tea and Gong Ting Pu-erh tea easily accessible to everyone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, when blending the 2 teas in loose-leaf form, the Gong Ting grade ripe Pu-erh leaves are much smaller, making it difficult to blend uniformly with the larger black tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We therefore decided to compress the blended tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Compressing into 200 g or 357 g cakes causes the black tea leaves to break when the cake is separated, and uneven mixing can occur. Shaping into mini tuocha solved both problems.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Each mini tuocha weighs approximately 5 g, making it very convenient to brew a consistent and intended flavor simply by placing one in a teapot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F8CE53A3-2835-43E0-9F72-816018CA9AEC.png?v=1615631088\" alt=\"Mini Tuocha\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    High-Quality Tea Leaves of One Bud, One Leaf for Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For the black tea, we used leaves plucked around March 20th, consisting of one bud and one leaf.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While tea made from one bud and 2 leaves has a stronger flavor, we deliberately selected one bud and one leaf to achieve a smoother mouthfeel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea comes from a naturally cultivated garden at an altitude of 2000 m in Lincang, Yunnan Province. The tea is grown without pesticides or fertilizers, and even the ground vegetation is left untouched.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea has a very deep richness and medium body, making it delicious even as a standalone black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To obtain the earliest spring leaves, we stayed in Yunnan Province before the tea season began to ensure we secured the first-plucked harvest.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/CDD1E4B5-668F-4792-A8A5-1C5A2B7CA517.png?v=1615631181\" alt=\"Tea Leaves\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9DACE150-8BCB-43C5-8E9B-B61CA1AAFA93.png?v=1615631194\" alt=\"Tea Processing\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F8888851-9DBD-40C3-A5CC-F92B83A48810.png?v=1615631201\" alt=\"Tea Garden\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/CA4A4DBB-4F3F-462F-BA69-0F4BB60A8577.png?v=1615631215\" alt=\"Tea Garden\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/80E9E840-D063-4F05-9729-835E00BC8BD3.png?v=1615631230\" alt=\"Tea Processing\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Using Gong Ting Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For the ripe Pu-erh tea, we used our Gong Ting Jin Hao.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is also made from naturally cultivated tea from Lincang. After aging for 2–3 years, it develops a sweet flavor reminiscent of dried jujube.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, this black tea and Pu-erh blend can be enjoyed not only immediately but also with a distinctly different character after aging for some time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/7C3F38B6-26A5-4810-B1D6-4ED8085490C2.png?v=1615631377\" alt=\"Gong Ting Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Decided on the Name Gong Ting Dian Hong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The final product exceeded expectations, achieving exactly the intended flavor and character.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since it blends Gong Ting Jin Hao — a Gong Ting grade ripe Pu-erh tea — with Yunnan black tea, we named it Gong Ting Dian Hong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Dian Hong is the Chinese name for Yunnan black tea. \"Dian\" is an ancient name for Yunnan Province, and \"Hong\" means red, so Dian Hong literally means \"Yunnan red\" — the Chinese term for Yunnan black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/287132F5-7355-40C5-8615-735AD0868080.png?v=1615631425\" alt=\"Gong Ting Dian Hong\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E2326B30-D0E6-463C-8271-1C2EDF1BC308.png?v=1615631448\" alt=\"Gong Ting Dian Hong\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Delicious Even as Milk Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Gong Ting Dian Hong is excellent to drink straight, but it pairs exceptionally well with milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend brewing it strong with as little water as possible, then mixing with plenty of milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It feels like silk on the tongue and has a natural sweetness that requires no added sugar.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on teas with clarity and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we seek out remote mountain villages, selecting gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste \u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to originate from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves sourced from elsewhere, and can be found everywhere — from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters further is the surprising phenomenon where teas made from leaves in remote, lesser-known areas are often of higher quality than the genuine articles from famous regions. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and is well known among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Why are these older teas considered special? Many assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, which accounts for their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same level of quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932455071920,"sku":"d06ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932455104688,"sku":"d06cc","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932455137456,"sku":"d06cb","price":7200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932455170224,"sku":"d06cv","price":18100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8333.jpg?v=1737905745"},{"product_id":"d98","title":"Huo Cao Shan Cha Tou Brick 2017","description":"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_1432-2.jpg?v=1737905744\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a square paper-wrapped tea brick with a HOJO label\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6924\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_1432-2.jpg?v=1737905744\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have started selling Hu Cao Shan Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh 2017 (250g block) made from Huo Cao Shan Ancient Ripe Pu-erh Tea harvested in 2017. The product is sold under the name Hu Cao Shan Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh 2017. This tea has a rich dried fruit flavor and leaves a strong impression upon tasting.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Synergy of Microbes and Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Cha tou is a tea lump naturally formed during the fermentation of ripe Pu-erh tea by the polysaccharides produced by actinomycetes. During its formation, the tea leaves in the tea lump are trapped in an anaerobic state, and the fermentation by actinomycetes causes the surrounding temperature to rise close to 70°C, rapidly aging the tea leaves inside the lump. This aging process gives cha tou its unique and rich fruity flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Hu Cao Shan Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh 2017 Production\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The cha tou released this time is made from the very popular Hu Cao Shan Ancient Ripe Pu-erh Tea. Previously, we offered limited reservations for \"Da Cha Tou\" made from this tea, but this time we are releasing medium-sized cha tou compressed into square blocks. Hu Cao Shan Ancient Ripe Pu-erh Tea uses high-grade tea leaves intended for raw Pu-erh tea, breaking preconceived notions of ripe Pu-erh tea flavors. Those who have already tried Hu Cao Shan Ancient Ripe Pu-erh Tea know it to be very soft with a deep aftertaste, receiving high praise even from those who generally dislike ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_1434.jpg?v=1737905744\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Two hands holding a square paper-wrapped tea brick with a HOJO label\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6923\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_1434.jpg?v=1737905744\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Brandy-like Aroma through Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Compared to general ripe Pu-erh tea, cha tou allows you to more distinctly appreciate the flavor changes brought by aging. Store the tea in a warm place in its unopened state for aging. HOJO packages it in an anaerobic state, ensuring ideal aging. Once opened, expose the tea to air for 1-2 weeks to promote oxidation of the components, enhancing both the aroma and flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_1455.jpg?v=1737905744\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A square brick of compressed dark tea on a wooden surface\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6921\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_1455.jpg?v=1737905744\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_1464.jpg?v=1737905744\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of amber tea with a ceramic spoon\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6920\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_1464.jpg?v=1737905744\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Compressing the Most Cherished Cha Tou into Products\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Cha tou ripe Pu-erh tea is made from tea lumps naturally formed during fermentation. These lumps are highly valued by producers and fetch the highest prices among ripe Pu-erh teas, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like HOJO's raw Pu-erh tea, this product is made from trees several hundred years old, achieving an unparalleled richness for ripe Pu-erh tea. It features a sweet dried fruit flavor and an intensely deep flavor.\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    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        High-quality ripe Pu-erh tea is never moldy.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe tea because it smells like \"old furniture,\" \"rotten wood,\" or \"mold,\" but moldy flavors indicate poor quality tea with fermentation issues. High-quality tea should evoke a certain level of emotion when tasted. HOJO conducts extensive tasting to ensure we introduce only the best quality teas.\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-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Aroma Preferred by Enthusiasts\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding clumps of dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/193E3E52-F0FC-48A8-9336-994DFF9E176F.png?v=1615632478\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There is a category of ripe Pu-erh tea known as \"cha tou.\" Simply put, cha tou refers to tea lumps naturally formed during the fermentation process, characterized by a sweet dried fruit flavor and an intensely deep flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Sweet Dried Fruit Aroma Created in Anaerobic State\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Cha tou is very popular among enthusiasts due to its unique flavor. High-quality ripe Pu-erh tea is said to have a jujube flavor, and cha tou accentuates this flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Fermentation Process of Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fermentation of ripe Pu-erh tea involves two stages: primary fermentation by bacteria and secondary fermentation by molds and yeasts.\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\u003ePrimary fermentation: Bacteria involvement\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eSecondary fermentation: Molds and yeasts involvement\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Primary Fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The first stage is bacterial fermentation. The raw material for ripe Pu-erh tea is raw Pu-erh tea. The raw tea leaves piled on the floor are moistened and covered, then left for several weeks. During this period, bacteria, including actinomycetes, proliferate, causing the tea leaves to reach very high temperatures of 60-70°C. As fermentation progresses, the temperature begins to decrease.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E1684359-3AEA-4D97-8092-E4330B944909.png?v=1615632810\" alt=\"Primary fermentation of ripe Pu-erh tea\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Primary fermentation of ripe Pu-erh tea\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/69B0175F-9313-4D6A-84E5-BF758D4B94DC.png?v=1615633279\" alt=\"Primary fermentation of ripe Pu-erh tea\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/7F3C34E9-CEEB-4B8A-8B8D-20BEDF50C1CC.png?v=1615633313\" alt=\"Primary fermentation of ripe Pu-erh tea\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After the bacterial fermentation is complete, the tea leaves are spread out in a large room and piled up to a thickness of about 20cm.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Secondary Fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This room is kept open, well-ventilated, and dry. During this time, molds grow on the tea leaves, and the fermentation by molds occurs. This is the secondary fermentation of ripe Pu-erh tea, contributing to its flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Formation of Cha Tou\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Polysaccharides produced by microorganisms (mainly actinomycetes) act as adhesives, causing the tea leaves to bond together and form lumps. The trapped moisture inside these lumps creates an anaerobic environment, allowing the cha tou to ferment and age.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, cha tou develops a unique aging flavor that is distinct from regular Pu-erh tea, often described as having a sweet dried fruit scent, which is highly appreciated by tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The unique flavor of cha tou is influenced by the following two factors:\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\u003eMicroorganisms undergo different metabolism (fermentation) in the absence of oxygen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe high temperature and anaerobic environment promote ideal aging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is difficult to determine which factor has a stronger influence, but the anaerobic state inside the cha tou plays a significant role in developing its unique flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/87406B6C-496C-4FC3-9608-568AA95442E1.png?v=1615633451\" alt=\"Partially formed cha tou\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Partially formed cha tou\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/193E3E52-F0FC-48A8-9336-994DFF9E176F.png?v=1615632478\" alt=\"Cha tou held in hand\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cha tou held in hand, with regular tea leaves around it\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Popular and Hard to Obtain Cha Tou\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As explained earlier, cha tou is naturally formed during fermentation by microbial activity and cannot be intentionally produced. Additionally, cha tou is formed only in the spring, and spring tea is quite limited in the overall production of ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, producers highly value this cha tou, and it commands the higher prices among ripe Pu-erh teas. Due to its rarity and high value, cha tou often sells out quickly and is difficult to obtain without a reservation. However, we were fortunate to procure naturally grown cha tou by visiting the producers at the right time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Typically, cha tou is sold in its raw lump form, but HOJO processes it into compressed blocks to enhance its aging potential.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2655CB66-62AF-45D0-9E86-64AC23F24399.png?v=1615633569\" alt=\"Cha tou gathered from production process\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cha tou gathered from the production process, compressed into blocks\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product is made from naturally cultivated tea. In Japan, agriculture involves various tasks such as weed control, fertilization, pruning, and pesticide application. However, in remote minority villages in Yunnan, where cha tou is produced, tea trees are planted by ancestors and left unmanaged.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These tea trees grow like wild trees as part of the ecosystem, with only minimal maintenance, such as light weeding before harvesting once a year.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To cope with various environmental stresses, these tea trees contain high densities of organic compounds and are rich in minerals such as iron, resulting in a deeply rich and flavorful tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea that has grown slowly over time has a distinctly different taste from tea grown using modern agricultural methods, offering an unforgettable deep flavor experience.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For more information on natural cultivation, please see \"Golden Tea.\"\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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGolden Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Brewing Cha Tou for Maximum Jujube Aroma\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To bring out the jujube flavor from cha tou, it is important to allow water to penetrate the interior.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although multiple cha tou are compressed together, the individual cha tou can be easily broken from the block, but each cha tou is densely packed and does not easily break apart during brewing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The jujube flavor becomes prominent after 5-6 infusions, so use very hot water and ensure thorough rinsing before brewing the tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Other than these steps, follow the usual brewing method for ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small block)","offer_id":44932454973616,"sku":"d98ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g (block)","offer_id":44932455006384,"sku":"d98cc","price":9000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1,000g value pack (4 blocks)","offer_id":44932455039152,"sku":"d98cv","price":28600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_1432-2.jpg?v=1737905744"},{"product_id":"d89","title":"Bao Dao Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Bao Dao Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea is made from naturally grown tea leaves harvested from Bao Dao Shan, a mountain located in Zhenkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to thorough production management, this tea has none of the musty or earthy smells often found in low-quality ripe pu-erh teas, making it a tea that even those who dislike ripe pu-erh tea should try.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Enjoy the rich aftertaste and deep lingering flavor similar to high-quality raw pu-erh tea, along with a mild sweet fragrance.\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    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        High-quality ripe pu-erh tea is never musty.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe pu-erh tea because it smells like \"old furniture,\" \"rotten wood,\" or \"mold.\" However, such musty smells indicate very poor-quality ripe pu-erh tea with issues in the fermentation process or raw material.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        With good quality tea, you can feel a certain level of excitement when you drink it. At HOJO, we repeatedly taste test a substantial amount of tea to ensure we introduce good quality products.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        About Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a round paper-wrapped tea cake with a HOJO label\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/452379E8-6818-4CDA-8AE9-25B8AAED5D3A.png?v=1615635435\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We sourced ripe pu-erh tea made from Bao Dao Shan (Baotao Shan), a mountain located in the southwestern part of Zhenkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. As you can see from the map below, it is very close to the Myanmar border.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" 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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eReasons for Focusing on Tea from Lincang Instead of the Famous Production Area of Xishuangbanna \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rugged Rocky Mountains Like Saw Teeth\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A cloud-capped mountain above green forested hills\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B71CE442-61DE-4253-95F2-76195A1B4B08.png?v=1615635520\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Bao Dao Shan is a famous mountain known to everyone living in Zhenkang County, characterized by its extremely steep rocky appearance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In any case, the steep appearance resembling a blade is a common feature. When I first saw Bao Dao Shan, I never thought that tea was produced on this mountain.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, in reality, tea gardens are widely distributed, and many of them are naturally grown without fertilizer. The tea we sourced this time uses materials from naturally grown, pesticide-free tea gardens.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For more about naturally grown tea, please refer to \"Golden Tea.\"\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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGolden Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hazy mountain ridges above a grassy slope at dusk\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EF71C9BC-C9E4-4E92-80F5-FFE582719D74.png?v=1615635582\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea tree branches with yellow-green leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E92A5827-9847-40FB-BF46-267A1CC7E7F4.png?v=1615635606\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rich Aftertaste Like High-Quality Raw Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Bao Dao Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea is made from mao-cha harvested in 2016, compressed into a 357g cake.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As you can taste with this Bao Dao Shan, it features a rich aftertaste and soft drinking experience, similar to high-quality raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By frequently stirring during the pile fermentation process, our producer promoted fermentation by aerobic bacteria, resulting in a sweet fragrance similar to dried jujube.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea has none of the earthy or musty smells often found in many ripe pu-erh teas in recent years, making it enjoyable even for those who generally dislike ripe pu-erh tea due to its mild sweet fragrance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A round tea cake resting on white paper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/3160A086-8D1D-48A4-AE61-39A2FF643846.png?v=1615635664\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two white cups of reddish-brown tea beside a gaiwan and pitcher\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F4C989C6-76FC-4685-B490-F2CDEFA29102.png?v=1615635683\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932454777008,"sku":"d89ca","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"357g (cake)","offer_id":44932454809776,"sku":"d89cc","price":8100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,071g value pack (3 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932454842544,"sku":"d89cv","price":19400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7788.jpg?v=1737905739"},{"product_id":"d110","title":"Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea Mini Tuo Cha 2019","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Our Pu-erh Ripe Tea with Strong Aftertaste and Rich Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea Mini Tuo Cha is a ripe Pu-erh tea made from spring tea harvested from trees hundreds of years old growing deep in the mountains. It is a tea with a very well-balanced flavor, taste, and depth of aftertaste, allowing you to fully enjoy the richness of its flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2019 harvest has a strong flavor reminiscent of dried jujube, with a rich, long aftertaste and deep throat sensation. It dispels the musty image sometimes associated with ripe tea, making it enjoyable for both first-time Pu-erh drinkers and connoisseurs. Enjoy the mature, melting mouthfeel and the sensation of the tea flowing smoothly down your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product (Mini Tuo Cha type) is designed for convenience, processed into small shapes resembling chocolate, allowing you to brew tea using the whole piece.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is available in 2 types: Mini Tuo Cha and cake. This product is the Mini Tuo Cha type.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although both types use raw material from Wu Liang Shan, the specific material used differs slightly. While sold under the same name, their flavor and texture are not identical. If you enjoy 1 type, we encourage you to try the other as well.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Five small paper-wrapped tea balls in a hand\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF.png?v=1615636494\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mini Tuo Cha\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A round tea cake on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9E68EC48-C67F-472B-B4AB-7060A4568C81.png?v=1615636527\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cake type\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is well-received by regular Pu-erh drinkers and can be enjoyed equally by beginners and connoisseurs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor is reminiscent of dried fruits, and the taste is mellow, smooth, and full-bodied.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In addition to the pleasant drinking experience, Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea has a deep aftertaste that spreads through the back of the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The \"character\" of tea is determined by its flavor and drinking experience, but the \"quality\" of tea—which encompasses a three-dimensional, clean taste and flavor, and the richness you feel when drinking—is defined by the depth of its taste and flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Diagram of body (spread in the mouth) and aftertaste (what lingers after swallowing)\" width=\"630\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/taste-body-aftertaste-en2.webp?v=1790840300\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Production of Pu-erh Tea in Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"In Yunnan Province, you can find Pu-erh tea almost everywhere.\" In ethnic minority villages, each household produces Pu-erh tea, and even small villages have hundreds of varieties.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Across all of Yunnan Province, there are thousands or even tens of thousands of types of Pu-erh tea, so in that sense, finding a Pu-erh tea to buy is easy for anyone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, finding Pu-erh tea with a deep aftertaste—as rich and mellow as high-quality chocolate—is extremely rare.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Layers of hazy mountain ranges\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/62FC9607-A456-4C95-89C6-DC8D7AD5820D.png?v=1615636628\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The mountains of Wu Liang Shan\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea bushes growing on a slope among trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EEBF8226-463D-4790-AA39-81B044E2B6CE.png?v=1615636661\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tea growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" 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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Difference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is made from tea trees over 100 years old, planted in the mountains rather than cultivated gardens, making the tea semi-wild.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ethnic minorities harvest the tea 1–2 times a year as part of their livelihood. Tea plucking involves climbing the trees and selecting leaves by hand—a genuinely laborious process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To the ethnic minorities of Wu Liang Shan, the tea trees in the surrounding mountains are like wild vegetables, growing among wild trees in the forest.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Mountain tea contains more minerals than garden-grown tea, and old trees growing slowly with deep root systems yield leaves that are especially rich in minerals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These abundant minerals give the tea a richer, fuller taste. One of the main minerals in Pu-erh tea is iron, which plays a key role in blood production and is especially beneficial for those prone to anemia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman plucking tea leaves high in a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6DAD9A31-6CA0-4247-9A11-0167018A9435.png?v=1615636732\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A worker plucking leaves high in an old tea tree — harvesting from these ancient trees is a genuinely demanding task.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"An old tea tree spreading its branches beneath tall trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D261671E-A5C8-4B98-B08E-8B4A72DADB92.png?v=1615636748\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Old tea trees growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Various Shapes of Ripe Pu-erh Tea Depending on Usage\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh tea is shaped into various forms such as rounds and blocks, depending on its intended use. Before pressing, Pu-erh tea exists as loose leaves called mao cha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once fermentation is complete, the leaves look similar to black tea. We purchase the tea in this state and have it pressed into the desired shape.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Loose dark brown tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/15E2616E-276C-4040-966F-AE0955E413DE.png?v=1615636815\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ripe Pu-erh mao cha before pressing\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Processed into Small Shapes for Convenience\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea Mini Tuo Cha is designed for convenience, pressed into small pieces resembling chocolate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Each piece weighs 6–8 g, so use the whole piece when brewing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a wrapped tea ball and an unwrapped one\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/89B12BD4-96BA-42EC-868B-922D024530AE.png?v=1615636867\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The small size makes it convenient for sharing with friends!\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is Very Economical\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Five small paper-wrapped tea balls in a hand\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF_453bff26-b9e4-438e-b917-2dc88ad7ce64.png?v=1615636922\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is very economical — just 5 g of leaves can yield 2 liters of brewed tea across multiple infusions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you do not finish the tea in one session, you can continue brewing within the same day. For example, it is perfectly fine to resume brewing the next morning from leaves used the previous evening.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of dark reddish-brown tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F914142E-0B51-4F98-BC96-D5FEAF21B7AB.png?v=1615636942\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Enjoying strong tea in small sips is another rewarding way to savor Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932454645936,"sku":"d110ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932454678704,"sku":"d110cc","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932454711472,"sku":"d110cb","price":4200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932454744240,"sku":"d110cv","price":10900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF.png?v=1737905737"},{"product_id":"d107","title":"Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake 2019","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Our Pu-erh Ripe Tea with Strong Aftertaste and Rich Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea Mini Tuo Cha is a Pu-erh ripe tea made from the spring tea of trees hundreds of years old growing deep in the mountains. It is a product with a very well-balanced flavor, taste, and depth (aftertaste), allowing you to fully enjoy the richness of its flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2019 harvest has a strong flavor reminiscent of dried jujube, with a rich, long aftertaste and deep throat sensation. It dispels the moldy image of ripe tea, making it enjoyable for both those who have never tried Pu-erh tea and experienced drinkers. Enjoy the mature, melting mouthfeel and the sensation of the tea flowing smoothly down your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product (Mini Tuo Cha type) is designed for convenience, processed into small shapes like chocolate, allowing you to brew tea using the whole piece.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are two types of Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea available: Mini Tuo Cha and cake.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product is the Mini Tuo Cha type.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although both Mini Tuo Cha and cake are made in Wu Liang Shan, the raw materials used are slightly different. While they are sold under the same name, their flavor and texture are not identical.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you enjoy one type, please try the other as well.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Five small paper-wrapped tea balls in a hand\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF.png?v=1615636494\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mini Tuo Cha\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A round tea cake on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9E68EC48-C67F-472B-B4AB-7060A4568C81.png?v=1615636527\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cake type\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is well-received by customers who regularly drink Pu-erh ripe tea and can be enjoyed by both beginners and connoisseurs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor is reminiscent of dried fruits, and the taste is mellow, smooth, and rich, blending well in your mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In addition to the pleasant drinking experience, Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea has a deep aftertaste that spreads in the back of the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The \"character\" of tea is determined by its flavor and drinking experience, but the \"quality\" of tea—which includes a three-dimensional, clean taste and flavor and the richness you feel when drinking it—is defined by the depth of its flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Diagram of body (spread in the mouth) and aftertaste (what lingers after swallowing)\" width=\"630\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/taste-body-aftertaste-en2.webp?v=1790840300\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Production of Pu-erh Tea in Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"In Yunnan Province, you can find Pu-erh tea almost everywhere.\" In villages of ethnic minorities, each household produces Pu-erh tea, and even in small villages, there are hundreds of types of Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Moreover, across Yunnan Province, there are thousands upon tens of thousands of types of Pu-erh tea, so in a sense, \"buying Pu-erh tea\" is easy for anyone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, finding Pu-erh tea with a deep aftertaste, as rich and mellow as high-quality chocolate, is extremely rare.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Layers of hazy mountain ranges\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/62FC9607-A456-4C95-89C6-DC8D7AD5820D.png?v=1615636628\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The mountains of Wu Liang Shan\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea bushes growing on a slope among trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EEBF8226-463D-4790-AA39-81B044E2B6CE.png?v=1615636661\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tea growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\"\u003eThe Difference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is made from tea trees aged over 100 years old planted in the mountains rather than in tea gardens, making the tea semi-wild.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ethnic minorities pluck tea leaves 1–2 times a year for their livelihood. Tea plucking involves climbing the trees and plucking the leaves by hand, making it a laborious process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea in the mountains around Wu Liang Shan is like wild vegetables for the ethnic minorities, surrounded by wild trees.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Mountain tea contains more minerals than garden-grown tea, and old trees grow slowly with extensive root systems, resulting in tea leaves rich in minerals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The abundant minerals make the tea taste richer. One of the main minerals in Pu-erh tea is iron, which plays a crucial role in blood production and is especially beneficial for women prone to anemia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman plucking tea leaves high in a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6DAD9A31-6CA0-4247-9A11-0167018A9435.png?v=1615636732\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A woman on a tree?! Plucking leaves from old trees is a life-threatening task.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"An old tea tree spreading its branches beneath tall trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D261671E-A5C8-4B98-B08E-8B4A72DADB92.png?v=1615636748\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Old tea trees growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Various Shapes of Pu-erh Ripe Tea Depending on Usage\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Pu-erh ripe tea is shaped into various forms such as round cakes and blocks, depending on its intended use. Initially, Pu-erh tea consists of loose leaves, referred to as loose tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once fermentation is complete, Pu-erh tea looks similar to black tea. We purchase the tea leaves in this state and have them pressed into the desired shapes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Loose dark brown tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/15E2616E-276C-4040-966F-AE0955E413DE.png?v=1615636815\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pu-erh ripe tea mao cha before pressing\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Processed into Small Shapes for Convenience\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea Mini Tuo Cha is designed for convenience, processed into small shapes resembling chocolate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Each piece weighs 6–8g, so use the whole piece when brewing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a wrapped tea ball and an unwrapped one\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/89B12BD4-96BA-42EC-868B-922D024530AE.png?v=1615636867\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The small size makes it convenient for sharing with friends!\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is Very Economical\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Five small paper-wrapped tea balls in a hand\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF_453bff26-b9e4-438e-b917-2dc88ad7ce64.png?v=1615636922\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This Pu-erh tea is very economical, as you can brew multiple infusions from just 5g of tea leaves, yielding around 2 liters in total.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you do not finish brewing in one session, you can continue the next day. For example, you can pick up where you left off the next morning with leaves brewed the previous evening.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of dark reddish-brown tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F914142E-0B51-4F98-BC96-D5FEAF21B7AB.png?v=1615636942\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Enjoying strong tea in small sips is another way to savor Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on teas with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we concentrate on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves grown in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, which accounts for their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932454547632,"sku":"d107ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932454580400,"sku":"d107cc","price":5200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932454613168,"sku":"d107cv","price":20300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d107_01.jpg?v=1737905735"},{"product_id":"d38","title":"Huang Wu Ling Raw Pu-erh tea 2013","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Huang Wu Lin Pu-erh tea  has a strong taste and rich flavor, providing a lingering sensation down the throat when you drink it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is produced in a small village in the mountains of Lincang. One of the characteristics of the Lincang mountainous area is its dry, desert-like climate and highly viscous red soil.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In this arid region, the tea trees appear quite shabby due to the harsh conditions, but high quality can be expected. On fertile land, tea grows quickly, resulting in a lighter taste and lower mineral content. In contrast, tea grown in a harsh environment over time has a much stronger taste. These tea trees have been cultivated in their villages for thousands of years. Following traditional farming methods, after the tea trees were planted, they were left in the fields without maintenance. This form of natural farming means the tea is wilder, with no pesticides or fertilizers used, and weeds were not removed except just before harvesting to secure a foothold. This cultivation method has been inherited from their ancestors. In this nearly-wild condition, the tea becomes very rich in taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d38_02.jpg\" alt=\"HOJO Package\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" border=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Visiting the Village in the Mountains to Find Naturally Farmed Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The real thrill of drinking Pu-erh tea lies in enjoying the complex and robust taste of naturally cultivated tea at a lower price. In fact, if you were to ask for oolong tea, green tea, or black tea of the same quality level, the price would be unimaginably high. However, not all Pu-erh teas from Yunnan meet these criteria. Over 90% of the Pu-erh tea-producing areas in Yunnan have been visited by tourists after the development of roads, leading to the discontinuation of traditional natural cultivation methods in many areas. Many tea gardens have shifted to modern agricultural methods using fertilizers and pesticides. When this happens, the tea loses its richness in taste, yet the price rises unnecessarily. We seek tea with a thick taste made through natural cultivation, spending a month each year in the mountains of Yunnan to purchase tea. If you want high-quality tea, you must go to remote mountain areas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d38_03.jpg\" alt=\"HOJO Package\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" border=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d38_04.jpg\" alt=\"HOJO Package\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" border=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Unique Scent Produced by Simple Production Equipment\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Huang Wu Lin Pu-erh tea is produced in a very remote area where the producer lives a simple life with insufficient production facilities. The frying pan used for production is small and the iron plate is thin, making it difficult to maintain a constant temperature. As a result, the tea leaves tend to overcook during the pan-frying process, giving the tea a slight flavor of roasted soybeans. This scent is common in many younger Pu-erh teas. If you rinse the tea thoroughly before brewing (two to three rounds with boiling water), you can enjoy a clear flavor from the subsequent brews. Despite the toasted flavor, the tea's bold body and thick taste make it very popular. Over time, this tea develops a scent similar to white tea, with grassy notes reminiscent of straw and hay. After several years of storage, the flavor of honey, vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits forms, and the roasted soybean flavor from the first year becomes almost unnoticeable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d38_06.jpg\" alt=\"HOJO Package\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" border=\"0\" style=\"font-size: 1.4em;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d38_07.jpg\" alt=\"HOJO Package\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" border=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tea Leaf Quality and Processing Technology\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After venturing into tea sourcing for some time, I concluded that there are two options in selecting Pu-erh tea: first, choose medium-quality ingredients cultivated near the city with well-processed ingredients, or second, choose the finest ingredients from remote areas with a slightly fragrant flavor like roasted soybeans due to uneven roasting temperature. It's a challenging choice. For teas like this product, which have a strong taste and high-quality raw materials, I prefer the tea even if the roasting temperature is a bit high and the new tea's flavor isn't perfect. We hope you enjoy the overwhelming taste of these extremely high-quality, naturally grown ingredients. If you find the new tea's flavor unappealing, a few years of aging will create a fruity flavor like dried dates or fruits, dramatically improving the tea's drinkability.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d38_05.jpg\" alt=\"HOJO Package\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" border=\"0\" style=\"font-size: 1.4em;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Naturally cultivated tea gardens do not look like typical tea gardens. When you drink Huang Wu Lin Pu-erh tea, your face will flush, your body will warm up, and you will feel relaxed. Mineral-rich teas dilate blood vessels and promote better blood circulation, so drinking quality tea warms your body and relaxes you.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932454449328,"sku":"d38ca","price":1700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"357g (cake)","offer_id":44932454482096,"sku":"d38cc","price":11300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,071g value pack (3 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932454514864,"sku":"d38cv","price":27200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/2021-03-2518.29.22.jpg?v=1737905733"},{"product_id":"d92","title":"Yan Ming Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Yan Ming Shan Ancient Tree Raw Tea is harvested from naturally grown tea trees in the mountains in western Lincang.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Harvested by hand in March before the Qingming Festival, only the first bud and 2 leaves are used, resulting in a tea that contains many new buds. It has a medium body and a mellow taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It has a transparent drinkability, and a refreshing citrus flavor and sweet aftertaste linger in the throat after drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because it is made from completely naturally grown tea, it is very rich in minerals, which can warm the body and, for some people, make you tea drunk. The natural sweetness is rich, making it a popular tea among children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because the tea is harvested from ancient trees that are hundreds of years old, it is also suitable for aging, which will develop a sweet flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After aging for several years, it has developed sweet flavors reminiscent of sugarcane, caramel, and honey.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2016 harvest is known for its transparency, while the 2017 harvest is characterized by a heavy, rich flavor. It is particularly recommended for those who enjoy the scent of vintage Pu-erh tea.\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    \u003cp\u003e\n        Raw Pu-erh tea is a delicate tea that is fruity and fresh, like freshly made white wine. It has no bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        When you think of Pu-erh tea, you might imagine a tea with a brown liquor and the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits, but that is a type of Pu-erh called ripe Pu-erh.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n        Difference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A round tea cake on white paper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/BF6F51B0-8D5F-44AC-A51A-4E313633FE1F.png?v=1615640696\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yan Ming Shan Ancient Tree Raw Tea is harvested from the mountains around Zhenkang in western Lincang.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" 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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWhy We Focus on Lincang Tea Over Xishuangbanna \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is made from naturally grown tea harvested by hand in March before the Qingming Festival, using only 1 bud and 2 leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of green and yellow leaves on a round tea cake\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C6009A46-6C59-4B30-8358-D0288F7194BB.png?v=1615640722\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Normally, Pu-erh tea is a mix of 1 bud and 2 or 3 leaves, so this is a relatively young pluck for Pu-erh tea. Because it contains many new buds, it has a medium body and a mellow taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Diagram of body (spread in the mouth) and aftertaste (what lingers after swallowing)\" width=\"630\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/taste-body-aftertaste-en2.webp?v=1790840300\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It has a transparent drinkability, and a refreshing citrus flavor and sweet aftertaste linger in the throat after drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves in a lid beside a cup of pale yellow tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/BAEAD25B-E925-47C0-A907-EB94D9F4122E.png?v=1615640879\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    With no bitterness or astringency, it can be brewed for a long time for a strong flavor or brewed quickly for a lighter taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    A Tea Loved by Children\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea is carefully made with no burnt or off-flavors, so some people might mistake it for white or green tea due to its quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in minerals and with a natural sweetness, it is very popular with children. Unlike adults, children tend to prefer teas with a mild flavor and natural sweetness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is not unique to this tea, but our children, as well as the children of our customers, are often delighted with naturally grown Pu-erh tea and can't get enough of it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A round tea cake on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0AE4829D-F88B-4179-91E6-64A8A8C50552.png?v=1615640940\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Also Suitable for Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yan Ming Shan Ancient Tree Raw Tea is harvested from ancient trees that are hundreds of years old, producing a gentle flavor. As a result, the sweet flavor that develops from aging over several years stands out like a painting on a white canvas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    You can enjoy the evolving flavors that come with aging.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-aging\" 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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-aging\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Tea Aging \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-aging\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-aging\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"40g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932454154416,"sku":"d92ca","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"357g (cake)","offer_id":44932454187184,"sku":"d92cc","price":9200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,071g value pack (3 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932454219952,"sku":"d92cv","price":22000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d92_01.jpg?v=1737905728"},{"product_id":"d71","title":"Xian Shu Shan raw Pu-erh Tea 2013","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea, made by the Yi ethnic group, has a sweet floral and hay like flavour with a strong presence. Due to the small scale equipment used by the ethnic minority, it also has a roasted note, similar to Scotch whisky.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea is characterized by strong richness, with a lingering sweetness that remains after drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Produced by ethnic minority farmers living in high altitude areas, this tea has a handmade character with a roasted note, similar to roasted beans. It is a tea that pairs well with cold weather, offering a rich and soft taste.\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    \u003cp\u003e\n        Raw Pu-erh tea is a delicate tea with a fruity and fresh flavour, similar to newly made white wine. It has no bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        When people think of Pu-erh tea, they often imagine a tea with a brown liquor and a flavour of dried mushrooms or dried fruits, which is a type of Pu-erh called Ripe Pu-erh.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n            Differences Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Xianshu Mountain is located in Lincang. It is situated deep in the mountains, about 8 hours from the town of Lincang.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The soil is red and dry throughout the year, which restricts the growth of the tea plants, resulting in tea with concentrated flavour and strong richness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea trees are owned by the Yi ethnic minority, from whom I purchase the tea. As a side note, the Yi people love alcohol, and when I go to purchase tea, they strongly recommend baijiu, which makes the process quite challenging.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9EA20F3C-3BEF-42B6-9B16-0BA69C96EB12.png?v=1615644860\" alt=\"A large tea tree growing beside an ethnic minority house\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A large tea tree growing beside an ethnic minority house\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6EA41556-1286-446B-9196-9A80F3AE063E.png?v=1615644874\" alt=\"In Yunnan Province, old trees are owned by ethnic minorities.\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In Yunnan Province, old trees are owned by ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is pan fried by the Yi people themselves using wood fires. The difficulty in controlling the heat from the wood fire gives the tea a roasted note. The combination of the tea’s aging and roasting notes results in a character similar to fine Scotch whisky.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea is characterized by strong richness with a lingering sweetness. Especially after long term aging, the tea develops a smoothness similar to vintage oolong tea, with a sweet aftertaste that lingers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Please note that tea aged for a long time in an oxygen free environment should be enjoyed a few days after opening. Similar to decanting wine, exposing the tea to air allows its flavour to develop more fully.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Xianshu Mountain ancient tree raw tea is made from leaves harvested from late March to the first week of April. The delicate leaves give the tea a silvery appearance, similar to white tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932453761200,"sku":"d71ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"357g (cake)","offer_id":44932453793968,"sku":"d71cc","price":9500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,071g value pack (3 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932453826736,"sku":"d71cv","price":22800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/2021-03-2514.13.09.jpg?v=1737905723"},{"product_id":"d30","title":"Zhong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2012 Malaysia Vintage","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eSmoky note like vintage single malt whisky\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Compressed raw Pu-erh tea cake seen at an angle on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/d30_head_480x480.jpg?v=1613815643\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/d30_head_480x480.jpg?v=1613815643\"\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Zhong Shan Raw Pu-erh tea has been aged in Malaysia since 2012. With a tropical climate throughout the year, the aging effect is ideal.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n    When the tea was freshly produced, it had a smoky note because this small lot was made in the mountains by villagers. Insufficient production facilities led to imprecise control during processing. After aging for some time, it has developed characteristics similar to a vintage Scotch whisky. It has a woodsy note with a smooth drinking sensation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I always like to enjoy it after a hectic day; it is a drink to calm the body and mind. Sometimes, when the water quality is outstanding, the scent of the tea is exactly roasted sweet potato. You can sense both the charcoal fire note and the sweet potato note, fully appreciating the character of aged Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932453433520,"sku":"d30ca","price":920.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932453466288,"sku":"d30cc","price":3300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake )","offer_id":44932453499056,"sku":"d30cv","price":13400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d30_05.jpg?v=1737905719"},{"product_id":"d23","title":"Dong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2023","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Raw Pu-erh tea is a delicate tea that is fruity and fresh, like freshly made white wine. It has no bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        When you think of Pu-erh tea, you might imagine a tea with a brown liquor and the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits, but that is a type of Pu-erh called ripe Pu-erh.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n        Difference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\nHarvested from a pesticide-free, fertilizer-free tea garden in Zhenkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, at an altitude of 2,100 to 2,200 meters, Dong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea comes from trees over 100 years old. It stands out for its smooth taste and clean, transparent flavor, making it a truly exceptional tea.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Hand holding a wrapped Dong Shan 2023 tea cake\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10060\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5332.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\nDong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea, cultivated in a high-altitude tea garden using natural methods, is both reasonably priced and approachable. Its clarity and lingering finish, hallmarks of naturally grown tea, make it an excellent choice for daily enjoyment or for those new to raw pu-erh tea. Aged for one year, it achieves a harmonious balance between the freshness of new tea and a subtle hint of aged flavor. Furthermore, one of its appealing characteristics is its ability to develop a fruity, grape-like flavor after several years of anaerobic storage and aging, which adds to its enduring popularity.\n\u0026nbsp;\n\u003cimg alt=\"Front surface of a round compressed tea cake\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10059\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5322-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Back of a round compressed tea cake with a center dent\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10057\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5316-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-aging\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Tea Aging \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932453335216,"sku":"d152ca","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932453367984,"sku":"d152cc","price":6300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932453400752,"sku":"d152cv","price":25100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5322_136df20f-f5ae-498f-83d1-43cb72c419da.jpg?v=1737905718"},{"product_id":"d75","title":"Ma An Shan Raw Pu-erh tea 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    The Ma An Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea has rich sweetness and deep, intense flavor that fills your mouth. Anyone who has tasted authentic Ma An Shan tea even once will be surprised by the high quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In terms of body strength, it is on par with Lao Ban Zhang, the king of Pu-erh tea. With both richness and body, it is a tea that tea enthusiasts cannot resist.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2016 harvest had less rain during the harvesting season in Ma An Shan, resulting in exceptionally good quality tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Raw Pu-erh tea is a delicate tea, similar to freshly made white wine, with a fruity and fresh flavor. It is very popular with children as it has no bitterness or astringency.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        When people think of Pu-erh tea, many imagine tea with a brown color and the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits, but that is a type of Ripe Pu-erh tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n        Differences Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pale yellow tea in a white cup with a porcelain spoon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/41CE725B-9214-4F8D-9A5A-D8679FC049B1.png?v=1615652075\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Outstanding Full Body (Richness) in HOJO's Lineup\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The most significant feature of Ma An Shan Gushu Raw Pu-erh tea is its very full-bodied flavor with a broad flavor, and its long-lasting aftertaste. It shares the same characteristics as the famous Lao Ban Zhang and Bing Dao, making it a very satisfying tea to drink.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Diagram of body (spread in the mouth) and aftertaste (what lingers after swallowing)\" width=\"630\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/taste-body-aftertaste-en2.webp?v=1790840300\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Four Famous Production Areas in Lincang\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hillside village and tea fields among mountains\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/64503FD3-2FAA-4C65-95D5-F972ED39B669.png?v=1615652186\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When purchasing tea in Yunnan Province, I focus on buying tea in Lincang, which has high latitude and altitude.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lincang has four famous tea-producing areas: Xi Gui, Bing Dao, Mang Fei, and Ma An Shan. Among these four areas, Bing Dao and Xi Gui, which are relatively close to the city center of Lincang and relatively accessible, have seen prices skyrocket recently.\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    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Four Famous Production Areas in Lincang (Yunnan Province)\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eXi Gui\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eBing Dao\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eMang Fei\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eMa An Shan\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Naturally, farmers want to make more money, so these two areas are heavily fertilized, and tea harvesting is done multiple times a year, resulting in a significant decline in quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In recent years, even in Mang Fei, which is 6-7 hours away from Lincang, the price has soared due to the opening of tea factories by government officials and the introduction of Chinese documentary programs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Ma An Shan Tea, a Representative Tea of Lincang\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea tree branches with young shoots and leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1CEEF464-6917-4A46-89D4-1EFC4E3B3B75.png?v=1615652240\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ma An Shan, the fourth famous production area in Lincang, is the farthest from the city center of Lincang and the nearest airport, requiring more than 8 hours by car.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Located near the Myanmar border, Ma An Shan is not very well-known, possibly due to its inaccessibility.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, anyone who has tasted authentic Ma An Shan tea even once will be surprised by its high quality. I was also shocked when I first tasted Ma An Shan tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ma An Shan tea is characterized by its very full-bodied flavor with a broad flavor and deep, complex flavor. When you put the tea in your mouth, you feel a strong expansion, as if the tea's flavor is spreading throughout your mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In terms of body strength, it is on par with Lao Ban Zhang, the king of Pu-erh tea. However, due to the recent price surge, fertilized cultivation has become common, and it is rare to find tea with the same deep flavor as Ma An Shan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ma An Shan tea is irresistible for tea enthusiasts as it combines both richness and body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Modern Agriculture Encroaching on Ma An Shan\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, even in Ma An Shan, fertilized cultivation has been carried out in the village center for several years, and the quality of the tea has declined. I am looking for tea from areas with high altitudes and natural cultivation methods.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person carrying a load across a hillside dotted with tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/3857E2C2-5ACA-4347-8BBC-EA254E7A67C6.png?v=1615652296\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tea gardens in the center of Ma An Shan village are heavily fertilized.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When tea trees are fertilized, they become greener, the tree's color turns blackish, and the size of the tea leaves becomes larger. Naturally cultivated tea has smaller leaves, a yellowish color, and the tree's color turns whitish. Also, the presence of grass and plants on the surface can indicate natural cultivation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\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    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932453105840,"sku":"d75ca","price":3300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932453138608,"sku":"d75cc","price":13000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932453171376,"sku":"d75cv","price":42300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d75_01_1.jpg?v=1737905715"},{"product_id":"d94","title":"Lao Hei Zhai Raw Pu-erh Tea 2017","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Raw Pu-erh tea is a delicate tea that is fruity and fresh, like freshly made white wine. It has no bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        When you think of Pu-erh tea, you might imagine a tea with a brown liquor and the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits, but that is a type of Pu-erh called ripe Pu-erh.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n        Difference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10518\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9830.jpg\" alt=\"A hand holding a Lao Hei Zhai 2017 raw Pu-erh tea cake in its wrapper\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e Lao Hei Zhai is a small mountain village in Feng Qing County, Lincang, Yunnan Province, China. Feng Qing County is widely known as a production area for Yunnan black tea, but black tea production is concentrated mainly in areas relatively close to the town center. On the other hand, the county also has areas deep in the mountains where many old tea trees remain. In some of these areas, rain alone can make access from outside difficult. In recent years, cultivation with fertilizer has spread in some areas, but we introduce teas from growing environments that have been maintained without any fertilizer or pesticides. \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d84_03.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" border=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Advantage of a Little-Known Growing Area\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a little-known growing area, tea prices have not soared, so farmers are rarely pressed to increase production, and a relatively large number of tea gardens are kept in a near-natural state. Because the area is little known, demand is low, and as a result the environment remains free from the excessive cultivation practices of modern agriculture. The leaves are plucked only once a year and grow slowly without fertilizer or pesticides. As a result, the leaves are thick, with a high cell density, and rich in polyphenols. In fact, the polyphenol content of fertilized and unfertilized tea differs by more than three times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, once a growing area becomes well known and prices rise, farmers have an incentive to increase their income further, since the tea sells at a high price. With tea trees several hundred years old, like those used for Pu-erh tea, the number of trees cannot be increased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, farmers turn to pruning to boost the vigor of the trees and encourage many young branches, or apply fertilizer to speed up leaf growth and increase the yield. Pruned tea trees put out many new shoots, so the harvest increases in the short term.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA larger harvest means more leaves and more leaf area, but the tissue formed and the substances accumulated in each leaf become relatively thinner, and as a result the tea tastes thin and flat. \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d84_02.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" border=\"0\"\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d84_07.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" border=\"0\"\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d84_06.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" border=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Character Shaped by the Cool Highland Climate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLao Hei Zhai Raw Pu-erh Tea comes from the mountains of Lincang. Among the Pu-erh producing regions, Lincang lies at a relatively high latitude, with lower temperatures throughout the year and an environment well suited to growing tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn general, tea trees grown at high altitude experience a large difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. During the day, strong ultraviolet light drives photosynthesis, while at night the low temperatures keep the organic compounds produced during the day from being consumed excessively, so they are more easily retained in the leaves. These conditions contribute to the taste and aroma of the tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not widely known, but mountain vegetables also taste richer and sweeter the higher the altitude. In lower areas, spring arrives early and mountain vegetables can be gathered early. In the high mountains, spring comes about a month later, but the taste is incomparable to that of mountain vegetables from the lowlands. \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d84_04.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" border=\"0\"\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d84_05.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" border=\"0\"\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d84_08.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" border=\"0\"\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d84_09.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" border=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Does It Taste?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this is a naturally cultivated tea, it has a long aftertaste. As you can see in the photo below, the leaves were plucked with many young buds, so the tea has a soft mouthfeel and a distinctly creamy sensation in the mouth.\u003cbr\u003eIt has already been aging for nearly 10 years and has a sweet aroma reminiscent of dried fruit, especially dried persimmons, dried figs, and raisins, making it an easy tea to enjoy even for first-time drinkers. \u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10516\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9852-1.jpg\" alt=\"A round raw Pu-erh tea cake seen from above\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more on how raw Pu-erh is made, aged, and stored, see \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\"\u003eWhat Is Raw Pu-erh Tea?\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-aging\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Tea Aging \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932452253872,"sku":"d94ca","price":2100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932452286640,"sku":"d94cc","price":8100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932452319408,"sku":"d94cv","price":32400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d84_head.jpg?v=1737905706"},{"product_id":"d69","title":"Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is characterized by a soft hay-like flavor, with subtle fruity notes and a sweet scent reminiscent of sugarcane and honey. It is pleasing to those who seek a deep and lingering aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2015 harvest was made using tea leaves harvested only during the first 2 days of the tea-plucking season.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea features an outstandingly deep richness and medium body, accompanied by a smooth, creamy texture. It is one of the top-quality teas in our Pu-erh tea lineup.\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    \u003cp\u003e\n        Raw Pu-erh tea is a delicate tea with a fruity, fresh flavor, similar to newly made white wine. It has no bitterness or astringency, making it very popular among children.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        When people think of Pu-erh tea, they may imagine a brown-colored tea with the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits. However, that is actually a type of ripe Pu-erh tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n        The Difference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Top view of a round compressed Pu-erh tea cake\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2018-02-02_16.36.42.png?v=1615877412\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Lincang: A Region of Pure Natural Cultivation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The main production areas of Pu-erh tea can be divided into 3 major regions in Yunnan Province: Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Lincang.\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    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Regions Where Pu-erh Tea is Produced\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eXishuangbanna\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003ePu'er\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eLincang\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many people might think that most tea in Yunnan Province is grown using natural farming methods. However, in reality, most tea in Yunnan is grown with fertilizers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In recent years, due to the rising prices of Yunnan tea and the popularity of old tea trees, many farmers have started using fertilizers to increase their yield and income.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This phenomenon is not limited to China but can also be observed in Myanmar and Laos.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Among the 3 major Pu-erh tea-producing areas, Xishuangbanna is the most famous and commands the highest prices.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In recent years, the roads to Xishuangbanna have been greatly improved, making it easily accessible. However, the tea from Xishuangbanna has become overly expensive relative to its quality, which makes it less appealing to us.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Value of Lincang's Tea, Grown in Natural Conditions\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lincang, which still has many tea gardens practicing pure natural cultivation, has caught our attention. The more we learn about Pu-erh tea, the more convinced we are that Lincang produces excellent tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lincang is located in the southwest of Yunnan Province at a higher latitude. Some areas still lack roads leading to the villages.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One advantage of lesser-known production areas is that the tea trees are maintained in a very natural state. Due to their obscurity, demand is low and the trees are kept in near-natural conditions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, compared to Xishuangbanna, Lincang's higher latitude produces larger temperature differences, creating an environment conducive to high-quality tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For these reasons, Lincang tea is of very high quality and relatively affordable. In recent years, we have focused on sourcing tea from Lincang.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan: Owned by Ethnic Minorities at 2,000 m Altitude\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea is harvested from tea gardens owned by the Lahu and Yi ethnic minorities, located at around 2,000 meters altitude in Lincang, Yunnan Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan is a mountain range that stretches 400 km from Pu'er county to just south of Dali in Yunnan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although the name Wu Liang Shan suggests a single high mountain, it actually refers to a vast area with scattered ethnic minority villages.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since Wu Liang Shan covers a very broad area, the character and quality of the tea vary greatly depending on the village.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to the region's remoteness, no fertilizers are used, and the tea is grown using the same natural farming methods practiced for generations.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea trees grow individually like wild trees, surrounded by various wild grasses and plants. This coexistence with wild vegetation creates a natural nitrogen cycle, allowing the tea trees to grow very slowly over time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast to fertilized gardens where trees grow quickly and leaves grow large, naturally grown tea develops slowly with very small leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Just as an apple without richness tastes sweet but lacks depth, or convenience store ice cream is sweet but lacks complexity, naturally grown tea has a depth of richness that faster-grown tea simply cannot match.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932452155568,"sku":"d69ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932452188336,"sku":"d69cc","price":7600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932452221104,"sku":"d69cv","price":30200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d69_01.jpg?v=1737905705"},{"product_id":"d47","title":"Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea is made from old tea trees grown in Wu Liang Mountain, one of the famous mountain ranges in Yunnan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2016 harvest has a strong aftertaste and flavor due to the continuous sunny weather before the spring harvest. This year's tea has a thicker body than usual and a very satisfying taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After aging for some years in Malaysia, the tea has developed a smooth drinking sensation with a dried fruity note.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Cloud-covered green mountains with a road and a few houses in the valley\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d67_07.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan has many old tea trees\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan is a mountain range that extends from Pu-erh county south to Dali in Yunnan, stretching about 400 km in length.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Some people may imagine Wu Liang Shan as a single high mountain, but it actually refers to a broad area consisting of many ethnic minority villages. As a result, the quality of tea varies widely depending on the village and mountain.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree with bright yellow-green new leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d67_09.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea is produced from fresh tea leaves of old tea trees grown at about 2,000 meters in Lincang.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea garden is owned by ethnic minorities—the Rafu and Ye ethnic groups.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    They maintain their tea garden in a completely wild style, using no fertilizer or pesticide and conducting no pruning of the tea trees. This practice has been continued for hundreds of years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea trees grow independently like wild trees, and the garden is surrounded by natural vegetation. Even without fertilizer, the environment forms a balanced ecosystem, making the tea garden completely sustainable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In a sustainable tea garden, the tea trees grow more slowly. The leaves are smaller, and each leaf consists of smaller cells. Due to this slow growth, the tea accumulates more polyphenols and other substances, resulting in a thicker, richer taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Thick taste\" means richness and a deep aftertaste—not bitterness or astringency. For example, an apple without a lingering aftertaste feels shallow. Ice cream from a convenience store is sweet enough but lacks a strong finish. The same applies to tea: naturally and slowly grown tea has a much deeper aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Freshly plucked tea leaves in a round bamboo tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d67_10.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person carrying a large bag past a stone and mud-brick house\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d67_13.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried red chilies and beans in baskets on a bamboo rack\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d67_14.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A table spread with rice, meat and vegetable dishes and cups of tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d67_08.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eSome people may think that most Yunnan tea comes from natural farming gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, nowadays most Yunnan tea is grown with fertilizers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In recent years, the price of Yunnan tea has gradually increased and old tea trees have become popular. Because of this, many tea farmers have started applying fertilizer to increase productivity and yield. This trend is happening not only in China but also in Myanmar and Laos. The number of naturally farmed teas is now far smaller than those grown using modern agricultural practices.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea has a strong aftertaste and medium body\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Those who enjoy a strong aftertaste will love this tea. It has a flavor reminiscent of sugarcane, with hints of brown sugar and honey, and a smooth drinking sensation. The tea processing was well-managed, and it has no smoky or scorched flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is easy to enjoy even when young, and it is also excellent after aging for several years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Why are some tea lovers so passionate about Pu-erh tea?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We often say to our customers, \"oolong for flavor and Pu-erh for taste.\" No tea can match the depth of a quality Pu-erh. The taste we are referring to is the extent of the aftertaste lingering down the throat. The flavor of well-aged Pu-erh is also wonderful, but the greatest advantage of Pu-erh tea remains its aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In particular, the taste is remarkable when the tea is grown at high altitudes, harvested from old tea trees, and produced without fertilizer. An oolong tea of equivalent quality would command an astronomical price. The real charm of Pu-erh tea lies in its thick taste, abundant sweetness, and a soft drinking sensation like pure water flowing down the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Usually, tea begins developing an aged flavor after 3–4 years of storage. Well-aged tea develops flavors of fruit or honey. Even those new to Pu-erh tea should find the aged flavor easy to enjoy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Leafy tea trees on a mountain slope with hills in the distance\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0698.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The naturally farmed tea garden in Wu Liang Shan\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Woman pan-firing fresh tea leaves in a large wok\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9943.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"40g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932452057264,"sku":"d47ca","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932452090032,"sku":"d47cc","price":7600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932452122800,"sku":"d47cv","price":30200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d47_05.jpg?v=1737905703"},{"product_id":"w04","title":"Gu Shu Yinzhen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Gu Shu means \"old tree\" in Chinese. This tea is produced from old tea trees that are several hundred years old. The tea trees are owned by minority ethnic groups in Yunnan who strictly follow the traditions of their ancestors.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Silvery tea buds resting on a white dish\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/GSYZ2023-7_480x480.jpg?v=1683874022\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea is made from a single tea bud, hand-plucked in early spring from high mountains. It has a sweet, grassy note with a pleasant drinking sensation reminiscent of a spring garden in the highlands. The taste is smooth and soft, with no bitterness or astringency, making it enjoyable for the whole family. The tea can be served with hot or cold water.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0929.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The old tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0929.jpg\" title=\"IMG_0929\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Tea is Produced from Semi-Wild Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea bushes were planted independently and grow like wild plants, surrounded by weeds that have grown as tall as the tea trees themselves. The weeds are only cut just before plucking. When I first saw the growing area, I could hardly believe there were any tea trees at all. The trunks were remarkably pale, and the leaves were yellowish due to a shortage of nitrogen. The tea trees were completely blended into the surrounding ecosystem. According to the locals, they follow exactly what they learned from their ancestors, and this tradition has been preserved for thousands of years. However, many areas in Yunnan are rapidly shifting to modern agricultural practices, making it increasingly rare to find places where traditional farming is still observed.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0920.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Tea garden of Gu Shu Yinzhen\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0920.jpg\" title=\"IMG_0920\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0936.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Tea garden of Gu Shu Yinzhen\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0936.jpg\" title=\"IMG_0936\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Extraordinarily Strong Aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The main characteristic of Gu Shu Yinzhen is its overwhelming aftertaste. Once you drink this tea, the taste reaches deep down the throat, and the sweetness and flavor linger for a very long time. Since this tea is very strong, I usually limit myself to just a few cups, or else I would get tea-drunk. Thanks to the highly concentrated minerals, it leaves a warm and relaxed feeling. The tea leaves also hold up for many infusions — once I prepare this tea in the morning, I can keep brewing it until evening.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3062.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"White tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3062.jpg\" title=\"IMG_3062\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3069.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Brewing Gu Shu Yinzhen in Gaiwan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3069.jpg\" title=\"IMG_3069\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    You Can Keep Brewing Over a Day\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The unique feature of this tea is that it maintains its fresh flavor throughout the day. Even if you stop brewing and leave the wet leaves for several hours, no off-flavors will develop. Instead, a pleasant fruity note emerges. I often brew this tea at night and continue into the next morning. To my surprise, the flavor was even fruitier and more pleasant when I resumed the next day.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Excellent Performance in Cold Water Brewing\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I also recommend brewing this tea in cold water, which is unexpectedly refreshing. Thanks to its strong aftertaste, even my kids love it. All you need is 5g of tea leaves in 1 liter of water, left in the fridge for several hours. If it is too strong, simply dilute it. For a fuller flavor, use water that has been boiled and then cooled down.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932451664048,"sku":"w04cc","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932451696816,"sku":"w04cb","price":6800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932451729584,"sku":"w04cv","price":22800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_3044.jpg?v=1737905698"},{"product_id":"w03","title":"Ancient Bai Mu Dan (Gushu Bai Mu Dan )","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\n    Ancient Bai Mu Dan is a white tea made from one bud and one leaf plucked in March.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At HOJO, we use tea leaves plucked from ancient trees grown naturally in Yunnan Province to produce Ancient Bai Mu Dan. This tea combines quality and visual beauty, making it extremely rare even in China. It has a floral flavor characteristic of white tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    White tea has a gentle flavor, making it popular with children, and is also recommended for cold brewing. Additionally, it is suitable for aging; when stored unopened (oxygen-free) for several years, it develops a muscat-like fruity flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To produce our Ancient Bai Mu Dan, we source fresh tea leaves from naturally cultivated, pesticide-free and fertilizer-free tea gardens in Yunnan Province and manage the processing ourselves to create the ideal white tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are plucked from trees estimated to be over 100 years old, offering a deep, rich flavor that penetrates deeply.\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 style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried white tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2018-01-25_13.20.53.png?v=1615892740\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We created our original Ancient Bai Mu Dan using tea leaves harvested from ancient trees growing at altitudes of around 2100 meters in Yunnan Province. This tea breaks the conventional concept of white tea with its exceptional quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hazy mountain ridges beyond flowering plants and green trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0487.jpg?v=1615892785\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The landscape around the production area of Ancient Bai Mu Dan\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Quality of Raw Materials Directly Reflects the Quality of White Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The simplicity of white tea production means that the quality of the raw tea leaves directly affects the quality of the finished tea. Therefore, improving the quality of the fresh tea leaves naturally enhances the quality of the white tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Based on our experience, the highest quality tea leaves in China come from tea gardens in remote areas of Yunnan Province, at altitudes above 2000 meters, where the trees are naturally cultivated.\u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #fff;\"\u003en Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.01071em;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In these area, tea gardens are not like those in Japan or Fujian Province. The tea trees are left to grow naturally, and some trees can reach the height of a two-story house.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We select tea gardens that practice complete natural cultivation\/sustainable without pesticides, fertilizers, or even weeding around the trees, and arrange to obtain raw materials from these gardens.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A worker among dense tea trees on a hillside\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9880.jpg?v=1615892853\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Fujian Province White Tea Prices Skyrocket, Leading to Mass Production\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Fujian Province, famous for its white tea, prices have been rising continuously over the past 7-8 years. This trend started around 2000 when the concept of \"aging white tea through long-term storage\" was introduced.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Previously, white tea had to be sold within the year, but now, the older the tea, the higher the price it fetches. As a result, white tea has become an investment commodity in Fujian Province, with prices rising more than tenfold.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Naturally, to increase production and income, farmers in Fujian Province began using more fertilizers, leading to a general decline in tea quality. With high prices and low quality, HOJO has spent several years preparing to switch all our white tea production to Yunnan Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Terraced rows of tea bushes on a hillside\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4579.jpg?v=1615892913\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Typical white tea gardens in Fuding, Fujian Province\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Our Own Tea Using Local Facilities\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One frequent issue with producing white tea in Yunnan Province is the lack of proper tea processing techniques and management. Many producers in Yunnan believe that \"white tea only needs to be naturally dried\" and neglect the detailed steps, often diminishing the value of the high-quality raw materials.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If withering is not properly managed, the tea leaves can turn black due to excessive fermentation caused by inappropriate temperature, air circulation, and leaf overlap during the withering process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Such tea leaves develop a distinct flavor reminiscent of dried wood ear mushrooms, which I personally do not prefer. To bring out the best flavor from high-quality raw materials, proper management of the withering process is crucial.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Over the past few years, we have been involved in the actual production of white tea at the production sites. This experience has enabled us to produce white tea independently, provided we have the necessary facilities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When producing Ancient Bai Mu Dan, we directed the production methods and management parameters to the workers and managed each batch to achieve the quality HOJO aims for.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves spread out in a round bamboo tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9387-1.jpg?v=1615892978\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Using Naturally Cultivated Tea from High Altitude Gardens\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The raw tea leaves for this product were harvested around 2100 meters in the southwestern part of Lincang, Yunnan Province. The tea is plucked as one bud and one leaf.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person in a hat standing among tea trees and white flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8928.jpg?v=1615893029\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding freshly plucked tea shoots and leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9347_836a56d4-dd4c-4d32-ac2a-8681acf0383d.jpg?v=1789407634\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    How to Make White Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    White tea is defined\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    How to Make White Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    White tea is defined as tea that undergoes withering and slight fermentation without pan-frying or rolling.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    White tea has a long history, existing for over 2000 years, making it one of the oldest types of tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fresh tea leaves are plucked and then withered briefly in the sun before being slowly withered in the shade for several days. The dehydration stress gradually activates the tea's enzymes, resulting in slight fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If the withering time is short, the leaves retain a green color and floral flavor. Conversely, longer withering results in a slightly brown color and a fruity flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As mentioned earlier, if the tea leaves become damp during withering, they can turn black and develop an over-fermented smell similar to dried mushrooms. This product is withered for approximately 48 hours (depending on daily weather), resulting in a balanced flavor with floral and subtle fruity notes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves spread across a woven bamboo mat\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9322.jpg?v=1615893095\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves spread on tiers of bamboo racks\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1A509DC4-A2BA-47A6-B004-570C5C4FB726.png?v=1615893281\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Achieving Rich Flavor by Avoiding Heat Processing\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are several methods to produce white tea. The mainstream method in Fujian Province involves a short heat treatment in a drying machine after the withering process. This helps to suppress the green-grassy note, clarifies the flavor and aroma, and brings out a sweet fragrance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, while this process enhances the sweet flavor, it also diminishes the fresh and floral scent. The raw tea leaves used by HOJO are naturally cultivated and therefore have minimal green-grassy notes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, we deliberately omit the final heat treatment to preserve the fresh, distinctive flavor of just-withering white tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When you taste Ancient Bai Mu Dan, you will notice a rich floral fragrance, a very long finish, and a satisfying body. This tea is recommended not only for white tea enthusiasts but also for those new to white tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried white tea leaves scattered on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1122-1.jpg?v=1615893141\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry tea leaves in a white cup with a blue rim\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9334.jpg?v=1615893157\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed tea leaves in a white cup with a blue rim\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9338.jpg?v=1615893180\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pale yellow tea in a white cup with a porcelain spoon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/FA973ACF-D9EB-4590-8C61-80848285B16C.png?v=1615893253\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":43880370733232,"sku":"w03cc","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932451205296,"sku":"w03cb","price":6800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932451238064,"sku":"w03cv","price":22800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3970-2.jpg?v=1787721646"},{"product_id":"w15","title":"Silver Needle ( Bai Hao Yinzhen )","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen) Made from Naturally Grown Yunnan Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen), is made from naturally grown Yunnan tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The raw material comes from a tea garden at an altitude of 2100m, near the Myanmar border in Lincang, harvested in March as the first flush, using completely pesticide-free, fertilizer-free, naturally grown tea. It is finished only by withering without applying heat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It has a very long aftertaste characteristic of naturally grown tea, with a transparent and sweet flavor without any off-flavors. It is very soft and free of bitterness, making it a tea that can be enjoyed with children.\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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Slender silvery tea buds on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2018-01-25_13.44.59.png?v=1615896685\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Tea Enjoyed by Children\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Children's taste buds and noses are much more sensitive than parents might think.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, children are often the best judges of tea quality in the household. Children tend to prefer natural flavors and are less likely to enjoy flavored teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    White tea is the favorite of children because of its gentle natural flavor and texture. Why not offer white tea to your children instead of juice or sports drinks?\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Tea Leaves Floating Up and Down Like Bamboo Leaves Falling\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Try brewing it in a tall glass. As the tea leaves absorb water, they gradually stand upright, aligning on the water surface like the tips of spears.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The upright leaves move up and down, reminiscent of watching a quiet bamboo grove.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Can Be Brewed with Cold Water\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen) can also be brewed with cold water. If brewing with cold water, wait patiently for about an hour. Cold water brewing enhances the freshness of the flavor and brings out more sweetness, making it perfect for a refreshing drink when you come home.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After brewing with cold water, try pouring hot water over the tea leaves again. You can enjoy a different flavor experience.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even if you accidentally leave it in hot water for an hour, it won't become bitter. The endlessly sweet and gentle flavor is sure to be liked by children and those who are not fond of the bitterness of tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Slender silvery tea leaves on a wooden board\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2E46CDC9-ED48-4A77-AC13-EBC1F41E65C2.png?v=1615896750\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Issues with White Tea from Fujian Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Rising Prices\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since around 2010, the idea of aging white tea has become popular in Fujian Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, producers no longer need to rush to sell white tea in spring, and unsold tea can be sold at higher prices as aged tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This has led to speculation on white tea, causing prices to rise. What was once an affordable tea has become a luxury tea in recent years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While it is possible to source white tea at high prices, the aftertaste is often shallow, making it less appealing from a consumer perspective.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Pesticide Issues\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High-quality white tea from Fujian Province is primarily marketed domestically, and pesticide management is often lacking compared to tea for export.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even if we find tea to meet our requirement in flavor, we often face issues with pesticide residues, making it impossible to source.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although there is organic white tea in China, obtaining organic certification in China costs more than 10 thousands USD, making it unattainable for small farmers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, only large-scale producers can obtain organic certification, and to recoup their investment, they use plenty of organic fertilizers and pesticides to increase yield.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In reality, regardless of whether it is organic or not, the faster the tea grows, the lower the quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I have visited many organic tea gardens, but rarely do they meet my quality standards due to their shallow aftertaste and lack of depth in flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    White Tea Has Been Produced in Yunnan Province for a Long Time\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, white tea has not only been produced in Fujian Province. The history of white tea is longer than that of any other tea, and teas resembling modern white tea were being produced in various parts of China around 1000 BC.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    White tea has long been produced in Yunnan Province as well. While Yunnan is famous for Pu-erh tea and black tea, white tea is also produced there.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, traditional sun-drying methods are used for white tea in Yunnan Province, giving it somewhat different flavor compared to Fujian white tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Further You Go into Remote Areas, the Better the Raw Materials and the Lower the Processing Level\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    A distinctive trend in Yunnan Province is that the further you go into remote mountain villages, the better the quality of the tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Especially in areas near the Myanmar border, there are many naturally grown, pesticide-free tea gardens with excellent quality tea leaves.\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We can obtain dream-like tea leaves with a very long aftertaste and strong flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, going to remote areas also means that producers often lack adequate production facilities and processing skills, leading to improper processing of the excellent raw materials.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Especially, the plucking standards can cause inconsistency during withering, requiring management from the plucking stage and strict quality control.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen) Using Fujian Methods, Not Yunnan Methods\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I have relationships with various farmers who owns the garden of naturally grown tea in Yunnan Province, so the challenge was how to process these high-quality raw materials effectively.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When white tea is made using traditional Yunnan methods, it often results in poorly processed white tea with brown leaves, like the common Yue Guang Bai.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, I selected a producer from my contacts who had the management capability to produce white tea, and spent a month teaching them how to set up the equipment and produce Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Through continuous improvement every year, we have now reached a point where we can produce tea of  ideal quality. The raw material is completely pesticide-free, naturally grown tea from a tea garden at an altitude of 2000m in Lincang, harvested in March as the first flush.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a spoon of pale yellow tea over a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9F43580A-E7F8-47F5-BB13-0EAB1CAB770C.png?v=1615896808\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed Silver Needle leaves in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C4FE2B4F-7E75-4341-9281-986A6589BAD2.png?v=1615896849\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Yellow-green tea leaves unfurled in a glass pitcher\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F1E8A62D-0DB2-4FEB-A162-BD27B2831CBE.png?v=1615896877\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Completion of Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen) with Unprecedented Deep Aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea has a very long aftertaste characteristic of naturally grown tea, with a transparent and sweet flavor without any off-flavors.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Despite the long aftertaste like Pu-erh tea, it is elegantly finished like white tea from Fujian Province. The long withering process results in a milder and creamier mouthfeel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed yellow-green tea leaves in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ACEED8C0-A415-4A08-A85A-FAEB07E5A81D.png?v=1615896932\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is good to drink immediately, but if you age it for several years while unopened, sweet flavors like honey, muscat, and peach will develop. White tea can also be delicious when cold-brewed, making it popular with children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Uncertain Future Production of Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen)\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To produce Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen), only the buds are plucked, but this task is not familiar to the ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province, making it very challenging to persuade them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Only 400-500g of tea leaves can be plucked per day, and after processing, each person can only produce 100g of tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to the difficulty in plucking tea this time, I was told, \"We don't want to pluck it next year.\" I plan to convince them to continue producing it, but the future of this tea remains uncertain.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932451074224,"sku":"w15ca","price":1700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40g (in can)","offer_id":44932451106992,"sku":"w15cc","price":3200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g (large bag\/40g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932451139760,"sku":"w15cb","price":9300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [40g x 3 bags] x 5 bags)","offer_id":44932451172528,"sku":"w15cv","price":38400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2952-1.jpg?v=1737905690"},{"product_id":"w02","title":"Wild White Tea Bud","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild White Buds is a tea made from wild tea, estimated to be Camellia Assamica Dehongensis. We directly source it from farmers who harvest tea leaves from the wild in Lincang, Yunnan Province, China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea has a strong body and richness, with a sweet and refreshing taste akin to drinking pure water. The flavor is floral and herbal, reminiscent of floral tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The delicate flavor remains consistent through multiple infusions, making it an economical 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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/CC741EBF-3F2D-4489-9950-66DDB90D9FCA.png?v=1615900139\" alt=\"Wild White Buds\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This white tea is made from wild buds plucked by ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province. It has a strong, refreshing floral flavor and can be infused multiple times, making it very economical.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    White Tea from Hundred-Year-Old Trees in Lincang, Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan Province is home to wild tea known as Shancha. In early March, ethnic minority farmers hand-pluck the tea from the mountains.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While this tea belongs to the Camellia family, it is not Sinensis but another species. Through various studies, we believe it to be Camellia Assamica Dehongensis.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/72BA58A9-C1F7-4E70-ADD3-6A00A9848597.png?v=1615900189\" alt=\"Wild Tea Trees in Yunnan\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although this tea is relatively well-known in northwestern Yunnan Province and can be sourced with effort, it varies significantly in quality and price.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I am particular about sourcing from Lincang because its tea has an exceptionally strong body and richness. When you drink it, the tea expands vertically and horizontally in your mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea is very sweet and soft on the palate, and those who like it become very passionate about it. The flavor is a refreshing blend of floral and herbal notes, more like floral tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/7C0C261E-DADE-4EB1-837B-3F52FBBDDCD1.png?v=1615900234\" alt=\"Hand-Plucked Wild Tea\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EBB03961-6BB3-4924-B16D-5AC6DFE55812.png?v=1615900248\" alt=\"Wild White Buds Infusion\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1424385D-FF74-404F-B7C1-F50A026D0666.png?v=1615900266\" alt=\"White Tea Infusion\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A44B76F8-B6D8-4726-A23F-B47A8C89E312.png?v=1615900280\" alt=\"Light-Colored Infusion\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The infusion is very light, almost like water, but has a rich flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea can be infused multiple times, making it very economical. Its inherently delicate flavor remains consistent through multiple infusions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, it is possible to brew this tea continuously throughout the day.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932450681008,"sku":"w02cc","price":1700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932450713776,"sku":"w02cb","price":4900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932450746544,"sku":"w02cv","price":16600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/w02_07.jpg?v=1737905684"},{"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":"s05","title":"Jasmine Silver Needle","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A pile of slender silvery tea buds on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6146F91D-6FC1-451F-9C4A-0459EC7382F1.png?v=1615903398\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have created an authentic Jasmine tea using naturally cultivated white tea from ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    A Unique Tea in the World\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is made from white tea harvested from old trees located at an altitude of about 2000m in the southwestern part of Yunnan Province, near the Myanmar border, and processed into Jasmine tea in Guangxi Region.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is made from fully naturally cultivated tea. As it grows without fertilizers or pesticides, the yield per tree is about a quarter compared to general tea gardens, and it grows slowly over time, resulting in very small cells and rich polyphenol content, creating a very rich flavor and aroma. This is not because polyphenols themselves create the aroma. Tea rich in polyphenols is tea that has grown slowly, and such tea also contains more terpene glycosides, the precursors of the floral and fruity aroma compounds called terpenes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Jasmine tea is generally made using green tea as a base.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The reason is that green tea has a gentle aroma, allowing the jasmine scent to stand out when mixed. On the other hand, it is very rare for white tea to be used as a base tea for jasmine tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is because white tea has a distinctive floral aroma that may overshadow the jasmine scent, and also because white tea from Fujian Province is very expensive, making it uncommon to use as a base for jasmine tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Gushu Yizhen used as the base for this tea has a strong white tea aroma, but thanks to its deep richness, it harmonizes ideally with the jasmine scent, resulting in a jasmine tea that is unlike any other.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The collaboration of the good qualities of white tea and the sweet jasmine aroma creates a refreshing, sweet scent reminiscent of citrus fruits. The deep richness that spreads not only to the back of the throat but also deep into the chest showcases the quality of naturally cultivated tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    With almost no bitterness and a very sweet aftertaste, it is a tea that both children and jasmine tea lovers and non-lovers alike will enjoy. This tea is also delicious when brewed cold.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The appearance of the tea leaves may not be as beautiful as the Gushu Yizhen used as the base, due to the long scenting process, but once you take a sip, you will be impressed in many ways.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two women plucking tea leaves beside a woven basket\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/7195D17F-516D-4089-B420-A6E9AAAA7A6E.png?v=1615903449\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Background of Jasmine Silver Needle\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One of HOJO's popular products is Gushu Yizhen.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is made from fully naturally cultivated tea and has a deep richness that spreads smoothly in the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When I visited the production area in Yunnan Province in April to purchase this tea, the thought crossed my mind, \"It would be great to make jasmine tea using this tea.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once I started thinking that, I couldn't stop, so I made a quick decision and purchased a large quantity of Gushu Yizhen for jasmine tea processing. The reason for the \"large quantity\" is that there is a minimum amount of tea leaves required to make jasmine tea due to the characteristics of the dryer, and it is not possible to make custom-ordered jasmine tea with too small an amount.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry silvery tea buds in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B5B30913-E378-4695-8CD1-7D1178F46188.png?v=1615903491\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tea leaves of Gushu Yizhen before processing\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pale yellow tea in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C0FC3E09-435A-460B-ADC2-4BC398C305CE.png?v=1615903515\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Traditional Naturally Cultivated Tea by Ethnic Minorities\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Gushu Yizhen is a tea made by ethnic minorities in the western part of Lincang, Yunnan Province, near the Myanmar border.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As emphasized from the beginning, this tea is made from completely fertilizer-free and pesticide-free tea. Although it is called natural cultivation, it is not a special effort, but it is managed in the same way as it was 1000 years ago.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province, the tea trees are originally left in the mountains, and they only mow the grass once or twice a year.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Just like gathering wild vegetable buds in spring, the tea trees grow extremely slowly, resulting in very rich and mineral-rich tea like wild vegetables.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A slender tea tree on a dry grassy hillside\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6911A4BC-7D1C-49CC-A60C-64C2D1D9691D.png?v=1615903580\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree with bright new leaves above white wildflowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EE020C6F-55EC-4BD1-AF73-2829009544F4.png?v=1615903594\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Scenting with Fresh Jasmine Flowers for 6 Nights\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although the tea was purchased in spring, jasmine flowers reach their peak season in August-September, so we decided the timing of the scenting based on the condition and market price of the flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The scenting process took 6 nights. The jasmine flowers are harvested in bud form and mixed with the tea leaves in the evening.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At night, the flowers bloom, and the jasmine scent is absorbed by the tea leaves. In the morning, the flowers are removed, and the tea leaves are dried before being mixed with fresh flowers again. This process is repeated 6 times, or for 6 nights.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A heap of fresh white jasmine flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/58FF6C0F-0B12-48C5-9C3F-7EC062E5EC64.png?v=1615903701\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932450320560,"sku":"s05cc","price":2800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932450353328,"sku":"s05cb","price":8100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932450386096,"sku":"s05cv","price":27000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/2021-03-2516.38.01.jpg?v=1737905680"},{"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":"w25","title":"Ancient White Tea ( Gushu Bai Cha )","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Green and silvery tea leaves in a metal scoop\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7600\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4846-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ancient White Tea (Gushu Baicha) is made from tea leaves plucked from old trees, using one bud and two to three leaves. It is a luxurious white tea that combines a floral flavor with a long, lingering aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Metal bowl filled with tea leaves covered in fine white down\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7603\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4771-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tea from High-Altitude Old Trees\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ancient White Tea is made from tea grown in sustainable, naturally cultivated gardens at an altitude of 2100–2200 meters in Zhenkang County, Lincang City. The tea leaves are sourced from a garden owned by a friend and fellow tea producer with whom we collaborate. Due to the high altitude, old tree age, and natural cultivation, the tea grows very slowly, and the first flush is not harvested until April. Slowly grown tea is rich in minerals and polyphenols, resulting in a deep aftertaste and a long finish.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea trees and grass in a garden with mountains behind\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7591\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3629.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Refreshing Citrus Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To bring out the best characteristics of Ancient White Tea, we pluck using one bud and 2–3 leaves rather than one bud and one leaf. Baihao Yinzhen (Silver Needle), made from a single bud, and Bai Mudan (White Peony), made from one bud and one leaf, both have a creamy texture due to their high amino acid content. In contrast, one bud and 2–3 leaves contain more polyphenols, resulting in a cleaner taste and a more pronounced floral flavor. Ancient White Tea has a refreshing citrus character and a clear, transparent taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry green and silvery tea leaves in a white bowl\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7602\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4870-2.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hand holding a spoon in a white bowl of pale yellow tea\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7595\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4877.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Green and silvery tea leaves on a white dish\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7594\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4871.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Enhanced Flavor with Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Teas with high polyphenol content are well suited for aging. In the case of white tea in particular, aging in an oxygen-free environment further enhances its flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pile of green and silvery tea leaves on a dark surface\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7597\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4851.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Non-Heat Processing of White Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    White tea is made without applying any heat, which preserves the enzymes in the tea leaves. After plucking, the leaves are spread on mats in a well-ventilated indoor space to slowly release moisture through withering. This dehydration stress activates the leaf enzymes, triggering a gentle fermentation. Unlike oolong and black tea, where heat is applied after withering to halt fermentation, white tea is continuously withered and simultaneously dried until fully dry.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Man spreading tea leaves by hand on a bamboo mat\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7593\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3944.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Bamboo tray filled with dry tea leaves covered in fine white down\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7592\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3985.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Ideal for Cold Brew Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is also excellent when cold brewed. As a guide, 5g of tea leaves can yield about 2 liters of cold brew. Simply soak the leaves in water and refrigerate for about half a day. Be sure to remove the leaves after brewing. Using water that has been boiled and cooled will further enhance the flavor and aroma. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for several days. Children love it too, so it is well worth trying.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":43880369848496,"sku":"w25cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932438524080,"sku":"w25cb","price":5400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932438556848,"sku":"w25cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8415.jpg?v=1737905528"},{"product_id":"w30","title":"High Mountain White Tea","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry white tea leaves in a stainless steel bowl\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8731\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8418.jpg?v=1641395076\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain White Tea is a white tea made from one bud and two leaves plucked at an altitude of 2100m to 2300m. It has a soft taste and a refreshing flavor that reminds one of grass, perilla, honey, and peaches.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since the tea garden is far from the village, the amount sourced is limited, making it a rare tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Large dry white tea leaves in a white cup\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8745\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w30_03.jpg?v=1713923309\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tea Garden Untouched by Humans for Decades\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain White Tea is made from tea harvested from Bai Yan Shan in Zhenkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, at an altitude of 2100m to 2300m, and nearby mountains. The tea trees are estimated to be 100 to 150 years old. The tea garden has been left unattended for decades, and the tea trees have become semi-wild. In China, such tea gardens are called \"wild tea gardens.\"\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Forested mountain ridges fading into haze\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8746\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w30_02-1.jpg?v=1713923310\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Honey Fragrance Formed by Leafhoppers\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In addition to the high altitude, the characteristic of High Mountain White Tea is that it comes from tea gardens with plenty of sunshine. Tea from sunlit gardens has a very floral flavor. Moreover, sunlit tea gardens are prone to leafhoppers, resulting in many tea leaves that have been attacked by them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When bitten by leafhoppers, the tea tries to resist by biosynthesizing a substance called terpenoid, which is equivalent to antibodies in humans.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When this substance is changed through fermentation and aging, it forms a honey fragrance similar to that found in Oriental Beauty. Even in its fresh state, High Mountain White Tea has a faint honey fragrance. Generally, the honey fragrance becomes more pronounced as fermentation and aging progress. It is expected that High Mountain White Tea will develop a clearer honey fragrance (muscatel flavor) after being aged in an anaerobic environment for several years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/blogs\/blog\/posts-895\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    High-Altitude Tea is High-Quality Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When sourcing tea, we invariably prefer tea gardens at high altitudes. As you can imagine, the climate in high-altitude areas allows for strong sunlight and high temperatures during the day, while nights cool down rapidly. This results in vigorous photosynthesis during the day and minimal consumption activities at night, making the tea rich in components and giving it a more dense flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Not just tea, but vegetables, wild plants, and fruits from high-altitude regions have an absolute advantage in quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry white tea leaves in a white cup on a patterned surface\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8737\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8435.jpg?v=1713923121\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A cup of pale tea beside a cup of brewed leaves\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8736\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8445.jpg?v=1713923123\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain White Tea has a refreshing flavor reminiscent of perilla and herbs, with a hint of peach, and a sweet muscatel aftertaste. It features a smooth mouthfeel and a transparent flavor. In addition to brewing with hot water, we also recommend brewing with cold water. It might also be interesting to let some of the tea age for a long time without opening the package to bring out the muscatel flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":43880369815728,"sku":"w30cc","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932438458544,"sku":"w30cb","price":6200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932438491312,"sku":"w30cv","price":20700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4110-2.jpg?v=1787720261"},{"product_id":"d126","title":"Gong Ting Jin Hao 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"The back of a round pressed tea cake with its center hollow\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8352.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Gong Ting Jin Hao has a pleasant flavor of dried fruits and is a high-quality tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pressed tea cakes wrapped in bamboo leaf and tied with string\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8339.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Gong Ting Pu-erh is a category of ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although books and the internet often describe Gong Ting Pu-erh as the highest grade of Pu-erh tea, this is not necessarily accurate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Freshly made ripe Pu-erh tea leaves are called mao cha, consisting of one bud and two or three leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding dark tea leaves over a pile of leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9F00D9C2-3011-4716-98FB-F8A5651B0474.png?v=1615625490\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raw tea after fermentation\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh tea is graded by sieving the mao cha by size and part.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two kinds of dark tea leaves side by side in a bamboo tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/71CC1434-C930-43BF-8F38-268C523FDD26.png?v=1615625544\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Left: raw tea, Right: after grading\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Neither is necessarily superior, but grading can create unique characteristics that mao cha lacks by separating it into buds, leaves, stems, and other parts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Gong Ting Pu-erh is the grade that consists mainly of bud tips. Because of the high proportion of buds, the uncompressed tea has a deep golden color, giving it an impression of high quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to its limited yield and high demand, Gong Ting Pu-erh is typically the most expensive among the graded components.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, there is no inherent logic that buds are the most flavorful part. Buds have a high amino acid content, which produces a smooth, melting sensation in the mouth. In terms of mellow softness, tea with a high proportion of buds excels. On the other hand, buds tend to have a lighter flavor compared to leaves. Due to market dynamics, Gong Ting Jin Hao commands a high price, but this does not necessarily guarantee the best quality. Enjoy the unique flavor and aroma characteristics that come from tea with a high proportion of buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding clumps of dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E1EFA213-02FE-410A-A61B-1483773CDDF7.png?v=1615625594\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Of course, even within Gong Ting Pu-erh, quality varies greatly depending on the raw materials used.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea grown with heavy fertilization, naturally cultivated tea, and naturally cultivated tea plucked from old trees all differ in terms of richness and depth. The soil quality of the tea garden also influences the tea's body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Obtaining high-quality raw materials with excellent body and richness is essential. Such tea is already very satisfying even at the mao cha stage.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Gong Ting Pu-erh made from superior raw materials naturally achieves excellent quality and provides a memorable taste experience after just one sip.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A round compressed tea cake of dark brown leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/24666433-0F11-4CEF-8279-C951232943E0_cc69972f-3e91-46e8-b681-d0939bf0f09c.png?v=1615625646\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Quality of Ripe Pu-erh Tea is Closely Related to the Quality and Production Conditions of Raw Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh tea is made by microbial fermentation of raw Pu-erh tea. Therefore, the key to quality lies in the raw Pu-erh tea before fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In years with low yields, much of the high-quality tea is sold as raw Pu-erh tea and does not reach ripe tea production. Since raw Pu-erh tea commands higher prices in Yunnan Province, high-quality raw material is often diverted to raw tea processing. In low-yield years, it becomes difficult to source raw materials for ripe tea, and rain-plucked leaves are sometimes used instead. Tea plucked in the rain tends to have a lighter taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"The surface of a round pressed tea cake on white paper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8347.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A pressed tea cake broken apart into loose leaves on white paper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8354.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A cup of reddish-brown tea beside a bowl of dark steeped leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8365.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Further Improvement in Quality with Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is enjoyable now, but aging it for several years will deepen the flavor and add density to the taste. If you wish to age it, store the tea unopened in a warm room. We recommend buying now and aging at home, as stock may no longer be available when you return for it later.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932437606576,"sku":"d126ca","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932437639344,"sku":"d126cc","price":8100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932437672112,"sku":"d126cv","price":32400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8352-2.jpg?v=1737905515"},{"product_id":"d137","title":"Wu Jia Ping Zhang Raw Pu-erh Tea 2020","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        Tea from a Single Tea Garden\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea is produced from an area called Wu Jia Ping Zhang, located in the village of Wu Jia Zhai in Yongde County, Lincang. In Chinese, 'Zai' refers to a settlement smaller than a village (usually about a few hundred people).\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The name Wu Jia Zhai comes from the many people with the surname Wu, indicating a settlement of the Wu family.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        We offer a raw pu-erh tea named Wu Jia Zhai raw pu-erh tea, made from tea leaves of multiple tea gardens in Wu Jia Zhai.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        In contrast, Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea comes from a single tea garden. Due to the centuries-old, naturally cultivated tea trees grown without pesticides or fertilizers, it has a very strong aftertaste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When thinking of pu-erh tea, many may imagine a brown-colored tea with an flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits. This type of tea is called ripe pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Raw pu-erh tea, however, is fruity and delicate like freshly made white wine. It is completely free of bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\"\u003eDifferences Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea garden is at a high altitude of around 2100m, located in the southwest of Lincang, Yunnan, and it is very near the Myanmar border.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Lush green tea garden in the hills\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3803.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Disc-shaped tea cake with a dimple in the center\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d138_01.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A compressed Pu-erh tea cake seen from above on its paper wrapper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d137_01.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman with a shoulder bag plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932436721840,"sku":"d137ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"357g (cake)","offer_id":44932436754608,"sku":"d137cc","price":13000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,071g value pack (3 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932436787376,"sku":"d137cv","price":31100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d137_01.jpg?v=1737905500"},{"product_id":"d138","title":"Wu Jia Ping Zhang Raw Pu-erh Tea 2021","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        Tea from a Single Garden\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea is from an area called Wu Jia Ping Zhang, located in the village of Wu Jia Zhai in Yongde County, Lincang City. In Chinese, \"Zhai\" refers to a settlement smaller than a village, typically with a population of a few hundred people.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wu Jia Zhai is named after the many people with the surname Wu who live there.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        We offer a raw pu-erh tea called Wu Jia Zhai raw pu-erh tea, made from tea leaves from multiple tea gardens in Wu Jia Zhai.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        In contrast, Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea is from a single tea garden. It comes from naturally cultivated, pesticide-free, and fertilizer-free old trees that are several hundred years old, giving it a very rich aftertaste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When you think of pu-erh tea, you might imagine a brownish tea with the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits, but that is a type of pu-erh called ripe pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Raw pu-erh tea is fruity and delicate, like freshly made white wine. It is entirely free of bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\"\u003eDifferences Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea is harvested from tea gardens located at an altitude of around 2100m in the southwest of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, near the Myanmar border. We offer the 2020 (357g cake) and 2021 (200g cake) harvests.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Lush green tea garden in the hills\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3803.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Two Unique Teas\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This time, we are releasing two different teas from 2020 and 2021. The 2020 tea is a 357g cake, and the 2021 tea is a 200g cake. The 2020 tea was aged for two years in an oxygen-free environment before release.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Disc-shaped tea cake with a dimple in the center\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d138_01.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The photo shows Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea 2021.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2021 cake is 200g. Since we produced raw pu-erh tea from the same area for two consecutive years, we varied the tea leaves used to ensure each year's tea has a unique character.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2020 tea was made from leaves harvested around mid-April. This period is ideal for balanced flavor and aroma. The high proportion of buds gives the tea a soft, creamy texture and a smooth mouthfeel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, the 2021 tea was made from leaves harvested in mid-May. Although from the same garden, you might wonder why the 2020 tea was harvested in mid-April and the 2021 tea in mid-May. The answer is that both are first flush teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, Yunnan farmers sow new tea plants as each generation passes, resulting in mixed-age tea gardens.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Wu Jia Ping Zhang tea garden also consists of tea trees of various ages, ranging from around 100 years to several hundred years old. Younger trees grow faster, while older trees grow more slowly. Only the oldest trees produce first flush tea in May.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One might think that older trees are always better, but by May, the season progresses and temperatures rise. Compared to April, the leaves open more, and the proportion of buds decreases by weight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the creamy, smooth mouthfeel characteristic of the April harvest is lost. Instead, the May harvest has higher clarity, increased crispness, and a long aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2020 tea is well-balanced and appeals to a broad audience, while the 2021 tea is more specialized and will delight connoisseurs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman with a shoulder bag plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932436623536,"sku":"d138ca","price":1700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932436656304,"sku":"d138cc","price":6700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932436689072,"sku":"d138cv","price":26800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d138_02.jpg?v=1737905499"},{"product_id":"d161","title":"Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh Tea 2022","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        Unique Characteristics of 2020 and 2021 Harvests\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh Tea has a well-balanced taste with a moderate body and a long aftertaste. The 2020 harvest has a creamier and smoother mouthfeel, while the 2021 harvest offers a longer aftertaste and a sharp, transparent taste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When thinking of Pu-erh tea, many may imagine a tea with a brown liquor and the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits. However, that type of tea is Ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Raw Pu-erh tea is fruity and delicate, much like freshly made white wine. It has no bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" 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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDifference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\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=\"margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh Tea is made from spring tea harvested from tea gardens at an altitude of 2000–2100 meters in the western part of Lincang City, Yunnan Province. The name \"Tang Jia\" comes from the family name \"Tang,\" who own the tea garden. Despite having many old trees that anyone would envy, the Tang family's tea garden was left unattended for about 30 years until 2018, without any tea being plucked.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Ancient Tea Garden Left Unattended for 30 Years Due to Family Circumstances\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The Tang family used to be tea farmers, but after the current head of the family inherited the property, they switched to raising cattle and goats. The high-quality meat of cattle and goats grazed on wild mountain grass in the high-altitude areas of Lincang fetches high prices. Even pen-raised cattle sell for around 10,000 yuan (approximately 150,000 yen) per head, and free-range cattle command even higher prices, making livestock farming a coveted occupation in the village. Consequently, many tea garden owners, like the Tang family, have switched to livestock farming.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"Person herding cattle and goats along a dirt path\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3084.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7724\" width=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Initially, the Tang family expected his wife to be involved in tea production while Mr. Tang (pictured above) managed the livestock. However, since the livestock farming provided sufficient income, his wife had little interest in working the tea garden. As a result, the garden was left unattended for years, creating tension within the family — particularly with the mother-in-law — and ultimately leading to their divorce a few years ago.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"People walking with cattle up a rocky red-soil slope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8771.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7730\" width=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Me attempting to touch a goat kid.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Now in his 50s, Mr. Tang remarried after his first wife left. His new wife is a refugee from Kokang, Myanmar.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Kokang was a region of intense civil conflict, with fighter jets and mortar shells flying overhead until just a few years ago. The western part of Lincang is only about 50 kilometers from Myanmar, and accepting refugees from there is common. In counties like Zhenkang and Yongde, it is not unusual for locals to marry people from Myanmar.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"Smiling woman in a striped top standing among tea bushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0111.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7728\" width=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Mr. Tang's new wife from Myanmar (pictured above) is an incredibly hard worker. Within less than six months, she transformed the completely overgrown garden into a pluckable state by clearing the underbrush and cutting down small trees. Her extraordinary work ethic made her famous in the village, and the tea garden became known as \"the ancient tea garden of the Myanmar wife.\"\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        In 2018, I attempted to source Tang Jia's tea, but due to its popularity I could only secure a small amount of the raw tea leaves. In 2019, I decided to rent the Tang family's tea garden. Fortunately, the tea producer I collaborate with is a relative of the Tang family, which allowed me to arrange the rental fee through the producer and secure a one-year lease.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Following local custom, when renting a tea garden you pay the rental fee upfront and also pay the Myanmar wife a fair rate for plucking the tea. This arrangement provides the Tang family with additional income from the rental fee.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"Hillside tea garden covered in bright green tea bushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2838-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7726\" width=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The Tang family's tea garden after clearing the overgrowth.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Slowly Grown Tea Trees\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Interestingly, even tea trees that have thrived for hundreds of years can suddenly become weak and die if fertilized. Farmers with this knowledge avoid using any fertilizers to prevent weakening the trees. The Tang family has\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but on teas with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we seek out remote mountain villages and select tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through channels off the beaten path. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to originate from famous regions are produced across thousands of locations using leaves sourced from elsewhere, and can be found everywhere — from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What makes the situation more complex is a well-known phenomenon among local sourcing professionals: teas made from leaves grown in remote, lesser-known areas often surpass the genuine articles in quality. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands such as Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are highly regarded because teas produced before 1990 are considered exceptionally valuable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Why are those older teas so special? Many assume it is simply due to long aging, but the real reason is that the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, giving them inherently superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This means that even if today's teas are aged for just as long, they will not reach the same level. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932435509424,"sku":"d161ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932435542192,"sku":"d161cc","price":7600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932435574960,"sku":"d161cv","price":26800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4140-1_380bf309-426a-475c-8594-1ea5b182134f.jpg?v=1788163472"},{"product_id":"s09","title":"Ripe Pu-erh Jasmine Tea","description":"\u003cimg alt=\"Dark tea leaves and hands holding jasmine flowers\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9348\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/kuromari.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"279\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Instead of sourcing finished jasmine tea, we specialize in producing custom-made jasmine tea by bringing our carefully selected raw materials to jasmine factories. Over the years, we have created numerous unique jasmine tea varieties that are not available elsewhere, such as Pu-erh jasmine tea made from raw Pu-erh tea leaves, Jasmine Silver Needle made from white tea collected from old tea trees, and Wild Jasmine Bud made from wild white tea buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This time, we have processed a tea that we have always wanted to try as jasmine tea: ripe Pu-erh tea! You might wonder if ripe tea and jasmine tea would complement each other, so we invite you to give it a try.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"White jasmine flowers spread out in a thick layer\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9347\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1826.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Photo of the jasmine scenting process\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Remarkable Compatibility Between Ripe Pu-erh Tea and Floral Flavors\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, ripe Pu-erh tea exhibits a remarkable affinity for floral and fruity notes. In Hong Kong, there is a popular tea known as \"Kok-pou\" that combines ripe Pu-erh tea with chrysanthemum.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, there has been a growing trend in recent years of stuffing ripe Pu-erh tea inside hollowed-out mandarin oranges, resulting in a uniquely flavored tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe tea also demonstrates unexpected versatility when blended with various types of tea. Have you ever tried blending ripe tea with black tea in a 50\/50 ratio? The outcome is an exceptionally delightful blend.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Based on these experiences, I firmly believed that ripe tea would undoubtedly complement jasmine.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Reddish-brown tea liquor in a white cup\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9346\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0318.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Using Ripe Pu-erh Tea Made from Naturally Grown Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When sourcing base-tea for Ripe Pu-erh Jasmine Tea, we specifically sought out naturally-grown tea. Naturally-grown tea imparts a rich and deep taste that is essential for crafting high-quality jasmine tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    A Tea That Surprises Everyone\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We created this tea with the assumption that ripe Pu-erh tea and jasmine flavor would complement each other well. However, I must admit I had some concerns until I actually tasted the finished tea. To my surprise, the mellow sweetness of the ripe tea combined with the refreshing flavor of jasmine created an unbeatable combination.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is recommended not only for those who like jasmine tea but also for those who are not fond of ripe Pu-erh tea. Due to the jasmine flavor, the distinct fermented flavor of ripe Pu-erh tea is completely absent, replaced instead by the vibrant scent of jasmine. Furthermore, thanks to the rich and robust taste of ripe Pu-erh, it offers a satisfying experience when consumed, making it a perfect choice for evenings or enjoyed alongside desserts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Moreover, as this tea is based on ripe Pu-erh tea, it has a warming effect on the body. When you actually drink it, you will experience not just a slight warmth, but a remarkable sensation that leaves your body pleasantly cozy. This makes it an ideal choice for chilly days or when you want to feel warm and comfortable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Perfect Pairing with Desserts!\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea is a great match for desserts. Unlike regular jasmine tea, which has a refreshing taste due to its green tea base, it doesn't always go well with all desserts. However, ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea, with its fermented tea as the base tea, pairs exceptionally well with sweet treats like pastries. It's also a versatile option that complements a wide variety of desserts, including baked apples, apple pie, tarts, cheesecakes, and desserts made with fruit puree or jam.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Reddish-brown tea in a white cup and a serving pitcher\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9345\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0325.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh Jasmine Tea Unlocks a New Dimension of Milk Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Surprisingly, when ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea is prepared as milk tea, it undergoes a remarkable transformation and becomes an exceptionally delightful beverage. As someone who usually prefers drinking tea without any additions, even I find myself irresistibly tempted to give it a try. Once transformed into milk tea, the floral fragrance of jasmine takes on a fruity undertone, and when combined with the creamy texture of the milk, a sweet fruity essence reminiscent of apple tea emerges. It's as if you're entering an entirely new realm of milk tea experience.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Milk tea in a white cup\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9344\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0331.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Recommended for Cocktails and Mixing with Shochu\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea is not only fascinating as a standalone drink but also an intriguing ingredient for cocktails. One simple and outstanding combination is with shochu, a Japanese distilled spirit. Try mixing black jasmine tea with a mild-flavored shochu such as barley, rice, or black sugar-based varieties. Once you experience it, you'll become addicted. Additionally, you can experiment by substituting shochu with other spirits like tequila, rum, or vodka. And if you're looking for a distinct twist, adding milk to ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea infused with shochu creates a one-of-a-kind beverage.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Dry dark brown tea leaves on a white background\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9343\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0315.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Concerning the Occasional Presence of Green Tea Mixed In\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We carefully select and sort tea leaves by hand and package them with great care. However, during the production of jasmine tea, there may be a small unintentional mix of green tea or white tea. This can occur if traces of our previously processed teas, like Snow Jasmine or Jasmine Silver Needle, remain in the drying machine and occasionally get mixed in. Although we make efforts to remove non-ripe Pu-erh tea leaves during hand-sorting, it may not be possible to completely eliminate green tea or white tea buds that have a similar color to ripe tea in their dry form. If you discover green tea leaves mixed in while brewing the tea, please understand that it will not impact the taste or flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932435280048,"sku":"s09ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932435312816,"sku":"s09cc","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932435345584,"sku":"s09cb","price":7200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932435378352,"sku":"s09cv","price":18100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0315.jpg?v=1737905484"},{"product_id":"w37","title":"Da Xue Shan Wild White Tea Cake 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Da Xue Shan Wild White Tea is one of our staple products. Every year, we specially order the raw materials and finish them using our unique processing methods.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea is extremely rare, and there is fierce competition among traders to obtain the raw leaves. Money alone cannot solve the problem — relationships with villagers are crucial. We work with a farming couple dedicated to production, who stay in the village throughout the season to collect the raw materials.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the village at the foot of the mountain, people enter the mountains early in the morning to harvest wild tea leaves and return by evening. Arriving at the village in the evening makes it nearly impossible to obtain raw leaves, as other traders would have already taken them. According to the couple, they arrive at the site early in the morning and wait for the raw leaves to come in while sharing meals with the villagers' families.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Flavor Reminiscent of Fresh and Sweet Tomatoes\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Our Da Xue Shan Wild White Tea comes in both loose-leaf and cake tea forms. The loose-leaf version features a floral flavor reminiscent of Shine Muscat grapes, flowers, and wild vegetables. It was procured last spring and is already available for sale.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The recently arrived cake tea, on the other hand, has a fruity flavor reminiscent of white tomatoes and dried grapes, owing to the slight fermentation that occurs during cake tea production. This tea is well suited to long-term aging, developing a honey-like flavor over time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Back of a round tea cake with a dimple in the center\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9377\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0367.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As wild tea, it grows entirely untouched by human hands, resulting in very high cell density and a rich mineral content. This gives the tea a very deep aftertaste, with a long-lasting, full-bodied flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Aromatic White Tea Made from Wild Camellia taliensis\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Da Xue Shan Wild White Tea is made from wild Camellia taliensis that grows naturally on Da Xue Shan in Lincang, Yunnan Province, China. It is extremely rare and almost never seen even within Yunnan Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea has an exceptionally strong flavor, evoking flowers, fruits, wild vegetables, and young tree bark, with a sweetness so intense it could be mistaken for a flavored tea. It features a deep body and a spreading, full richness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The aftertaste is very deep, providing a relaxing feeling even when drunk normally, with some people experiencing tea-induced euphoria.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Freshly plucked tea leaves held in an open palm\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C9272916-B3B0-463D-962C-E2FEAAF8B386.png?v=1615889506\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Plucked tea leaves filling a metal bowl\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/968885F5-8DAF-4628-850D-BF5689F1DCA4.png?v=1615889561\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves withering on a woven bamboo tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EF72562C-E8AD-41BC-B688-A3C7B11538D3.png?v=1615889617\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Withering Process\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves withering on stacked round bamboo trays\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/AD50E0B9-E6EC-4A71-96E7-64245AD0C2D4.png?v=1615889692\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves withering on bamboo trays stacked on a rack\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B199B5F0-1817-443F-9B1B-098C243C6321.png?v=1615889839\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves withering on stacked bamboo trays seen from the side\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C386C38B-31A8-4596-93EE-EC016F42A1E9.png?v=1615889854\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rows of bamboo trays of withering leaves on metal racks\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B7171CE4-87F2-4F46-9246-BD3FAE69DC2A.png?v=1615889883\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Withering dark green tea leaves on stacked bamboo trays\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/52575878-8119-4D3E-BD06-FDA9EEEA6A48.png?v=1615889901\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932435181744,"sku":"w37ca","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932435214512,"sku":"w37cc","price":13500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932435247280,"sku":"w37cv","price":54000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0370.jpg?v=1737905482"},{"product_id":"s08","title":"Wild Raw Pu-erh Jasmine Pearl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eOut of curiosity, we decided to create Jasmine tea using Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea. This resulted in an extremely rare tea, even in Japan and China.\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    For more details on the development of this tea, please refer to the following column.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    An Attempt to Make Jasmine Tea with Raw Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n     \n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    Recommended Jasmine Tea Selection \u0026gt;\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Why Make Jasmine Tea with Raw Pu-erh Tea?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The reason for making Jasmine tea with Raw Pu-erh Tea is to achieve a level of deep richness that cannot be obtained with regular tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The strong richness is also reflected in the aroma, making the jasmine scent feel like it’s being inhaled into your chest.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A smiling man in a cap standing among tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/772ED470-046D-4550-8630-A0EEBADF07C1.png?v=1615901585\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Custom Production of Jasmine Tea through Our Production Network\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the spring, we source the base tea from various production areas and send it to a Jasmine tea production factory in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for scenting. This unique supply chain allows us to process any type of tea we source into Jasmine tea. We have previously developed many original Jasmine teas, such as Raw Pu-erh Tea, Wild White Buds, Ripe Pu-erh Tea, Jasmine Silver Needle, and Snow Jasmine.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Using Da Xue Shan Wild Tea as the Base\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Driven by curiosity, we decided to custom produce Jasmine tea using wild Raw Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea is completely different from common tea grown in tea gardens, natural cultivation tea, abandoned tea, or mountain tea. This tea grows naturally in the mountains without any human intervention, similar to wild seafood, making it an excellent quality tea due to its slow natural growth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The raw material used is our \"Da Xue Shan Wild Tea\". This tea is made from a variety called Camellia Taliensis. Most teas are made from Camellia Sinensis (genus Camellia, species Sinensis). Taliensis is considered closely related to the Sinensis species.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Moss-covered branches with green leaves in a forest\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5008.jpg?v=1737905480\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9664\"\u003e Wild tea image \u003cimg alt=\"A person in a hat looking up at trees in a dense forest\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0128-1.jpg?v=1737905480\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9665\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Camellia Taliensis tea has a unique flavor similar to grapes or young tree bark. Notably, it has a strong and lasting aftertaste similar to wild mountain vegetables. Additionally, the Taliensis variety has a very strong body, making it an incredibly distinctive tea. Of course, our Da Xue Shan Wild Tea is a very popular Raw Pu-erh Tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In my experience, I have never heard or seen this tea being processed into Jasmine tea. Due to its high rarity and difficulty of procurement, wild Raw Pu-erh tea is very popular, making it uncommon for it to be processed into Jasmine tea even in China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Laborious Supply Chain Management Required for Custom Production of Jasmine Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After producing Da Xue Shan Wild Tea by our producers in Yunnan Province in March, it was first sent to Fujian Province for pearl rolling. Since Taliensis is a large-sized tea, the rolled pearls ended up looking like South Sea black pearls. The rolled tea leaves were then sent to the Guangxi Region for scenting with high-quality jasmine flowers in the autumn.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A metal scoop lifting dark rolled tea pearls from a pile\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0431.jpg?v=1737905480\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9658\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Jasmine Tea Unlike Any Other Jasmine Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While the dry tea leaves before brewing have a distinct jasmine scent, the brewed tea's jasmine flavor is surprisingly mild. The long aftertaste creates depth in the scent, making the jasmine flavor feel gentle. While the unique wild tea flavor is not immediately apparent while drinking, it slowly rises and lingers in the mouth after finishing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Golden-yellow tea in a white cup on a dark patterned cloth\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0469.jpg?v=1737905480\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9661\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The overall scent feels more like citrus than jasmine. The high-quality material reflects strongly in the aftertaste, making the tea strong enough to feel warm and slightly tea-drunk after just one sip. Our tasters consistently described it as \"not typical jasmine tea, but with a deep flavor that makes you want to keep drinking\".\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark rolled tea pearls on a white background\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0441.jpg?v=1737905480\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9663\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Please note that the production volume is limited, so it will be discontinued once the stock runs out.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" 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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDifferences Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh tea was developed in the 1970s, with a history of about 40 years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, Raw Pu-erh Tea is sun-dried after pan frying, similar to green tea. This allows the remaining enzymes to become active, making it a semi-fermented tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    From a production perspective, it is very similar to white tea, green tea, or Taiwanese oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried tea leaves spread in a round bamboo basket\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/8835A3EA-64EC-4562-9EF3-4103778FB053.png?v=1615901720\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea cups and tea leaves laid out on a bamboo tea tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/41060AD1-FBF6-4A52-90A4-F1B330D1B5B5.png?v=1615901737\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raw Pu-erh tea leaves are green.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Experience the Taste of Minerals Not Found in Ordinary Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, the higher the quality of tea, the softer the taste and the more it warms the body. In fact, drinking Pu-erh Jasmine Tea makes your face flush and your body warm up rapidly.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is because blood is circulating throughout the body, causing a state of relaxation known as \"tea drunk\".\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea drunk refers to the sensation similar to mild alcohol intoxication due to lowered blood pressure and improved blood circulation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For details on the production method, please refer to the column on how to make jasmine tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    Recommended Jasmine Tea Selection \u0026gt;\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\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\/A466479B-C044-41EF-8505-C248E24CEBFD.png?v=1615901797\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\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\/F09CF610-223D-4B82-8C77-7F353B41C8F0.png?v=1615901814\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932434919600,"sku":"s08ca","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932434952368,"sku":"s08cc","price":7300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932434985136,"sku":"s08cb","price":14400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932435017904,"sku":"s08cv","price":35200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0426-1.jpg?v=1737905479"},{"product_id":"d99","title":"Bao Dao Shan Cha Tou 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A rectangular dark brown tea brick on white paper\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9608\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0353.jpg?v=1713922771\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have released Bao Dao Shan Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2017.\u003cbr\u003e This tea is made from large cha tou, which naturally formed lumps collected during the fermentation process of ripe pu-erh tea made only from spring tea. The term \"zhuan\" refers to the block shape.\u003cbr\u003e Due to its very distinctive flavor, it may be a tea that people either love or dislike, but for those who love it, it is a perfect match.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    What is Cha Tou?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fermentation of ripe pu-erh tea involves various microorganisms, including aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts. Cha tou are naturally formed lumps that appear during the fermentation process. These lumps are primarily formed through the interaction of polysaccharides produced by microorganisms such as actinomycetes and tea components during microbial fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark brown clumped tea leaves in a metal bowl\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8039\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5838.jpg?v=1737905873\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n    Large cha tou before compression\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5783.jpg?v=1737905873\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone wp-image-6734 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5783.jpg?v=1737905873\" alt=\"Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Cha tou mainly forms when using nutrient-rich first flush tea from spring, and it generally does not form from summer-harvested tea. It forms in small quantities from autumn-harvested tea, but the amount is extremely limited. Even when fermenting several tons of autumn tea leaves, only 20-30 kg of cha tou can be obtained, and it is very loose and easily breakable. Cha tou from autumn harvest has a rough taste and differs significantly in quality and flavor from spring harvest cha tou.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A compressed dark brown tea brick showing its clumped leaves\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9607\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0345.jpg?v=1737905478\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n    Since cha tou is compressed into blocks, you can see the lumps of cha tou on the surface. The edges are somewhat irregular due to compression.\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because spring tea is rich in nutrients, cha tou grows very hard and large. However, since there is very little ripe pu-erh tea made from spring tea, cha tou is extremely rare in the pu-erh tea market.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Unique Flavor Formed Through Special Fermentation and Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Cha tou has distinct characteristics in both flavor and taste. Compared to the loose ripe pu-erh tea from the same batch, cha tou has a very fruity flavor, rich taste, sweetness, and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The unique flavor and aroma of cha tou are due to its formation process. The interior of cha tou, formed midway through fermentation, is in a semi-fermented, oxygen-free state. At this point, cha tou contains appropriate moisture and is aged for a month by the heat generated during fermentation. This oxygen-free aging process creates a very fruity flavor. Large cha tou, in particular, stands out in flavor and quality due to the large volume of tea leaves under oxygen-free conditions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Aged for 5 Years in a Malaysian Warehouse\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product was purchased in 2017. However, cha tou's flavor is best realized after several years of aging, so it was aged for five years in a Malaysian warehouse. Initially, it had a somewhat rough taste, but long-term aging in Malaysia's high temperatures has matured the flavor and enhanced the smoothness of the taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Bao Dao Shan is Right Next to Myanmar\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Bao Dao Shan Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea is sourced from Bao Dao Shan, located in the southwestern part of Zhenkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. Bao Dao Shan is very close to the Myanmar border and is a well-known mountain among the residents of Zhenkang County, characterized by its steep, rocky appearance. Personally, I felt that this mountain's appearance is similar to Nokogiridake in Japan's Southern Alps. In any case, its steep, blade-like appearance is distinctive.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A hazy mountain rising above fields in the foreground\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-9612\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/bao-dao-shan-1536x980.jpg?v=1737905478\" width=\"630\" height=\"402\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Flavor of Jujube and Camphor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Bao Dao Shan Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2017 is produced by the same producer as our Bao Dao Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2016, but the production years are different, and the tea gardens vary slightly. The raw materials for this batch are from minority farmers who used small pan-frying kettles with firewood for pan frying.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a wrapped tea brick with HOJO and Chinese characters on the label\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9613\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0321.jpg?v=1737905478\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Bao Dao Shan Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea has a sweet flavor reminiscent of dried jujube, along with a woody flavor called \"camphor fragrance\" by enthusiasts, which is popular in Southeast Asia. The camphor fragrance in Bao Dao Shan Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2017 is mild, with a strong sweet base flavor of jujube, making it a very drinkable and addictive tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea from Bao Dao Shan has a very full-bodied character as a unique feature of its raw materials. When you sip it, the flavor spreads, and a pleasant sweetness is felt on both sides of the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Commercializing the Most Cherished \"Cha Tou\" Through Compression\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea is made from cha tou naturally formed during fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Cha tou is a natural formation that cannot be intentionally produced, so producers cherish cha tou, and it is highly valued and very popular among enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product, like HOJO's raw pu-erh tea, is made from ancient trees several hundred years old, achieving an incredibly strong richness for a ripe pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It features a sweet flavor like dried fruit and an intensely deep richness.\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    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        \u0026nbsp;\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea has an intensely deep richness and strong body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This level of richness is very rare for ripe pu-erh tea, but this product achieves strong richness because it is made from ancient trees several hundred years old, just like raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Flavor Loved by Enthusiasts\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding clumps of dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/193E3E52-F0FC-48A8-9336-994DFF9E176F.png?v=1615632478\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe pu-erh tea has a category called \"cha tou.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In simple terms, cha tou refers to \"tea that naturally solidifies during fermentation,\" characterized by a sweet flavor like dried fruit and intensely deep richness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Sweet Flavor Like Dried Fruit Created by Oxygen-Free State\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This cha tou is very popular among enthusiasts because of its unique flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High-quality ripe pu-erh tea is said to have the flavor of dried jujube, \"jujube fragrance,\" and cha tou is a tea where this jujube fragrance is strongly felt.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Fermentation Process of Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fermentation of ripe pu-erh tea involves a primary fermentation by bacteria and a secondary fermentation by molds and yeasts.\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\u003ePrimary Fermentation: Involves bacteria\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eSecondary Fermentation: Involves molds and yeasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Primary Fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The first stage is fermentation by bacteria. Raw pu-erh tea is used as the raw material for ripe pu-erh tea. The piled raw pu-erh tea is moistened and covered, then left for several weeks.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During this time, fermentation by bacteria such as actinomycetes proceeds, and the temperature of the tea leaves reaches a very high level of 60-70°C. As fermentation progresses, the temperature begins to drop.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A large mound of dark tea leaves covered with fibrous matting\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E1684359-3AEA-4D97-8092-E4330B944909.png?v=1615632810\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Primary Fermentation Process of Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark tea leaves beside bark and fibrous matting\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/69B0175F-9313-4D6A-84E5-BF758D4B94DC.png?v=1615633279\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Primary Fermentation Process of Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding dark tea leaves over a pile of leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/7F3C34E9-CEEB-4B8A-8B8D-20BEDF50C1CC.png?v=1615633313\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After the fermentation by bacteria is completed, the tea leaves are spread in a large room and piled to a thickness of about 20 cm.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Secondary Fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This room is open, well-ventilated, and kept in a dry state. During this time, molds grow on the tea leaves, and fermentation by molds occurs. This is the secondary fermentation of ripe pu-erh tea, contributing to the flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Formation of Cha Tou\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Polysaccharides produced by microorganisms (mainly actinomycetes) act as adhesives, causing the tea leaves to aggregate into lumps. As a result, the interior of cha tou remains in an oxygen-free state, allowing fermentation and aging to proceed.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This process results in a unique aged flavor not found in regular pu-erh tea, which is why it is strongly supported by tea enthusiasts for its sweet fragrance like dried fruit.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The factors contributing to the unique flavor of cha tou 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\u003eMicroorganisms undergo a different metabolism (fermentation) due to the lack of oxygen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe high temperature and oxygen-free state promote ideal aging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While it is difficult to determine which factor has a stronger influence, it can be said that the oxygen-free interior is significantly related to the formation of cha tou's unique flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A heap of dark brown tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/87406B6C-496C-4FC3-9608-568AA95442E1.png?v=1615633451\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Partially Lumpy Cha Tou\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding clumps of dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/193E3E52-F0FC-48A8-9336-994DFF9E176F.png?v=1615632478\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cha Tou on Fingers, Other Leaves are Regular Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Highly Popular and Difficult to Obtain Cha Tou\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As explained, cha tou is a natural formation during fermentation by microorganisms and cannot be intentionally produced. Moreover, cha tou only forms from spring tea, which is very limited in the overall ripe pu-erh tea production.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, producers cherish cha tou, and it is highly valued and commands a high price in the pu-erh tea market.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Highly rare cha tou often sells out quickly and is difficult to obtain without a reservation. At HOJO, we had not been able to handle it so far, but fortunately, we were able to purchase cha tou from naturally grown tea during a timely visit to the producer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, cha tou is sold in a loose state, but at HOJO, we compressed it into a shape that can withstand long-term aging.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding clumps of dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2655CB66-62AF-45D0-9E86-64AC23F24399.png?v=1615633569\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cha Tou Taken from the Manufacturing Process. These were Gathered and Compressed into Blocks.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cbr\u003e This product is made from naturally grown tea. In Japan, agriculture involves various tasks such as weed management, fertilization, pruning, and pesticide application.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast to modern agriculture, in remote minority villages in Yunnan Province, where cha tou is produced, tea trees planted by ancestors are left untouched and grow as if they were wild.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once a year, before plucking the tea, the underbrush is lightly cut, and other than that, the tea trees grow as part of the ecosystem like wild trees.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To cope with various environmental stresses, the tea contains high-density organic compounds and is rich in minerals such as iron, resulting in a very rich flavor with deep richness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea that has grown slowly over time tastes entirely different from tea grown using modern agricultural methods. Once you experience the meltingly deep taste, you will never forget it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For more about naturally grown tea, please refer to \"Golden Tea.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" style=\"color: #fff;\" 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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGolden Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, if you seek the same level of tea in oolong, green, or black tea, the price would be unimaginably high.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, not all pu-erh tea produced in Yunnan meets these conditions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In my experience, more than 90% of pu-erh tea production areas have shifted to agriculture using fertilizers. With the development of roads and the influx of tourists, the traditional natural cultivation method that has continued for thousands of years is being lost.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the tea lacks deep richness, and the price rises unnecessarily.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We stay in the deep mountains of Yunnan for a month every year to source tea, seeking naturally grown tea with a rich flavor. To source high-quality tea, it is necessary to go to more remote areas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" style=\"color: #fff;\" 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 href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eReasons for Focusing on Tea from Lincang Instead of the Famous Production Area of Xishuangbanna \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"250g (block)","offer_id":44932434821296,"sku":"d99cc","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (small bag\/small block)","offer_id":44932434854064,"sku":"d99ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (4 blocks)","offer_id":44932434886832,"sku":"d99cv","price":20700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0353-2.jpg?v=1737905478"},{"product_id":"d142","title":"Wu Mu Long Raw Pu-erh Tea 2021","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wu Mu Long Raw Pu-erh Tea 2021 is made from leaves harvested from tea trees that are several hundred years old, located in tea gardens at an altitude of over 2000 meters. In early April, Wu Mu Long at high altitude is still a bit chilly. Because the tea grows in lower temperatures, the leaves are smaller, resulting in a higher bud ratio, giving a smooth and creamy texture in the mouth.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When people think of Pu-erh tea, they often imagine a brown tea with flavors like dried mushrooms or dried fruits, but that is a type of Pu-erh called Ripe Pu-erh.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Raw Pu-erh tea is a delicate tea with a fruity flavor, similar to freshly made white wine. It has no bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" 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; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDifferences between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\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=\"margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This tea has aged in oxygen-free storage in Malaysia after production, developing a sweet flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Wu Mu Long Village with Traditional Farming\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wu Mu Long is the name of a village located in Yongde County. The village is formed by ethnic minorities such as the Yi race. Wu Mu Long is a small village where even the best accommodation does not have lighting at night, hot showers, or proper toilets when I first time visited there. Due to its rustic and rural charm, the village is insulated from external noise, making it less susceptible to market price fluctuations. Therefore, traditional natural cultivation tea gardens still exist in the village.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/R0010316.jpg\" alt=\"Wu Mu Long Village\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9445\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4108.jpg\" alt=\"Wu Mu Long Tea Garden\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7455\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Long Aftertaste and Sweet Flavor from Natural Cultivation\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This product is made from tea leaves harvested from trees that are a few hundred years old, located in tea gardens at an altitude of over 2000 meters. In early April, Wu Mu Long at high altitude is still a bit chilly. Because the tea grows in lower temperatures, the leaves are smaller, resulting in a higher bud ratio, giving a smooth and creamy texture in the mouth.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0010.jpg\" alt=\"Wu Mu Long Tea Leaves\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9444\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Since it is made from tea leaves grown on old trees using natural cultivation without fertilizers or pesticides, it has a long aftertaste and a pleasant, lingering flavor. The sweet flavor is reminiscent of fresh sugarcane, honey, and dried grapes.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932432855216,"sku":"d142ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932432887984,"sku":"d142cc","price":7300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932432920752,"sku":"d142cv","price":29400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0016.jpg?v=1737905459"},{"product_id":"w36","title":"Tiang Xiang Bai Mu Dan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pile of dry white tea leaves with silvery down on a white background\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w36_02.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9270\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Tian\" (甜) means sweet flavor. We have aged the 2020 white tea for years in an oxygen-free environment, resulting in a unique sweet flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea is made from one bud and one leaf harvested from natural tea gardens at an altitude of 2000m in Yunnan Province. By storing the 2019 white tea for several years, we have enhanced its sweet flavor through aging.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Aging Bai Mu Dan in Oxygen-Free Environment\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In 2019, we produced more Bai Mu Dan than planned, so we decided to store part of the batch in an oxygen-free environment for several years instead of selling it as new tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Sweet Flavor Like Sweet Potatoes\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Through aging, the tea has developed a sweet flavor reminiscent of sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and brown sugar.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you drink this tea without prior knowledge, you might think it is a black tea rather than a white tea. Therefore, we highly recommend it to those who love black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to its sweet flavor, it pairs well with sweets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed green-brown tea leaves on a white background\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w36_01.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9271\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Pale golden tea liquor in a white cup\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w36_03.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9272\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Using Raw Materials Harvested from Naturally Grown Old Tea Trees\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like Bai Mu Dan, this tea is produced in a mountain village located in the southwestern part of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, about 50km from the Myanmar border.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0487.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"View of hills with white flowering shrubs\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0487.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6751\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In 2019, before the pandemic, I personally visited the site and oversaw the production of Bai Mu Dan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since the production method of white tea is simple, the quality of the raw tea leaves is directly reflected in the quality of the tea. Therefore, improving the quality of the raw tea leaves directly enhances the quality of white tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9322.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves spread on a woven bamboo mat\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9322.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6755\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tian Xiang Bai Mu Dan uses raw materials harvested from  tea gardens kept in wild over 2000m in altitude in a mountain village in Yunnan Province. Like fruits and vegetables, the higher the altitude, the better the quality. In this respect, the 2000m tea garden is ideal in terms of altitude.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In this area, the tea trees are not pruned to be low like in Japanese or Fujian tea gardens. Each tea tree is left to grow naturally, and some trees are as tall as the roof of a house.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9880.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A person among tea trees on a hillside\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9880.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6749\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Old tea trees without fertilizers grow slowly, and because the number of leaves is small, the cell density is high, resulting in a soft taste and a rich aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Best to Wait a Few Days After Opening Aged Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like wine, aged tea develops better flavor if you wait a few days (at least one day) after opening it before drinking. Enjoy the evolving aroma over time after opening the package.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ee Focus on Lincang Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e.\n\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932431937712,"sku":"w36cc","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"150g (50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932431970480,"sku":"w36cb","price":7800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932432003248,"sku":"w36cv","price":15600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w36_02.jpg?v=1737905448"},{"product_id":"d160","title":"Huo Di Raw Pu-erh Tea 2022","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"A muddy mountain road seen from a car window\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0618-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Huo Di Raw Pu-erh Tea 2021 is a single garden raw pu-erh tea made exclusively from one small tea garden.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Single Garden Tea\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Huo Di is the name of a tea garden owned by a tea farmer with whom we have a relationship. Those who have purchased the limited edition white tea may have heard this name.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Huo Di is an old tree tea garden located at an altitude of about 2100m in the southwestern part of Lincang. The trees are on average several hundred years old, and the garden is maintained without fertilizers or pesticides. The high altitude, tree age, and non-fertilized cultivation result in very high-quality tea in terms of raw material.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        We do not source from local wholesalers or tea factories, but rather directly from the producers who own the tea gardens. This allows us to classify tea at the garden level and offer single garden tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Huo Di Raw Pu-erh Tea Composed of Top Buds\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The tea is usually made from raw materials harvested around mid-April, focusing on apical buds. Old tea trees generally have high market value. Therefore, farmers typically blend the apical buds with the side buds harvested about a week later. However, the producer we work with owns a particularly large tea garden in the area and is unable to keep up with tea plucking every year. As a result, they unintentionally harvest only the apical buds, creating a luxurious situation.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"Round compressed tea cake on white paper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0608.jpg?v=1789407630\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"Back of a round tea cake with a central dent\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0597.jpg?v=1789407626\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Sustainable Huo Di Raw Pu-erh Tea Garden Without Pesticides and Fertilizers\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The tea garden is completely free of fertilizers and pesticides, and is maintained with minimal care throughout the year. Farmers only perform minimal maintenance, such as cutting grass before tea plucking, allowing the tea trees to grow naturally. Such gardens are considered sustainable, meaning the tea trees adapt naturally as part of the surrounding ecosystem and maintain a very healthy state. The health of the tea can be felt in its transparency, richness, and length of aftertaste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Additionally, Huo Di has very good sun exposure throughout the garden, resulting in a refreshing and clear taste and flavor whether processed as white tea or raw pu-erh tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Due to several years of aging, the dried tea leaves already have a very sweet fragrance. When brewed, the tea has a grape-like flavor with subtle notes of sugarcane and pomelo—reminiscent of white wine, making it easy for beginners to enjoy.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"Tea bushes growing on a mountain slope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9663-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Raw Pu-erh Tea Where Raw Material is Important\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Raw pu-erh tea is processed at a lower temperature than green tea, retaining many of its compounds without oxidation. This results in a very gentle mouthfeel and allows the individual character of the raw material to come through. In other words, the most important element in enjoying pu-erh tea is the \"raw material.\" The higher the quality, the longer the aftertaste and the clearer the flavor. High-quality tea has a high polyphenol content and is suitable for aging. Raw pu-erh tea develops a sweet flavor when aged. We recommend aging in an oxygen-free environment to bring out the sweet, fruity flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people may have the preconceived notion that pu-erh tea is bitter and astringent, but much of this comes from second flush or later harvests, and from low-altitude or conventionally cultivated tea. In contrast, first flush pu-erh tea from high altitudes has a gentle mouthfeel and a rather sweet taste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman with a shoulder bag plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932431184048,"sku":"d160ca","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932431216816,"sku":"d160cc","price":7000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932431249584,"sku":"d160cv","price":28100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7128-1_cbb57b3d-2e22-4ad6-871e-4e566e64e301.jpg?v=1788877726"},{"product_id":"d29","title":"Xiu Lin Wuhao Raw Pu-erh Tea 2011 Malaysia Aged","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Xiu Lin Wu Hao Gushu Raw Pu-erh Tea is harvested from mountains deep in Lincang, accessible by an 8-10 hour drive. The tea leaves used in this product are known as 'Wu Hao' among farmers, as they are dark and covered in fine hairs. However, when brewed, the leaves turn a yellowish hue, a sign that the tea has grown naturally. This tea has a rich, full-bodied character.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea's flavor immediately sinks into the throat upon sipping, releasing a gentle sweetness that spreads gradually. The lingering sweetness remains in the throat, allowing you to enjoy the flavor long after finishing your cup. Xiu Lin Wu Hao Gushu Raw Pu-erh Tea was discovered in a producer’s warehouse in Lincang. While selecting tea from 2012, this particular tea was presented as \"a good tea from last year.\" The depth of the flavor was astonishing when evaluated, and upon tasting. It has hinted at a faint honey fragrance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd width=\"322\"\u003e\n                \u003cimg width=\"316\" height=\"211\" alt=\"Pu-erh Tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d31_03_ed1348db-6e70-4fa2-8722-13c6473d4420.jpg\"\u003e\n            \u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd width=\"10\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd width=\"322\"\u003e\n                \u003cimg width=\"316\" height=\"211\" alt=\"Pu-erh Tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d31_04.jpg\"\u003e\n            \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003e\n                \u003cp\u003e\n                    In Yunnan Province, old tea trees are owned by ethnic minorities.\n                \u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n                \u003cp\u003e\n                    A giant tea tree growing beside an ethnic minority's house\n                \u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is produced by ethnic minorities using the most traditional and primitive method of pan frying over a wood fire, which imparts a smoky character similar to Scotch whisky.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932429906096,"sku":"d29ca","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932429938864,"sku":"d29cc","price":5900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932429971632,"sku":"d29cv","price":23800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d29.jpg?v=1737905419"},{"product_id":"d101","title":"Ming Feng Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea 2026 Loose","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMing Feng Shan is a village on the border of Yongde and Zhenkang counties in Yunnan, China. On a sunny east-facing slope at 2,000 to 2,200 m, tea trees several hundred years old grow without fertilizer or pesticides, surrounded by plants and wildlife. It tastes clear, with a hint of grape and citrus, no astringency and a sweet aftertaste. Long-term storage may bring out a sweet flavor like honey and raisins.\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    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932429414576,"sku":"d101cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (50g x 4 bags)","offer_id":45758223155376,"sku":"d101cb","price":7600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932429480112,"sku":"d101cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4374.jpg?v=1793584907"},{"product_id":"d149","title":"High Mountain Purple Tea 2024 No.2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is harvested from a mountainous region in Lincang, Yunnan Province, located just tens of kilometers from the Myanmar border, at an altitude of 2100 meters. It has a notably strong body, and when tasted, the peachy flavor gently spreads in the mouth, leaving a lingering sweetness.\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    High Mountain Purple Tea is harvested from a mountainous region in Lincang, Yunnan Province, located just tens of kilometers from the Myanmar border, at an altitude of 2100 meters.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These areas are home to villages of ethnic minorities, where purple tea has been made for over 100 years. Locals have been drinking it, just like regular tea, for generations.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea branch with young yellow-green shoots and leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3077-2.jpg?v=1615643435\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person in a hat standing among tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3079.jpg?v=1615643457\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHigh Mountain Purple Tea Tree\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    According to local ethnic minorities, purple tea originates from wild tea plants, and the name comes from the purple coloration of the stems and other parts of the tea plant.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A heap of freshly plucked green tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/04C2FEDB-4703-43AF-B723-5493583BB566.png?v=1615643537\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs shown in the picture above, not all tea stems are purple.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Heaped freshly plucked tea leaves with reddish stems\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/282B9570-A31A-4C27-8B1E-A721B5B7BF0F.png?v=1615643738\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Freshly plucked tea shoots and stems on an open palm\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/4D9E3840-070B-4B38-9BC0-E23B48320A4C.png?v=1615643763\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Another characteristic is that when processed, the tea leaves change to a deep indigo color. Therefore, the name \"purple tea\" may also refer to the color of the tea leaves after processing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark tea leaves spread on a woven bamboo mat\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B6EF8032-BA28-468A-8C31-9CE21975AB86.png?v=1615643852\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe picture above shows mao-cha before sorting.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    A Tea Loved by Enthusiasts for Its Strong Body\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Tea has two main characteristics.\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    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Characteristics of High Mountain Purple Tea\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eStrong body\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eHoney and perilla-like flavor developed through aging\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When you taste High Mountain Purple Tea, the flavor spreads across your mouth. This is the tea's most notable feature: its strong body, with flavors gently spreading, leaving a sweet aftertaste in your mouth.\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    Honey Flavor Developed Through Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Tea has a sweet flavor reminiscent of perilla, peaches, and honey. Because the flavor is very strong, it is easy to recommend to beginners of raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, through aging, the flavor becomes richer, and you can enjoy sweet scents like dried fruits, canned fruit, or brown sugar.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For aging, please store the tea unopened (in an oxygen-free environment) in a room with as high a temperature as possible. The lack of oxygen will allow the tea to age ideally.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although aging is an oxidation reaction, oxidation can progress even without oxygen (the exchange of electrons between substances is also part of the oxidation process).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-aging\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Tea Aging \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Round dark tea cake resting on crumpled paper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4715.jpg?v=1615643950\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Tea is Different from Purple Silk Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Purple Tea is often confused with the purple tea discovered in 1985 in Nannuo Mountain in southern Yunnan. However, the purple tea from Nannuo Mountain has a purple appearance and a strong astringency, making it unsuitable for drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After some cultivation, a variety known as Zǐ Sī Chá (紫絹茶) was created, which is more suitable for drinking. However, Zǐ Sī Chá has a short history, and it has only been sold recently. Most of the tea trees are grown in tea gardens that follow modern agricultural practices.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the high mountain areas of Lincang, Yunnan Province, there are purple tea trees that are over 100 years old, and this tea has been part of local life for generations, long before the discovery of purple tea in Nannuo Mountain in 1985.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The appearance of High Mountain Purple Tea is very similar to regular tea, with the exception that sometimes the stems are purple. Therefore, it seems likely that High Mountain Purple Tea is a subspecies of Camellia sinensis.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In terms of flavor, it does not have a particularly astringent taste, and is a smooth and drinkable tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Round dark tea cakes lined up on wooden racks\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3573.jpg?v=1615643999\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pale golden tea in a white bowl with a spoon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4729.jpg?v=1615644016\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932429086896,"sku":"d149ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932429119664,"sku":"d149cc","price":7300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932429152432,"sku":"d149cv","price":29400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5226_bf8ecf5a-d4f6-4920-8f97-f73811188c34.jpg?v=1737905404"},{"product_id":"d134","title":"Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh 2020 Loose","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This product is a loose tea. We have procured it in loose form to accommodate a wide range of uses, such as blending with other teas, making milk tea, and using it in cooking. Loose tea is characterized by a gentler taste and a smoother, milder flavor compared to cake tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh is a Pu-erh tea well-received by regular Pu-erh drinkers and equally enjoyable for beginners.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend this tea because \u003cstrong\u003ethe balance of flavor, taste, and depth of aftertaste is excellent, and both the flavor and aroma are very rich. The flavor is reminiscent of dried fruit, and the taste is mellow, smooth, and full-bodied.\u003c\/strong\u003e While these qualities can be found in other well-fermented Pu-erh teas, Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh stands out for the sheer depth behind them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Beyond the drinking experience described above, Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh has a deep aftertaste that spreads through the back of the throat. This is not merely about flavor type or aroma type, but about the \u003cstrong\u003e\"quality\"\u003c\/strong\u003e of those qualities—the three-dimensional, impurity-free taste and flavor, and the fullness that fills you when you drink it. This quality factor is determined by the \u003cstrong\u003e\"depth of flavor and aroma,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and it is something we have sought during our visits to Yunnan Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003e\"In Yunnan Province, you encounter Pu-erh tea everywhere you go.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e In ethnic minority villages, each household makes Pu-erh tea, and even a small village may have hundreds of varieties. Across all of Yunnan Province, there are thousands or even tens of thousands of types of Pu-erh tea, and in that sense, finding a Pu-erh tea to buy is easy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, Pu-erh tea with a deep aftertaste—mellow and rich like high-quality chocolate—is extremely rare. We encountered Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh after more than 10 days of tasting trips through various mountainous areas of Yunnan Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hazy mountain ranges beyond reddish slopes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d03_03.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The mountains of Wu Liang Shan\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea bushes growing on a slope among trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d06_03.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Tea growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, ripe Pu-erh tea is made from garden-grown tea, while high-quality raw Pu-erh tea comes from old trees in the mountains. Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh, however, is made from tea leaves harvested from trees over 100 years old, planted in the mountains in a semi-wild state—not in cultivated gardens. The ethnic minorities pluck this tea 1–2 times a year as part of their livelihood. Though called tea plucking, it involves climbing the trees and selecting leaves by hand one by one, making it an extremely labor-intensive task.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To the ethnic minorities of Wu Liang Shan, the tea trees in the surrounding mountains are like wild mountain vegetables. The trees have grown so large that upon entering the forest, they blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and are difficult to distinguish from other trees. No pesticides or fertilizers are used—because to these communities, the tea trees are simply another part of the natural mountain environment.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea grown in the mountains has a higher mineral content than garden-grown tea. Old trees, growing slowly with deep roots, accumulate leaves that are especially rich in minerals. These abundant minerals give the tea a rich, full taste. The principal mineral in Pu-erh tea is iron, which plays an important role in blood production and is an essential nutrient for those prone to anemia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A plucker in a hat high among the branches of an old tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d06_01.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    A worker plucking leaves high in an old tea tree — harvesting from these ancient trees is a genuinely demanding task.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Old tea trees on a slope below tall trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d06_02.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Old tea trees growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932428824752,"sku":"d134ca","price":760.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"80g (in can)","offer_id":44932428857520,"sku":"d134cc","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"240g (large bag\/80g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932428890288,"sku":"d134cb","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"720g value pack (80g x 9 bags)","offer_id":44932428923056,"sku":"d134cv","price":11500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d134_01_9d6ef23f-6432-46f7-bca8-3543b7f89e43.jpg?v=1737905401"},{"product_id":"d143","title":"Yun Xian Ripe Pu-erh tea 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    It is not difficult for even amateurs to obtain ripe Pu-erh tea, not only in Yunnan Province.\u003cbr\u003e\n    When tourists visit China, many buy Pu-erh tea as a souvenir, and about 80% of them are ripe Pu-erh tea.\u003cbr\u003e\n    You often hear people say, \"I bought it from the authentic place in China, so it's really good tea.\" However, the reality is that most of these are not balanced with the price.\u003cbr\u003e\n    The overall quality of Pu-erh tea is determined by the balance between the richness of the taste and the type of aroma.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Unlike raw Pu-erh tea, ripe Pu-erh tea involves microbial fermentation, making the manufacturing process complex. Therefore, it is rarely produced by individual farmers. \u003cstrong\u003eThe production of ripe Pu-erh tea generally means a factory.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Of course, factories have employees. Salaries and equipment costs must be paid whether the tea sells or not.\u003cbr\u003e\n    In other words, compared to individual farmers who only need to sustain themselves, factories have high fixed costs and must sell in volume to recover those costs.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Therefore, the basic concept of producing ripe Pu-erh tea in factories is to produce in large quantities and to procure low-cost tea leaves.\u003cbr\u003e\n    While individual farmers produce raw Pu-erh tea in units of tens to hundreds of kilograms per year, factories produce it in tons.\u003cbr\u003e\n    To sell a large amount of tea, the quality must be uniform. If the quality of tens of tons of tea is inconsistent, it cannot be sold.\n    For this reason, factories blend tea leaves to ensure uniform quality.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Some believe blending is a technique or secret to creating quality Pu-erh tea, but the purpose of blending in factories is different.\n    The purpose of blending is solely to standardize quality. It is common to blend three types: spring tea, summer tea, and autumn tea, to standardize cost and quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d83_03.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In terms of blending raw materials, similar efforts are made in factories for green tea, black tea, and oolong tea, not just Pu-erh tea.\u003cbr\u003e\n    The major difference with Pu-erh tea is that \u003cstrong\u003eripe Pu-erh tea is made through microbial fermentation, which breaks down tannins, the cause of astringency. As a result, even if cheap raw materials are used, the tea does not taste astringent.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    On the other hand, products made from cheap tea garden raw materials in green tea and black tea have strong bitterness and astringency, making it immediately clear that the quality is low. The same applies to raw Pu-erh tea made from cheap raw materials, which becomes very astringent.\u003cbr\u003e\n    No matter how cheap and low-quality the raw materials plucked in midsummer are, ripe Pu-erh tea does not become astringent.\u003cbr\u003e\n    The reality is that many people cannot judge the quality of ripe Pu-erh tea because it does not have the astringency associated with cheap tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Unfortunately, good quality raw materials in Yunnan Province are used for the production of raw Pu-erh tea.\u003cbr\u003e\n    This is because high-quality raw Pu-erh tea sells for much higher prices than high-quality ripe Pu-erh tea.\n    This raises the question, \"Is there hardly any good quality ripe Pu-erh tea on the market?\" In fact, the position of ripe Pu-erh tea in Yunnan Province is similar to that of bancha or genmaicha in Japanese tea,\u003cbr\u003e\n    meaning that good quality ripe Pu-erh tea is generally limited.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At HOJO, we specifically purchase only spring tea before blending. We repeatedly taste a considerable amount of tea to introduce good quality.\u003cbr\u003e\n    As mentioned earlier, even at airports, hundreds of types of ripe Pu-erh tea are displayed, but finding truly good quality tea is even more difficult than finding good quality raw Pu-erh tea.\u003cbr\u003e\n    What makes good quality ripe Pu-erh tea different? While ripe Pu-erh tea might have an image of a musty tea, good quality tea should leave a certain level of impression when you drink it.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Here are the characteristics of delicious ripe Pu-erh tea:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    1. Even when brewed lightly, the taste is rich and deep. The aroma is not a thin scent that escapes the nose but can be felt deep in the throat, leaving a deep aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    2. Properly fermented tea has a sweet aroma like dried fruits. On the contrary, poor-quality tea smells like earth, natto, feet, or rotten furniture. This is due to the lack of oxygen in the tea leaves caused by poor moisture control during fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is made at an altitude of 2000 meters. In Taiwan, tea grown at 2000 meters is considered quite high-quality high mountain tea. The significant temperature difference between day and night at high altitudes results in a tea with a rich aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d83_02.jpg\" alt=\"Pu-erh tea\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea trees are cultivated using a method called \"Qiaomu.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea production area is Yunnan Province's west, a region called Yun County in Lincang. This area is also well known as a production area for Yunnan black tea.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Lincang is located at a high latitude, and the tea cultivation area is very high in elevation, resulting in generally good tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product has a sweet aroma of dried fruits, and together with a deep throat feel, the lingering scent can be felt for a long time after drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although it is reasonably priced tea, it has a rich taste (throat feel) that is far from casual tea for daily drinking. It is high-quality tea that could easily sell for 2-3 times the price.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Occasionally, you can find such bargain teas in Yunnan Province. It is highly cost-effective tea, making it highly recommended for beginners to Pu-erh tea.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Since there is limited stock, if you like the quality of this product, it is recommended to buy in bulk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea tree, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in sourcing locally. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So, why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small block)","offer_id":44932428726448,"sku":"d143ca","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"250g (block)","offer_id":44932428759216,"sku":"d143cc","price":5200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (4 blocks)","offer_id":44932428791984,"sku":"d143cv","price":16600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d84_20_aeca8bf4-e85d-4600-bc5f-fff71d2f8e77.jpg?v=1737905400"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/collections\/IMG_0451-1.jpg?v=1616130874","url":"https:\/\/hojotea.com\/en-en\/collections\/yunnan-province.oembed?page=3","provider":"お茶の専門店HOJO \/ HOJO CO., LTD.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}