Ancient White Tea ( Gushu Bai Cha )古樹白茶

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.

Tea from High-Altitude Old Trees

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.

Refreshing Citrus Flavor

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.

Enhanced Flavor with Aging

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.

Non-Heat Processing of White Tea

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.

Ideal for Cold Brew Tea

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.