{"title":"China","description":"\u003cp\u003eChina is the only country that produces all six classes of tea: green, white, yellow, oolong, black and dark tea. Black tea began here, and Japanese green tea and matcha both trace back to Chinese originals. The growing areas cover a wide range of latitude and altitude, so the same cultivar tastes very different depending on soil and climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CollectionBody\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"headerA\"\u003eBuying at the source\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat matters most in the way HOJO buys Chinese tea is going to the growing area in person. Every year we stay in Yunnan, Fujian and Guangdong, visit the farmers and their gardens, and buy only after seeing how that year's crop turned out. During the spring season we spend nearly two months in Yunnan, working alongside the producers and handling quality control on the factory floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"headerA\"\u003eChoosing gardens that use no pesticides or fertilizer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor HOJO, a garden that uses no pesticides is a condition for buying at all. We favor mountain areas high enough that pest pressure is low, and naturally farmed gardens that are properly looked after. For Yunnan we buy only naturally farmed tea, grown with no fertilizer and no pesticides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tea tree given no fertilizer grows slowly and yields less, while its leaves carry more minerals and more polyphenols. The body and the long finish that HOJO judges tea by come from these growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"headerA\"\u003eMain growing areas\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom Yunnan: pu-erh tea, ancient tree black tea, white tea and wild tea. From Wuyishan in Fujian: Wuyi rock tea, and Lapsang Souchong, said to be the first black tea ever made. From Fenghuang in Chaozhou, Guangdong: Phoenix Dan Cong oolong. From Anxi in Fujian: Tie Guan Yin. We also carry the best known tea of several other provinces, including Tai Ping Hou Kui and Keemun from Anhui, Xihu Longjing from Zhejiang, Mengding Ganlu and Bitan Piaoxue from Sichuan, and Junshan Yinzhen from Hunan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"t03","title":"Black tea Trial Set ( 7 Types x 10g )","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Seven silver foil pouches of black tea arranged in two rows\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7050.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8363\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a trial set of seven types of black tea, all grown naturally (without fertilizers or pesticides). Since all the teas in this set are pesticide-free, you can drink them with peace of mind.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A kraft gift box with a HOJO label on the lid\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7038-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8365\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis set is also suitable as a small gift for friends who love black tea!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Silver foil pouches with orange labels inside an open box\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7047.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8362\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Only Pesticide-Free Black Tea Selected\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The teas selected for this trial set are all naturally grown. Choosing naturally grown teas is not only for safety reasons but also because tea grown without nitrogen fertilizers takes time to grow slowly, resulting in dense cells. This leads to a tea rich in components, with a deep and lingering aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Quality of Chinese Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When people think of black tea, they might imagine Darjeeling or Ceylon tea, but the origin of black tea is China, where there are also exceptionally high-quality black teas. You cannot talk about black tea without tasting high-quality Chinese black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, there may be concerns about fakes and food safety in China. In reality, China is a country with a mix of extremely high-quality and poor-quality products.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Surprisingly, many top-class teas in China are grown without pesticides or fertilizers. Producers understand that the quality improves without fertilizers, and pests are less likely to attack the plants, thus reducing the need for pesticides. For producers, pesticides are an expense, so they avoid using them if there is no pest damage.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To encounter truly good quality tea, objective measures of quality and knowledge, and experience related to those quality factors are necessary. At HOJO, we manage everything ourselves, from purchasing directly from producers who own tea gardens to handling export from China and import into Japan. By not using intermediaries and dealing directly with producers, we accurately manage and monitor the use of pesticides and fertilizers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Contents of the Black Tea Trial Set\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eFormosa Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLapsang Souchong Qi Zhong\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea Apricot Honey Aroma\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYunnan Kung Fu Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh Mountain Purple Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Seven silver foil pouches laid out on a wooden surface\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7053.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8364\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Formosa Black Tea\/ Red Jade Tea\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a representative black tea of Taiwan. It is made from the TTES No. 18 variety and is grown around Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, Taiwan. It is sometimes called TTES No. 18 or Sun Moon Lake Black Tea based on the variety name and place of origin. Its characteristic is a menthol flavor reminiscent of Ceylon tea's Uva.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of dark twisted dried black tea leaves on white\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b05_03-1.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8351\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted dried tea leaves on a bamboo scoop\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b05_02-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8352\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis black tea is made from the Shui Xian variety, following the traditional method of Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong). We would really like to call it Lapsang Souchong Shui Xian. However, Lapsang Souchong is by standard made from seed-grown tea in Tongmuguan, the growing area, and that is where the name Xiao Zhong comes from. Since this tea uses the Shui Xian variety, it is called Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts flavor recalls sweet potato and peach, with a hint of mango. There is also a note of dried longan, and the overall flavor is sweet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has none of the smoky aroma of typical Lapsang Souchong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6532.jpg?v=1737905815\" alt=\"Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong is a legendary tea with a very floral and fruity aroma reminiscent of tropical fruits, honey, and peaches. Unlike ordinary black tea, which is completed by drying after fermentation, Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong is roasted for a long time over charcoal at around 100℃ after drying, enhancing its maturity and fruity aroma. Qi Zhong is made from old trees grown from seeds at an altitude of 1200 meters, resulting in a rich aftertaste and long-lasting finish due to the high-quality raw materials.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Other teas in the same category include Lapsang Souchong Xiao Chi Gan and Tongmu Shuixian Black Tea. While all are excellent, Qi Zhong has been selected for this set.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A mound of thin black dried tea leaves on white\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b54_01-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8356\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea Apricot Honey Aroma\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This black tea is made from naturally grown tea leaves from Lincang, Yunnan Province, China, at an altitude of 2100 meters. It is processed in the typical Yunnan black tea style, which involves very light withering to create a gentle, mild flavor. It has a faint honey aroma and also carries a menthol flavor similar to Uva. It is delicious both straight and with milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of dark dried tea leaves mixed with golden tips\" height=\"433\" width=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b039_11-3.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8357\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Yunnan Kung Fu Black Tea\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast to the Yunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea Apricot Honey Aroma, which is made with almost no withering, this tea is processed with significant withering, similar to Darjeeling. The withering process creates a floral and slightly spicy aroma, resulting in a bright and elegant black tea. It is made from naturally grown, seed-grown old trees over 100 years old in Lincang, Yunnan Province, at an altitude of 2100 meters. This tea has a rich aftertaste and a deep, lingering finish that penetrates deeply into the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted dried black tea leaves on a white background\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b52_01-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8358\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Black Tea\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the tea gardens around 2000 meters in Lincang, Yunnan Province, there is a type of tea called purple tea. This purple tea is popular as a raw material for pu-erh tea due to its distinctive aroma, similar to perilla leaves. HOJO has custom processed this purple tea into black tea. High Mountain Purple Black Tea has a faint perilla aroma and a sweet potato-like sweetness. It has a broad flavor profile and a richness characteristic of purple tea. It is also delicious as milk tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark thin dried tea leaves piled on a wooden tray\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8200-1.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8354\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Wild Black Tea\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This black tea is made from wild tea, Camellia taliensis, that grows naturally in the mountains of Lincang, Yunnan Province, China. Wild tea, as the name suggests,\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":38153554231472,"sku":"t03","price":4600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7053.jpg?v=1737905891"},{"product_id":"o23","title":"Tie Guan Yin Qing Xiang","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried dark green rolled tea leaves on a white background\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8260\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6659.jpg?v=1737905887\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe have released Tie Guan Yin Qing Xiang. This tea is an oolong tea with an orchid-like aroma, made from spring tea harvested in Xianghua Fuxin Village, Anxi, Fujian Province, China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tie Guan Yin is a Cultivar Name\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tie Guan Yin refers to oolong tea made from the Tie Guan Yin cultivar. As a cultivar characteristic, Tie Guan Yin has a thick aftertaste and, when processed into oolong tea, it exudes an orchid-like aroma. Anxi, the production area of Tie Guan Yin, also has various cultivars such as Mao Xie, Rou Gui, Ben Shan, and Huang Jin Gui. Sometimes, oolong tea made from these other cultivars is sold under the name Tie Guan Yin. However, true Tie Guan Yin differs in both aroma and flavor from oolong tea made from other cultivars. At HOJO, we select spring-plucked Tie Guan Yin. Spring tea is soft and has an elegant taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A small amount of rolled dark green tea leaves in a white cup\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8258\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6671.jpg?v=1737905887\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Altitude is a Key Quality Factor for Anxi Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The quality of Tie Guan Yin is greatly influenced by the altitude of the tea garden. The higher the altitude, the richer the aroma and flavor, and the higher the tea's market value. This product uses tea harvested at an altitude of 1100-1200m, where the taste of the tea feels dense. Additionally, the amount of fertilizer used is also related to quality; less fertilizer (no fertilizer is best) and slow growth result in higher quality tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Misty mountains behind terraced rows of tea bushes\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8264\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7666.jpg?v=1737905887\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Strong Floral Aroma that Dispel Preconceptions About Oolong Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tie Guan Yin is often associated with the roasted aroma of bottled oolong tea in Japan. This is the roasted type of Tie Guan Yin. In contrast, the Qing Xiang type has a completely different aroma from typical oolong tea. As the name suggests, Qing Xiang has a strong orchid-like aroma, a clear and sweet scent, and a pleasant aftertaste. Those who drink it for the first time will be surprised by the difference from their preconceptions about oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Why Tie Guan Yin Leaves Appear Moth-Eaten\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although Tie Guan Yin is often thought to be a lightly fermented oolong tea with a floral aroma, it is actually a well-fermented tea. Mature leaves are plucked to withstand deep fermentation, unlike Taiwanese tea. After fermentation, the edges of Tie Guan Yin leaves turn brown while the center remains green due to intense stirring during fermentation. The brown edges emit a fruity aroma, while the green center emits a floral aroma, similar to Phoenix Dan Cong oolong tea. However, Tie Guan Yin producers remove the brown edges to highlight the floral aroma, resulting in a tattered, moth-eaten appearance of the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Opened green tea leaves in a white cup\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8261\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6674.jpg?v=1737905887\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A cup of pale yellow tea beside a bowl of tea leaves\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8263\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6700.jpg?v=1737905887\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Direct Sourcing from Primary Processors Who Own Tea Gardens\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At HOJO, we deal directly with producers who own their own tea gardens, without intermediaries. This allows us to keep the procurement price comparable to local companies and source tea that meets Japanese pesticide standards.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932467359920,"sku":"o23ca","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"70g (in can)","offer_id":44932467392688,"sku":"o23cc","price":4100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"210g (large bag\/70g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932467425456,"sku":"o23cb","price":11900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"630g value pack (large bag [70g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932467458224,"sku":"o23cv","price":29500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6659.jpg?v=1737905887"},{"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":"t02","title":"Oolong Tea Trial Set","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    We have released an Oolong Tea Trial Set. We selected seven recommended Oolong teas and packaged them in 10g sets. This set is perfect for those who want to try various Oolong teas but are unsure which to choose, or for those looking for a casual gift.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Each tea is packaged in an oxygen-free environment, so it will remain fresh for over 10 years if unopened.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many people associate Oolong tea with bottled beverages, thinking of it as a bitter, brown tea. However, well-managed Oolong tea made with quality ingredients and methods has a floral and fruity flavor, making it a very delicious tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7955\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5532.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" alt=\"Oolong Tea Trial Set\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It comes packaged in a box, making it suitable as a simple gift.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7260\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2643.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" alt=\"Oolong Tea\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u0026nbsp;\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    7 Types of Tea, 10g Each\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Below is the content of the Oolong Tea Trial Set. Each of the seven types of tea is packaged in 10g portions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAli Shan Tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep Fired Dong Ding Oolong\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWenshan Baozhong Tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional Dong Ding Oolong Tea Special\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhoenix Oolong Ya Shi Xiang No.2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnxi Rou Gui\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium Fired Tie Guan Yin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Below are brief descriptions of each tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Ali Shan Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is one of Taiwan's representative high mountain Oolong teas. Made from spring tea harvested from gardens at an altitude of 1500-1600m, it offers a citrus and floral aroma. It is a tea that can be enjoyed even by those who usually drink Sencha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7949\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/pho300_o09.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" alt=\"Ali Shan Tea\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u0026nbsp;\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDeep Fired Dong Ding Oolong\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDong Ding Oolong from Dong Ding Mountain (Lugu) is roasted for more than 10 hours to bring out a sweet flavor like dried fruit. It is a full-bodied tea that spreads widely in the mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/pho300_o06.jpg?v=1737905864\" alt=\"Deep Fired Dong Ding Oolong leaves\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Wenshan Baozhong Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Among many Oolong teas, this one has the lowest level of fermentation and can be enjoyed like green tea. Its aroma is much stronger than green tea, with a sweet scent reminiscent of orchid flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7950\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/011_02.jpg\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" sizes=\"(max-width: 316px) 100vw, 316px\" alt=\"Wenshan Baozhong Tea\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Traditional Dong Ding Oolong Tea Special\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a representative Taiwanese tea made using traditional methods with long fermentation. By carefully controlling the fermentation towards the end, the fermentation is retained within the leaves, enhancing the floral aroma. Dong Ding Mountain tea is known for its rich flavor and robust taste. As the name \"Special\" suggests, this is a limited tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7948\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1308-2-2.jpg\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" sizes=\"(max-width: 316px) 100vw, 316px\" alt=\"Traditional Dong Ding Oolong Tea Special\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePhoenix Oolong Ya Shi Xiang No.2\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom Phoenix Dancong, the high-grade tea that represents Chinese oolong, we chose Ya Shi Xiang, which is hugely popular in the growing area. Legend says that when this tea was found, its aroma was so good that the owner, afraid it would be stolen, gave it a terrible name (Ya Shi Xiang means duck droppings aroma). It has a very bright flavor of flowers, tropical fruit and peach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is made from tea plucked from old tea trees, and you can clearly feel its long finish and rich aftertaste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/o50_02.jpg?v=1737905496\" alt=\"Phoenix Oolong Ya Shi Xiang No.2 leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMedium Fired Tie Guan Yin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTie Guan Yin is a famous Oolong tea representing Anxi. Made from the authentic Tie Guan Yin cultivar, this tea has a long finish. The light roast gives it a toasty flavor along with an elegant orchid-like note. It goes very well with food, whether Japanese, Western or Chinese.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/o63_01.jpg\" alt=\"Medium Fired Tie Guan Yin\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAnxi Rou Gui\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRou Gui is the Chinese name for cassia, the spice. As the name suggests, this cultivar has a subtle cassia-like flavor. A heavier fermentation and a stronger roast give it a rich, toasty note.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/o54.jpg\" alt=\"Anxi Rou Gui\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":38184157053104,"sku":"t02","price":4800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5532.jpg?v=1737905870"},{"product_id":"o74","title":"Anxi Se Zhong","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Se Zhong is one of the traditional oolong teas of Anxi, Fujian Province, China, generally made by blending multiple oolong varieties such as Mao Xie, Mei Zhan, Huang Jin Gui, and Ben Shan.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Se Zhong in Chinese means \"various kinds of tea.\" Although the same name is used, the blend ratio varies greatly depending on the producer, resulting in teas with different flavors and aromas.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This Anxi Se Zhong is medium roasted, featuring a toasty aroma and a sweet fragrance reminiscent of dried fruits, caramel, and roasted sweet potatoes. After drinking, a refreshing floral aroma lingers in the mouth.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Despite its reasonable price, it has a long aftertaste and a firm flavor, making it very satisfying. It pairs well with various dishes and sweets, making it an ideal tea to enjoy after meals.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details of Anxi Se Zhong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A pile of dark green rolled dried tea leaves on a wooden surface\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/8C329323-C8C4-4882-9DCD-41C64FFFB691.png?v=1613995115\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Small rolled dried tea leaves arranged on a patterned stone surface\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/42A58C6D-8619-4C98-B2C1-C7A421F55BF4.png?v=1613995140\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Oolong Tea Blended from Multiple Varieties\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Se Zhong is one of the traditional oolong teas of Anxi, Fujian Province, China, generally made by blending multiple varieties such as Mao Xie, Mei Zhan, Huang Jin Gui, and Ben Shan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, the varieties used are not limited to these 4. The blend varies depending on the producer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, varieties like Tie Guan Yin or Rougui can produce very appealing flavors and aromas as single-variety teas. However, these grow slowly and have low yields, making them expensive due to high demand.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What makes Se Zhong interesting is that blending multiple teas allows the individual characteristics of each variety to complement one another, resulting in a tea with a rich aftertaste, aroma, and complexity — despite being affordable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For example, Mao Xie is known for its rich body but relatively weak aftertaste. Huang Jin Gui is prized for its intensely floral and appealing aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ben Shan has a comparatively strong aftertaste and rich flavor. By understanding the characteristics of each variety and adjusting the blend ratio, Se Zhong achieves a captivating balance of aroma and taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The interesting aspect of Se Zhong is that the blend ratio varies greatly from producer to producer, resulting in teas that differ noticeably in flavor and aroma even under the same name.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two hands holding a white cup of pale yellow tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/DC7833AE-A85F-448F-B343-638BCC0B1230.png?v=1613995219\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Using First Flush Tea Plucked in Spring\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The raw material is the first flush spring harvest, produced around Daping Village in Anxi at an altitude of approximately 1000 meters. Demand for Anxi oolong tea is very high in China, and even in midsummer, farmers can be seen producing oolong tea throughout the region.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While there is debate over whether spring or autumn tea is superior for oolong, a straightforward tasting comparison clearly shows that spring tea comes out ahead.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Autumn tea has a stronger aroma and makes a good first impression, but it carries more astringency and lacks the smooth, mellow quality of spring tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Terraced tea fields on a hillside with clouds drifting over the mountains\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6F58C712-52EE-4EFC-B33D-1A4508977765.png?v=1613995287\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Toasty and Sweet Aroma, Recommended for Daily Drinking\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Anxi Se Zhong is medium roasted, featuring a toasty aroma and a sweet fragrance reminiscent of dried fruits, caramel, and roasted sweet potatoes. After drinking, a refreshing floral aroma lingers in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Despite its reasonable price, it has a long aftertaste and a firm flavor, making it very satisfying. It pairs well with various dishes and sweets, making it an ideal tea to enjoy after meals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Among our oolong teas, it is relatively affordable, making it a great choice for daily drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed dark green tea leaves in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6DB326A0-4F2F-447D-81BC-9C803943E78A.png?v=1613995351\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two white cups of yellow tea on a wooden table\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/235FD316-8CEF-4878-B276-8F514730BDB6.png?v=1613995388\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932463100080,"sku":"o74ca","price":650.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932463132848,"sku":"o74cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932463165616,"sku":"o74cb","price":3700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932463198384,"sku":"o74cv","price":9300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_9089.jpg?v=1737905847"},{"product_id":"o26","title":"Tie Guan Yin Lan Yun","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        Flavor Reminiscent of Orchid Flowers and Fresh Peaches\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Tie Guan Yin Lan Yun is an Anxi-produced Tie Guan Yin characterized by a rich flavor reminiscent of orchid flowers and fresh peaches, with a sweet taste that deeply penetrates the throat.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Made from high-quality spring-plucked tea leaves, it features no astringency or bitterness, a deep aftertaste, and a mellow, deep flavor that is impressive upon first tasting.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details of Anxi Tie Guan Yin Lan Yun\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark green rolled dried tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F0FB1ACC-91D9-4EF4-93FE-4E4534F82F06.png?v=1613997602\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These are the leaves of a Qing Xiang type Tie Guan Yin. Due to its green color, it is often mistaken for green tea.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Tie Guan Yin from Anxi, Fujian Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tie Guan Yin is perhaps one of the most globally well-known Chinese teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are various theories about the origin of the name Tie Guan Yin, but nowadays it is used to refer to the \"cultivar.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In other words, oolong tea made from the Tie Guan Yin cultivar is called \"Tie Guan Yin.\" Incidentally, the method of making Tie Guan Yin in Anxi spread to Taiwan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Muzha Tie Guan Yin, still found near Taipei, Taiwan, preserves the traditional Anxi Tie Guan Yin making method. The basic technique of Taiwan's high mountain tea also has its roots in Anxi.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, the history of Tie Guan Yin is relatively short, having only a few hundred years in its current form. Although tea existed in the Anxi region before then, it was somewhat different from today's Tie Guan Yin.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Originally, Tie Guan Yin had its origins in Wuyi Rock Tea, and like Wuyi oolong, it was traditionally charcoal-roasted.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One reason why Tie Guan Yin from Anxi is of such high quality is its soil. Anxi is covered with yellow-brown clay, rich in zhuni clay, similar to the tea-producing region of Uji in Japan and the teapot-producing region of Yixing in China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Thanks to the abundant iron content in the soil, it produces tea with a mellow, rich flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea bushes in front of a signboard with red characters\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/47529AD8-DC28-487D-94DC-392BB7E7C98C.png?v=1613996795\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Qing Xiang Type with Orchid Flower Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Recently, the non-roasted type has gained high popularity. The non-roasted Tie Guan Yin is called Qing Xiang type and appears green.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor of the tea leaves is quite fruity, generally described as having an orchid flower flavor, but I find it closer to a peach flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor of Tie Guan Yin is really strong, and those who drink it for the first time are often shocked.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many people who travel to China and drink Qing Xiang Tie Guan Yin for the first time become so captivated that they fall in love with Chinese tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea terraces spreading across a mountain slope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/DD42CF65-3A2A-43E5-8F20-D64A02FBCCC6.png?v=1613996854\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tea leaves of the Tie Guan Yin cultivar\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person in a white shirt walking on a path between tea terraces\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A8D796A4-514A-4321-B6E8-4F96A182F171.png?v=1613996878\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tea plantation of the Tie Guan Yin cultivar in Anxi\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Tea Plucking After the Branches Grow\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Anxi, tea buds sprout in March, which is about half a month to a month earlier than in Japan. In Japan, the tea harvest season is from mid-April to mid-May.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, in the case of Tie Guan Yin, plucking does not happen in March, nor in April. Tea plucking is done in May when the tea leaves have grown significantly and become large and hard.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By this time, the stems of the tea have turned from green to brown, and the buds are gone, becoming more like \"branches.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To produce the unique flavor of Tie Guan Yin, young buds are insufficient, and large, fully-grown leaves are necessary. The rich flavor of Tie Guan Yin can only be achieved through deep fermentation of mature leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Moreover, Anxi Tie Guan Yin is known for its strong throat feel, partly because fully-grown leaves are used.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Compared to young buds, fully-grown leaves have a higher polyphenol content, and high polyphenol content means more minerals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It's the same principle as fruit that stays on the tree until the end being more flavorful.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hands holding freshly plucked green tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/CC81FCD1-51D4-4A31-A462-CDC5DA67CC9B.png?v=1613997012\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Harvesting after the branches have grown very large\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of a pile of green tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F68478D4-5025-47E7-9A5F-3A22C8B1D501.png?v=1613997044\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tea leaves immediately after fermentation\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Highly Fermented Tie Guan Yin Even if It Looks Green\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The liquor color of the brewed tea is light greenish-yellow, and many people say that \"recent Tie Guan Yin is no different from green tea.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, Tie Guan Yin is a completely different tea from green tea. Judging it as green tea just because it looks green is a bit hasty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the case of Tie Guan Yin, it is actually deeply fermented. Therefore, it is quite different from green tea. It is more fermented than Taiwanese oolong tea, and at the end of fermentation, the edges of the tea leaves turn reddish-brown.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    A unique process in Tie Guan Yin production is the removal of the browned edges during processing. This removal is sometimes done by hand, and recently, machines are used.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even in high-grade Tie Guan Yin, the tea leaves often appear broken and do not retain their original shape after this process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hands sorting through green tea leaves on a round bamboo tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/06C2F6BE-7CF7-480F-A420-809982423AC3.png?v=1613997119\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The photo above shows the removal of the edges by hand\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The finished Tie Guan Yin often has protruding stems due to the late harvest.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To achieve a clearer flavor, the stems are carefully removed by hand in Anxi. Visiting Anxi in May and June, you will see people everywhere removing stems from Tie Guan Yin.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Workers in white caps sorting tea leaves by hand on bamboo trays\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F6CA3892-CD07-4EC1-9665-CC847F5E9D67.png?v=1613997174\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Manual removal of stems even in large factories\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hands sorting tea leaves spread on a white cloth\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0B220224-B5AF-4A1B-8609-41184A9BAA40.png?v=1613997194\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hand removal of stems\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    How the Grade of Tie Guan Yin is Determined\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the case of Tie Guan Yin, the Qing Xiang type is generally the most expensive.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is not determined by anyone specifically, but because of its high market demand. The grading of Anxi tea is very clear: the stronger the depth and throat feel, the higher the price.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In other words, as the quality increases, the tea becomes softer, and the depth of flavor increases. Since Anxi Tie Guan Yin uses fully-grown branches as raw material, many teas exhibit strong astringency.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, tea selection must be done carefully, and we evaluate the presence of astringency by brewing the tea very strong and repeatedly swishing it in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, tea harvested at high altitudes, from the first flush, and grown with minimal nitrogen-based fertilizers is of good quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tie Guan Yin Lan Yun sold by HOJO offers a transparent flavor, deep richness, and no unpleasant astringency.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, Anxi Tie Guan Yin has a very strong personality, and it is important to carefully choose the teapot when brewing it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Initially, using glass, porcelain, or bone china is advisable. The teapots from Nosaka and Mumyoi in HOJO's lineup are well-suited. If you already own these teapots, please use them. If not, using incompatible teapots can flatten the flavor and reduce richness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932462969008,"sku":"o26ca","price":3200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"70g (in can)","offer_id":44932463001776,"sku":"o26cc","price":10800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"210g (large bag\/70g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932463034544,"sku":"o26cb","price":32100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"630g value pack (large bag [70g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932463067312,"sku":"o26cv","price":77800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0063.jpg?v=1737905846"},{"product_id":"o54","title":"Anxi Rou Gui","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Oolong Tea with a Unique Sweet Aroma Reminiscent of Cinnamon and Chestnuts\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This is an oolong tea made from a rare cultivar called Rougui in Anxi County, the home of Tie Guan Yin.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Expert tea masters apply a slightly heavier roast, resulting in a soft cinnamon-like aroma and a sweet chestnut-like fragrance.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The roasting process gives it a toasty flavor and a satisfying drinking experience.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark brown rolled dried tea leaves on a bamboo scoop\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0852CFC1-44C4-4897-BC30-6EC77AE444F4.png?v=1613997986\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark brown rolled dried tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/7E96D8AB-C824-48A6-AF51-961CBC1F4F9E.png?v=1613998035\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    A Rare Rougui Oolong Tea from Anxi\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Anxi Rougui is a tea produced in Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea enthusiasts may immediately think of Tie Guan Yin when they hear \"Anxi.\" Anxi is famous for Tie Guan Yin, and I have visited there many times to source it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While visiting tea-producing areas for Tie Guan Yin, I discovered that many Rougui tea trees were cultivated in Daping Village, Anxi County, and the quality was excellent. One of the producers I met there could manage his tea according to Japanese standards. We also conducted tests for about 400 types of pesticides to confirm it meets Japanese standards, which allowed us to proceed with sourcing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person with a blue umbrella on tea terraces facing cloud-covered mountains\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/BADBFAD9-1AA1-411D-8B0F-8C6BF0E5293E.png?v=1613998095\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A distant view of terraced tea fields on cloud-covered mountains\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C5E5D57D-975E-4CF7-A777-14821074F903.png?v=1613998186\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Named Rougui for Its Cinnamon-Like Aroma\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rougui (肉桂) might be an unfamiliar term, but it is the name of a species in the Lauraceae family, used as a source for spices such as cinnamon and cassia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The \"Rougui\" in Anxi Rougui refers to the tea variety, named for its cassia-like aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Our Anxi Rougui is slightly more heavily roasted, featuring a soft cassia-like aroma and a sweet chestnut-like fragrance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Fresh young shoots and leaves on a tea bush\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A276B47D-2B32-4DAD-8266-9B664FEEC90A.png?v=1613998251\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Slow-growing Tea with a Strong Aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rougui is known for its slow sprouting compared to other Anxi varieties such as Maoxie, Huangjingui, and Benshan. In my experience, growth speed is directly related to aftertaste — the slower the growth, the deeper and richer the finish.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For example, Maoxie, known for its rapid growth, has a noticeably lighter aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rougui, by virtue of its variety characteristics, has a strong aftertaste and provides a deeply satisfying drinking experience.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Amber tea in a white cup with a white spoon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0B4E36DD-9E8F-4E43-AD97-28CFEE6D4397.png?v=1613998311\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Fine dried tea leaves on a bamboo scoop beside tea tools\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/BD9E2C5A-65BC-42C4-9FF7-E880955C90B5.png?v=1613998394\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932462837936,"sku":"o54ca","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g (in can)","offer_id":44932462870704,"sku":"o54cc","price":4600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g (large bag\/80g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932462903472,"sku":"o54cb","price":13500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"720g value pack (large bag [80g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932462936240,"sku":"o54cv","price":33400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/0852CFC1-44C4-4897-BC30-6EC77AE444F4.png?v=1737905845"},{"product_id":"o73","title":"Black Tie Guan Yin","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n    Long and Multiple Baking Processes\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Black Tie Guan Yin is made from traditional Tie Guan Yin. The uniqueness lies in its deep baking process, turning the tea leaves black. However, the baking method is not simple. The tea undergoes several stages of baking at different temperatures. Thanks to this special baking method, the tea develops a unique flavor, with hints of dried fruit and caramel notes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea garden is located above 1000m. The high mountain climate gives the tea a strong aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7946-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of dark rolled dried tea leaves on a wooden surface\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6224\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7946-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7932-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark rolled dried tea leaves on a wooden scoop\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6222\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7932-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7929.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark rolled dried tea leaves in a metal scoop\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6221\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7929.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    We Have Tested to Ensure the Tea Meets Japan's Pesticide Standards\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, teas produced in Fujian province tend to contain higher pesticide residues. From the past to today, Fujian teas have always been in high demand in the domestic Chinese market. Most tea producers focus on the domestic market, where pesticide requirements are lower. They do not have to strictly control it. Subsequently, it was very tough to find tea that could meet our standards. We selected material from gardens managed according to European pesticide standards. Additionally, we sent the tea to the SGS Lab and tested it for more than 400 substances to ensure it meets Japan's standards.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    5g for 1 Liter of Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For brewing Black Tie Guan Yin, we can use the same method as for brewing ordinary oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    With 5g of tea leaves, we should be able to brew 1000ml of tea. Please use boiling hot water for brewing.\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7949-1_c2b3b9ed-81c1-4920-8ce0-c9142961045b.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Amber tea in a white cup with a white spoon\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6218\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7949-1_c2b3b9ed-81c1-4920-8ce0-c9142961045b.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Cold Water Brewed Black Tie Guan Yin\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Black Tie Guan Yin is also suitable for cold water brewing. In fact, I enjoyed this tea very much in summer because of the hot weather. The cold water brewed Black Tie Guan Yin is mellower, and the drinking sensation is softer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is very easy to prepare Black Tie Guan Yin in cold water:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    1. Use about 5g of tea leaves and place them in a bottle of cold water.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    2. Leave it in the fridge for more than 5 hours, and the tea is ready.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I usually prepare it at night and drink it the next day. If we keep the tea in the fridge, we can continue drinking it for 3-4 days. Please note that you should not use aluminum, copper, or colored glass bottles for brewing. These materials spoil the taste of the tea and make it taste flat. If you prefer a stronger flavor, please use water that has been boiled once and cooled down. Fresh water contains calcium bicarbonate, which is converted into calcium carbonate once boiled. This is why boiled water gives a sweeter taste.\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8023-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark tea leaves steeping in a glass pot\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6223\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8023-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7956.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a glass of amber tea against green foliage\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6217\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7956.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Black Tie Guan Yin with Milk\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Another way to enjoy Black Tie Guan Yin is to serve it with milk. Normally, black tea pairs well with milk. However, I personally think that deeply-fired oolong also has a good affinity with milk. If you wish to add milk to Black Tie Guan Yin, please brew the tea with less water and mix it with fresh milk. Since the flavor of Black Tie Guan Yin is very stable, it's fine to brew the tea in hot water for more than 10 minutes. It is also nice to drink it chilled.\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7969-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A glass of milk tea with ice cubes\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6215\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7969-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7992.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a glass of iced milk tea\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6214\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7992.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7971-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Glass of iced milk tea on a wooden table\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6216\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7971-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932462706864,"sku":"o73ca","price":650.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932462739632,"sku":"o73cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932462772400,"sku":"o73cb","price":3700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932462805168,"sku":"o73cv","price":9300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7946-1.jpg?v=1737905843"},{"product_id":"d01","title":"Fuzhuan Cha","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Fuzhuan Cha is a type of Dark Tea, a post-fermented tea made with the help of microbial fermentation. Although it is produced in China, it is mainly consumed by nomadic people in Mongolia, Tibet, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as an important source of vitamins and minerals.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        When it comes to microbial fermented tea, Pu-erh Ripe Tea is famous, but the microorganisms involved in the fermentation process differ, resulting in the unique aroma and taste of Fuzhuan Cha.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The aroma of Fuzhuan Cha includes notes of umeboshi pits, hay, wood, herbs, cheese, and raw mushrooms such as porcini. This might seem like a strange combination, but it is actually very well-received by customers and is a type of aroma that many people enjoy.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Since the tea is grown with minimal fertilizer, it has an unexpectedly long aftertaste, a robust flavor, and a unique aroma, making it a very satisfying tea to drink.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Like Pu-erh Tea, Fuzhuan Cha changes its aroma as it ages. The longer it is stored, the darker the tea leaves and liquor become, and the stronger the dried fruit-like aroma and the denser the sweetness felt in the mouth become.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Fuzhuan Cha is one of the teas with a high repeat customer rate at HOJO. Please enjoy its addictive taste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A pressed dark tea brick resting on white paper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/910256D0-3A4E-41C1-9D29-9CADB514FEBC.png?v=1614169080\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Fermentation of Dark Tea Different from Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fuzhuan Cha is a type of Dark Tea made with the help of microbial fermentation. While Pu-erh Ripe Tea is well known for its microbial fermentation, there is a major difference in the fermentation process of Fuzhuan Cha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Pu-erh Ripe Tea is fermented in a loose leaf state, whereas Fuzhuan Cha is fermented in a compressed block form. The different microorganisms involved result in the unique aroma and taste of Fuzhuan Cha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A pressed dark tea brick resting on white paper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/BF6B2B62-A1CF-470B-9CD7-8956A7442BB1.png?v=1614169143\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 200g block\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a white paper-wrapped square block\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/091F9810-6FF6-4985-B328-E9151C895225.png?v=1614169190\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Aroma and Taste of Fuzhuan Cha\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The aroma of Fuzhuan Cha is largely dependent on mold fermentation and has a distinctive woody aroma. It can be likened to the aroma of hay, wood, herbs, cheese, and raw mushrooms like porcini.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This might sound like an unusual aroma, but it is actually very well-received by customers and is a type of aroma that many people enjoy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is also one of the teas with a very high repeat customer rate at my shop. (Just as it is difficult to describe the aroma of cheese to someone who has never tasted it, the aroma of Fuzhuan Cha is very unique and difficult to describe.)\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In terms of flavor, because the tea is grown with minimal fertilizer, it has an unexpectedly long aftertaste, a robust flavor, and a unique aroma, making it a very satisfying tea to drink.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Orange-brown tea in a white cup with a white spoon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9E447722-C263-4CDA-8F49-3B2834872DB1.png?v=1614169238\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Fuzhuan Cha Changes into a Dried Fruit-Like Aroma with Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fuzhuan Cha, like Pu-erh Tea, changes its aroma as it ages.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The aging speed of Fuzhuan Cha is faster than that of Pu-erh Tea. The longer it is stored, the darker the tea leaves and liquor become, and the stronger the dried fruit-like aroma and the denser the sweetness felt in the mouth become.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In China, Fuzhuan Cha that has been stored for several years is traded at a higher price than new tea. In my experience, aging is best done in an anaerobic environment, but it can still age to an acceptable degree even when stored in an opened state.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fuzhuan Cha is noted for its fat-reducing effects, and many studies have been conducted, mainly by Chinese researchers. According to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/Aqueous-extract-of-post-fermented-tea-reverts-the-hepatic-steatosis-of.pdf\"\u003eZhou et al. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014, 14:263\u003c\/a\u003e, mice given Fuzhuan Cha showed a significant reduction in liver fat and triglycerides, and the effect increased with the amount of Fuzhuan Cha consumed. Another study by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tea-science.com\/CN\/10.13305\/j.cnki.jts.2007.03.012\"\u003e肖文军 et al. 茶 叶 科 学 2007,27(3):211~214\u003c\/a\u003e also conducted experiments on both mice and humans.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    According to the paper, as the intake of Fuzhuan Cha increases, cholesterol and triglycerides decrease, and good cholesterol (HDL-C) increases.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While the research results are promising, and I view them with some skepticism, they are certainly interesting for those of us concerned about fat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Table 1 shows the cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and good cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in mice, and Table 3 shows the levels in humans before and after drinking Fuzhuan Cha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Table 1, as the dose of Fuzhuan Cha increases, cholesterol and triglyceride levels decrease, and good cholesterol levels increase. Table 3 shows a similar trend in humans, with the same tendencies observed before and after drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A data table on the effect of tea on blood lipid levels in rats\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/929363A6-1E1A-47A3-9017-52741B07F39D.png?v=1614169402\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Fuzhuan Cha: An Essential Part of Life for Mongolians\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While Fuzhuan Cha is produced in China, it is mainly consumed in Mongolia, Tibet, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These areas have harsh environments such as deserts and cold regions, with limited vegetation, leading residents to have a diet primarily consisting of meat, dairy products, and bread, resulting in a natural deficiency of vegetables.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, for them, Fuzhuan Cha serves as a supplement of minerals and vitamins, making it an essential part of their diet rather than just tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Mongolia, it is also consumed with butter.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"White tents and horses on a grassland below a rocky hill with patches of snow\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/BDEF93E7-6209-4D05-A623-057D6DB03D49.png?v=1614169539\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The History of Fuzhuan Cha\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The history of tea trade between China and the Mongolian, Tibetan, and Uygur people in northwest China dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when tea was already being traded.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea was exported from China in exchange for horses from regions like Mongolia. This tea and horse trade was called \"Chama Mutual Market,\" and from the Song Dynasty, a specialized trade department was established by the government, and tea was called \"government tea\" or \"province tea,\" with trade conducted as a national policy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea exported to regions like Mongolia at that time was a type of green tea, corresponding to what is now known as Heimao Cha (black hair tea). The tea was tightly packed and transported on donkeys or horses, taking several months.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During the journey, the tea was exposed to wind, rain, and high temperatures, causing unintentional microbial fermentation. Surprisingly, the aroma produced by fermentation was well received by people, leading to the development of the current method of intentional microbial fermentation of Fuzhuan Cha in Shaanxi Province around the 1300s during the Ming Dynasty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fuzhuan Cha, along with similar styles of tea, began to be produced not only in Shaanxi Province but also in Hunan Province and even Sichuan Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two pack animals loaded with bundles walking along a dry road\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/766AD2F8-1580-4816-82C4-C6179B847729.png?v=1614169604\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    How Fuzhuan Cha is Made\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production of Fuzhuan Cha involves two stages.\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        ① Production of Heimao Cha\u003cbr\u003e ② Fafa (Flowering)\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    ① Production of Heimao Cha\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Heimao Cha may sound complicated, but simply put, it is Maocha (crude tea) for producing Dark Tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Maocha refers to tea that has not yet been finished. The production of Heimao Cha involves the following processes.\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\u003eTea leaves with 1 bud and 3-5 leaves are used.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003ePan-frying\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eRolling (揉捻)\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003ePiling (12-24 hours)\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eRe-rolling\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eBaking\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In many books, piling during the production of Heimao Cha is described as fermentation, but since it occurs after pan-frying, the enzymes involved in fermentation are no longer present. Also, considering the short piling time of 12-24 hours, microbial fermentation is unlikely.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The piling process is more like the \"menhuang\" process in yellow tea, where the tea is left in a wet state for a long time to promote gentle oxidation of the components, resulting in a milder taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the production of Pu-erh Raw Tea, the tea is also piled for about 12 hours after rolling. This process removes the fresh green aroma of green tea, giving it a milder taste instead.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Baking is not unique to Heimao Cha production but is also a method used in making green tea in China, such as Shuixian Green Tea in Phoenix Mountain and Liu Bao Cha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    ② Fafa (Flowering)\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Heimao Cha is compressed into square or rectangular shapes and stored in a high-humidity environment. This process promotes the growth of mold from the tea leaves and the environment.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If fermentation is done well, golden dots called \"Jinhua\" can be observed within the tea leaves. Jinhua is the spore of the mold Eurotium Cristatum and is essential when discussing Fuzhuan Cha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The more Jinhua there is, the better the fermentation process is considered to be. However, Jinhua itself does not contribute aroma or flavor; its presence indicates the occurrence of microbial metabolism.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    That said, more Jinhua does not necessarily mean higher quality. The quality of tea is primarily determined by the quality of the tea leaves used (plucking season, altitude, plucking standards, cultivation methods, etc.).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Jinhua is an indicator of well-controlled fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Small yellow specks on the surface of a dark tea brick\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F1577AAA-1519-4935-9C27-2EF19434EE51.png?v=1614169666\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The yellow dots are the spores of the mold \"Jinhua\"\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Yellow specks visible on the broken edge of a dark tea brick\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B4EABA19-54A5-437F-85D2-C57413A82C1C.png?v=1614169723\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Fuzhuan Cha: Prices Vary Greatly by Grade\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fuzhuan Cha comes in various grades. Generally, the larger the compressed block, the lower the grade.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lower grades mean that tea plucked in summer is used instead of spring tea, and the plucking standards for tea leaves also vary by grade.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lower-grade tea uses larger tea leaves plucked in summer, resulting in stronger astringency and a coarser taste. Both Hunan and Shaanxi Provinces produce the highest grade of Fuzhuan Cha in 200g blocks.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    HOJO imports 200g blocks, which are considered to be of the highest quality. This tea uses 1 bud and 3-5 leaves plucked in spring.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Below this grade, 357g or 400g blocks, and even 1kg or 2kg blocks, are more common. In fact, 200g blocks of Fuzhuan Cha are rarely consumed in Mongolia and are mostly sought after by tea enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two dark tea bricks of different sizes on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2EA66535-1607-4B0A-8FE2-E13BB43EC5AB.png?v=1614169771\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the photo above, the left is a 400g block, and the right is a 200g block. You can see that the left one is generally rougher, including the stems.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the case of spring tea used in 200g blocks, the tea leaves are generally smaller and richer in components, resulting in a darker color.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For 1kg or 2kg blocks, larger tea leaves plucked in summer are used as the raw material.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"An open off-white box with gray paper inside\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E1A004E0-1EF5-4E71-8950-DE9E6013DCB1.png?v=1614169819\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Selecting Tea that Meets Pesticide Standards\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    HOJO imports 200g blocks, which are considered to be of the highest quality, and further selects those from tea gardens that meet Japanese pesticide standards.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We test for 360 types of pesticides at SGS and only import tea that meets Japanese pesticide standards. HOJO has been selling Fuzhuan Cha in Malaysia for the past 10 years, and we used to import tea from Hunan Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, due to the instability in the quality and price of Fuzhuan Cha from Hunan Province in recent years, we now work with producers in both Shaanxi and Hunan Provinces, checking the quality, price, and pesticide levels.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The current product being sold is from Shaanxi Province, harvested in 2020.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small block)","offer_id":44932462608560,"sku":"d01ca","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (block)","offer_id":44932462641328,"sku":"d01cc","price":6300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 blocks)","offer_id":44932462674096,"sku":"d01cv","price":25100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/910256D0-3A4E-41C1-9D29-9CADB514FEBC.png?v=1737905842"},{"product_id":"b39","title":"Yunnan Ancient black tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Natural Farming Black Tea with Honey Flavor and Refreshing Uva-like Flavor\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor features a muscatel flavor and menthol flavor, characterized by a sweet and refreshing flavor in this naturally farmed black tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Made from tea trees that are several hundred years old in the remote mountainous regions of Lincang, Yunnan, this tea offers a deep richness that permeates the throat and warms the body as you drink it.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Enjoy the natural farming black tea with honey flavor and a refreshing Uva-like flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried black tea leaves mixed with golden tips on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E6E5D358-800E-47EB-9B1F-86F66101D490.png?v=1614474892\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Luxurious Black Tea with Uva Flavor and Muscatel Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor is a very rare tea that combines two flavors highly sought after by black tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    You can enjoy both the muscatel flavor like that of Oriental Beauty or Darjeeling First Flush, and the refreshing menthol flavor like that of Sri Lankan Uva or Taiwanese Ruby Red Tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, in terms of flavor balance, the menthol flavor is stronger, while the honey flavor is present in a harmonious level without being too dominant.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried black tea leaves with golden tips in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0582578C-9C1C-47FF-A4F3-744E45D7FA93.png?v=1614474938\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rich in Iron, May Cause Tea Drunkenness\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, this tea is made from tea trees that are several hundred years old and naturally farmed, offering a deep richness that permeates the throat and warms the body as you drink it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Despite drinking tea, you may feel a light, pleasant sensation and sometimes become sleepy. This is known as tea drunkenness, a phenomenon said to be caused by improved blood circulation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Improved blood circulation is good news for those who suffer from constipation or cold sensitivity.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Orange-colored tea in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C25C692D-95B8-4ED8-8409-5D926837BA99.png?v=1614474985\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Reddish-brown brewed tea leaves spread on a white dish\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1BC93307-8296-4507-846A-D8DDB31AD1A3.png?v=1614475007\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Natural Farming Tea by Ethnic Minorities\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One of the characteristics of this tea is that it is made from naturally farmed (wild-grown) tea owned by ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Not only is it pesticide-free, but no fertilizers are used, and the tea trees are left unpruned, allowing them to grow naturally like wild plants, blending with the surrounding ecosystem.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in blue with a bamboo basket on her back plucking young tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2F923B48-4B71-4EE5-9B7F-0FCAA9A157E4.png?v=1614475136\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea trees with fresh growth standing in a field with small white flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/320C35F6-DBFE-464C-B6BE-05BC7FA8CA2A.png?v=1614475157\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea trees that have become part of the ecosystem grow extremely slowly, and as a result, do not need to actively photosynthesize, leading to an extremely low number of tea leaves per tree.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because they grow slowly and have very few leaves per tree, each leaf is rich in minerals, resulting in healthy tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For more information on natural farming, please refer to the \"Golden Tea\" page below.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGolden Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree branch with brown seed pods and fresh leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C9CD4E41-2A87-492E-921B-7FF325B7445B.png?v=1614475379\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The wild-growing nature of natural farming contributes to the formation of muscatel flavor (honey flavor).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because no pesticides are used and the weeds around the tea trees are not removed, many insects inhabit the area, including leafhoppers, which prefer tea buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea leaves sucked by leafhoppers produce a substance akin to human antibodies.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This substance, called phytoalexin, changes during the fermentation process, creating a sweet muscatel flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While Darjeeling and Oriental Beauty are harvested in June when leafhoppers are abundant, Yunnan tea gardens allow you to enjoy honey flavor even in the high-quality tea plucked in March.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tiny insect on a young tea stem\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D14484DC-C9DA-4765-92AD-3B8859B6F2F1.png?v=1614475426\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea branch with yellowing leaves among green ones\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/09667376-C861-44DC-9719-C2964B7EFB22.png?v=1614475450\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The most notable point about naturally farmed tea is its very rich flavor, with a strong sweet aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is like eating wild mountain vegetables. For example, what is the difference between wild and cultivated fuki, tara no me, natural wasabi, and natural mitsuba?\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild vegetables contain abundant minerals, giving them a rich flavor and leaving a lingering aftertaste and sweetness in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Brewing naturally farmed tea makes the water feel distinctly different.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The water becomes finer and slips smoothly down the throat, giving a unique sensation of the tea permeating the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932461199536,"sku":"b39ca","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932461232304,"sku":"b39cc","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461265072,"sku":"b39cb","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461297840,"sku":"b39cv","price":24800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b039_11-1.jpg?v=1737905829"},{"product_id":"b52","title":"Yunnan Gong Fu Black tea","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea with Outstanding Quality from Yunnan with a Floral Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan, like Darjeeling, has a high elevation, so the quality of tea from general tea gardens is very similar to that of Darjeeling tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, when it comes to tea leaves harvested from old trees in natural, abandoned tea gardens that serve as raw material for high-quality raw pu-erh tea, the quality is astonishingly high.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea from Yunnan, as previously mentioned, typically undergoes a short withering process and has deep fermentation, making it similar to Assam tea in nature.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This makes it a tea with a mild flavor and a very good compatibility with milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A bowl full of fine black dried tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A0253850-6C2A-49B9-AEC2-5AE176A7E197.png?v=1614599701\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea is made using more mature tea leaves with one bud and two to three leaves for withering.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Long thin dark brown dried tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/044A6F64-D4F8-4F90-840E-04285F6AC7D4.png?v=1614599781\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hands holding a white cup of orange-colored tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F4A742A5-BDBF-4527-9FD4-FF7B20389CF0.png?v=1614599824\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea with a Rich Flavor by Innovating the Withering Method\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n   When producing Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea, we experimented with various withering methods. Initially, we considered spreading the tea leaves on bamboo baskets indoors since Yunnan lacks proper equipment. However, the results were not favorable, so we introduced withering layers and used air to efficiently wither the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result of prolonged withering, the tea has a rich flavor that pairs well with milk, and the tea leaves turned a reddish color due to the thorough withering process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, since we used extremely high-quality first flush tea leaves, the tea has a deep richness, a long-lasting aftertaste, and a very complex flavor, making it a tea in a different class from typical black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Most Yunnan Black Tea Comes from Managed Tea Gardens in Fengqing County\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan black tea is also known as \"Dian Hong.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Dian\" refers to Yunnan Province, and \"Hong\" refers to black tea. Therefore, \"Dian Hong\" refers to black tea from Yunnan Province. Most Yunnan black tea (Dian Hong) is produced in an area called Fengqing County in Lincang City.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you receive Yunnan black tea or Dian Hong as a gift, or if you purchase Yunnan black tea from a specialty Chinese tea store, it is safe to assume that most of it comes from Fengqing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fengqing County is a region with a high population of Han Chinese, unlike other regions in Yunnan where ethnic minorities are the majority. In Yunnan, historically significant tea gardens with old trees are typically owned by ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, many of the tea gardens owned by Han Chinese are newly developed and follow a conventional cultivation style, similar to tea gardens in Japan, Taiwan, India, and Sri Lanka, with tea plants of relatively young age.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The elevation of these tea gardens is around 1500-1600m, and while the quality is good, it is considered middle to upper grade compared to other black tea-producing regions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A forested mountainside in evening light with a small house\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/8A8879B0-EC74-49D3-8F53-6E96758CDC7D.png?v=1614599881\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea plants grow among shrubs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree among shrubs with small white flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EAE77A9D-F69D-414C-8D8B-D340D442AEC8.png?v=1614597535\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A smiling man plucking tea leaves among tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/798751D4-CDA2-4A43-8661-6D9226C264C0.png?v=1614597560\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea from Top-Quality Raw Materials Used for Raw Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To achieve high-quality raw tea leaves, we chose natural farming tea gardens at an elevation of 2100-2200m in Zhenkang County, rather than well-managed tea gardens in Fengqing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These tea gardens are owned by the Yi ethnic minority, and all the trees are over 100 years old, semi-wild. The quality of tea leaves is higher at higher elevations, with older trees and no fertilizer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The common factor among these three elements is slow growth. Tea leaves that grow slowly are rich in polyphenols and minerals, providing a deep aftertaste, long-lasting finish, and a richness that permeates the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These high-quality tea leaves are usually processed into raw pu-erh tea because high-quality raw materials fetch a higher price when made into raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, by purchasing directly from farmers, we kept the purchase price low.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a pink hat plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0E09299F-9023-44FB-9410-F206D8559D81.png?v=1614597840\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Mystery of Tea Creating Flavor When Attacked by Insects!\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In semi-wild tea gardens, tea leaves coexist with various plants and insects, making it inevitable for insects like leafhoppers to suck the sap from the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, tea leaves attacked by insects produce defensive substances called terpenes to resist. Interestingly, these tea leaves develop a honey-like sweet flavor after fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460937392,"sku":"b52ca","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460970160,"sku":"b52cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461002928,"sku":"b52cb","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461035696,"sku":"b52cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2414_1.jpg?v=1737905827"},{"product_id":"b29","title":"Wild Black Tea","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Black Tea Made from Wild Tea Growing Deep in the Mountains of Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild Black Tea is a strong black tea made from wild tea growing deep in the mountains of Yunnan Province. Wild tea refers to tea growing naturally in the mountains, untouched by human hands.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is characterized by a honey-like sweet aroma, strong body, and profound richness unique to wild tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in minerals, it improves blood circulation, making you feel warm and relaxed almost instantly.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F951F0DF-1894-430D-AC8F-941ACD71D306.png?v=1614601516\" alt=\"Wild Black Tea\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Black Tea Made from Leaves Harvested from Wild Tea Trees\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C7161E64-87F2-45EA-B72F-F70234602154.png?v=1614601610\" alt=\"Harvesting Wild Tea\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea trees refer to natural tea trees growing in remote mountain areas of Yunnan Province, not old trees over hundreds or thousands of years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  When we first introduced Wild Black Tea around 2013, black tea made from wild tea was very rare and difficult to obtain. However, by the 2020s, black tea made from wild tea became a kind of boom, and everyone started making wild black tea. Unfortunately, many of these teas have not been well-managed, resulting in an over-fermented, stuffy smell, or lacking top notes, leading to unsatisfactory quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5358359D-10CF-42F6-BDDA-D4F56455C6AD.png?v=1614601694\" alt=\"Wild Black Tea Infusion\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Well-made Wild Black Tea should have a very complex aroma and a strong aftertaste with profound richness unique to wild tea. Depending on the water used to brew the tea, the aroma changes significantly. With the right water, it has a honey fragrance similar to Oriental Beauty tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E87C907B-A16B-4D88-8A90-D3E58D1F3950.png?v=1614601755\" alt=\"Wild Black Tea Leaves\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    What is Wild Tea?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Our wild tea is harvested from the  mountain in Lincang, Yunnan Province. Wild tea refers to tea growing naturally in the mountains without any human intervention.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Almost every store or site specializing in Chinese pu-erh tea has \"wild tea,\" but I would say that 90% of them are not wild tea but tea harvested from old tea trees cultivated by ethnic minorities near their village or in their tea garden.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    True wild tea should grow in the mountains without any human care.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A man in an old cultivated tea tree beside tall mossy wild tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_02_1719317248.jpg?v=1719317256\" id=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_02_1719317248.jpg?v=1719317256\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Deliciousness of Wild Vegetables\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In spring, Japanese people often eat wild vegetables, which are very tasty. Cultivated vegetables taste completely different from those grown in the mountains even those they are replanted.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The sweetness is particularly notable. Wild tea is very sweet, like wild vegetables harvested from the mountains, leaving a sweet aftertaste in the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I have never tasted such a mellow and sweet tea in my life. Wild Black Tea is one of the strongest teas sold by HOJO, making you feel tea intoxication immediately after drinking.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It warms your body instantly, making you feel relaxed right away.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5EF94331-3B6B-41C0-8102-A0DA748D3313.png?v=1614601850\" alt=\"Wild Tea Aroma\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Grape-Like Aroma\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While many wild teas are bitter and cater to enthusiasts, Wild Black Tea is an exception.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like wild vegetables that vary in bitterness, wild tea flavors vary by tree. The Ai Lao Shan wild tea sold last year was slightly bitter.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, Wild Black Tea has no bitterness. It has a strong woody aroma, and after drinking, a faint aroma of wild grapes or dried apricots lingers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, this tea has a smoky aroma. Interestingly, the smoky aroma present before drinking disappears in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I carefully selected teas from nearly 20 different wild tea regions to find non-bitter teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Tea Loved by Children\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    My children also love this tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Good tea is rich in iron, similar in nature to human body fluids and breast milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although the aroma doesn't seem suitable for children, when brewed, they often say, \"It has a strong flavor and is delicious.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    They repeatedly ask for refills, and by the time they finish drinking, their faces are flushed and their bodies are very warm.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in iron, it is said to be good for modern people who are often iron-deficient.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u0026nbsp;\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    How is Wild Tea Different from Regular Tea?\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea grows amidst fierce competition with other plants. In the dim forest, tea leaves strive to reach sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the tea tree only has leaves at the top where it receives sunlight. Despite the tree's size, the few leaves contain a high concentration of minerals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Without pruning or fertilizers, the wild tea tree grows very slowly, resulting in small, dense cells that produce rich flavors like freshly harvested wild vegetables.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Rich in iron, it is also beneficial for those who need iron. Wild tea leaves are characteristically brownish, even when fresh.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Old tea trees on a hillside and a hand holding young leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_01_1719317173.jpg?v=1719317180\" id=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d27e_01_1719317173.jpg?v=1719317180\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The above photo shows tea trees hundreds of years old. High-quality raw pu-erh tea is made from such old trees.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, these old trees are not wild tea. They are old and high-quality tea leaves, but they are classified as \"cultivated tea.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Wild tea trees in a forest, with close-ups of bark and a shoot\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d22e_02_1719317301.jpg?v=1719317303\" id=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ly_d22e_02_1719317301.jpg?v=1719317303\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a wild tea tree growing deep in the mountains, a few hours' walk from the nearest village.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild tea grows at altitudes around 2000m and above, with trees ranging from young to over 1000 years old. The buds stretch upwards, seeking sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Video of Wild Tea Exploration\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This video shows my wild tea exploration, giving you a better understanding of wild tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k6WRvgJl80g\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460806320,"sku":"b29ca","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460839088,"sku":"b29cc","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460871856,"sku":"b29cb","price":10400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460904624,"sku":"b29cv","price":34200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b29_06.jpg?v=1737905825"},{"product_id":"b01","title":"Keemun Black Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        What is the Keemun Flavor that Once Captivated the British Royal Family?\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Keemun black tea is one of the three most famous black teas in the world (alongside Sri Lankan Uva and Darjeeling) and is produced in China.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Historically, Keemun black tea was immensely popular overseas, especially in the UK, where it gained a significant following and was even favored by the British Royal Family. It is a traditional Chinese black tea with a rich heritage.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Today, Keemun black tea is widely available from many suppliers in China. However, HOJO is committed to accurately reproducing the \"high-grade Keemun\" quality by focusing on the \"original production area\" and \"original cultivar.\"\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        High-quality Keemun black tea does not have a smoky aroma. The tea leaves are very delicate and fine, with a floral scent and rich, thick flavor, making it enjoyable even for those who are not typically fans of black tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Keemun black tea is one of the famous black teas. Fine grade Keemun black tea is not smoky at all. It gives a sweet dried fruity note like dates with a hint of sweet floral note. It has a bold drinking sensation with a sweet lingering taste, no bitterness, or astringency. It is suitable for anyone, even for those who seldom drink black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Keemun is a historically reputed black tea in China. It was produced during the Qing Dynasty in Keemun County (祁门县 Qi-men Xian) and surrounding areas in Anhui Province (安徽省 An-hui Sheng). It is said that Keemun was inspired by the famous black tea in Fujian, believed to be Lapsang Souchong. In the past, Keemun was mainly exported and highly appreciated overseas, especially in Britain and the United States. The tea leaf is slender and fine, giving a sugary flavor with a sweet flowery scent and a thick and mellow taste. These distinctive characteristics have gained much attention in the international tea profession. During 1939-1940, the price of Keemun at the New York trade center recorded the highest figure; it was the most expensive tea at that time, and only the upper class could afford it. The Imperial and Noble Families treated it as a fashionable beverage. It is said that Keemun was presented to Queen Victoria as a Gift Tea on her birthday. In the US, it was the everyday tea for President Roosevelt and his spouse. Up to date, it is one of the three major black teas in the world, along with Darjeeling Tea from India and Uva Black Tea from Sri Lanka. HOJO particularly focuses on Keemun from the original production area, i.e., Qi-men area, which is located in the provincial nature preserve park in Anhui Province. The genuine cultivar is 槠叶种 (Zhu-ye-zhong). Many other cultivars are used to produce Keemun, but different cultivars in other growing environments and different kinds of manufacturing know-how make them different in quality from the original Keemun produced in the Qi-men area. In addition, we choose no-pesticide tea as our standard.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    History and Culture\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Keemun was first made in 1875 in Keemun County (祁门县 Qi-men Xian) in Anhui Province (安徽省 An-hui Sheng). During the early Qing Dynasty, Keemun County was famous for producing green tea. In the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the process of black tea was developed in Fujian Province. The increasing popularity of black tea in the overseas market caused a boom in black tea production in Anhui Province. Due to its high profit margin, tea merchants started to influence farmers to produce black tea. It was mainly exported, with Britain being one of its main importers, along with France, the US, Germany, and others. Once, in 1939-1940, Keemun recorded the highest selling price at the wholesale market in New York City compared to other famous black teas, e.g., India and Ceylon black tea. Keemun black tea gives a fresh sweet sugary flavor with a scent of flowery note; its long-lasting aromatic flavor has gained much attention. Up to date, it enjoys equal popularity and fame as Darjeeling Tea from India and Uva Black Tea from Sri Lanka. The Imperial and Noble Families treated it as a fashionable beverage and presented it as a Gift Tea on special occasions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Keemun black tea has been awarded many times at international and domestic tea contests. The main awards are:\u003cbr\u003e \n1913: Keemun black tea was awarded the Gold Prize at the Expo held in Italy.\u003cbr\u003e \n1915: It won the Gold Prize during the Expo (万国博览会) held in Panama.\u003cbr\u003e \n1987: During the 26th World Premium Food Product Contest held in Belgium, Keemun won the gold prize.\u003cbr\u003e \n1988: Keemun was awarded the gold prize during the 1st Food Expo in China.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Aroma of Keemun Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High-quality Keemun black tea is often praised for its rose-like aroma and a subtle honey scent. Our Keemun black tea is aged anaerobically for a certain period to enhance its floral sweetness. Compared to fresh tea, aging dramatically improves the aroma, which is one of the intriguing aspects of Keemun black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460675248,"sku":"b01ca","price":2300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"70g (in can)","offer_id":44932460708016,"sku":"b01cc","price":5200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"210g (large bag\/70g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460740784,"sku":"b01cb","price":15600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"630g value pack (large bag [70g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460773552,"sku":"b01cv","price":37300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/pho300_b01.jpg?v=1737905824"},{"product_id":"b55","title":"Lapsang Souchong Classic","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This traditional Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) has a pine smoke flavor. In addition to the smoky aroma, you can also enjoy a sweet, peach-like fruity scent.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Authentic Lapsang Souchong is not made by directly smoking the tea with pine, but by burning pinewood on a low flame.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Please enjoy the pleasant smoky aroma and the sweetness that lingers in the back of your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It also pairs well as a chaser when drinking Scotch whisky.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460544176,"sku":"b55ca","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460576944,"sku":"b55cc","price":2900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460609712,"sku":"b55cb","price":8400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460642480,"sku":"b55cv","price":28000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b55_01.jpg?v=1737905822"},{"product_id":"b54","title":"Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea, made from the native Qi Zhong cultivar harvested from a naturally cultivated tea garden at an altitude of 1200m in Tong Mu Guan, has a sweet fruity aroma reminiscent of peaches and mangoes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It has no smoky aroma whatsoever, unlike the commonly known Lapsang Souchong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Qi Zhong, the Native Variety of Tong Mu Guan\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A man in an orange shirt tilting a large iron pan over dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/FB6AF4B7-66B0-4F62-AE89-3319095FE896.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The native tea that has been growing wild in Tong Mu Guan, Xingcun Town, Wuyi Shan, is locally called Qi Zhong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Japan, this type of tea is called zairai (native variety), referring to tea grown from seeds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea grown from seeds develops a taproot that grows straight down into the soil like a burdock root, making it easy to absorb minerals and producing a rich, long-lasting aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Qi Zhong, the native tea of Tong Mu Guan, is highly valued locally as a raw material for premium Lapsang Souchong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woven basket of freshly plucked green tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/4AFAC6C3-5D0F-4DDF-BD8C-C4E71B7DD35D.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We purchase tea directly from farmers and producers who own tea gardens in Tong Mu Guan. The tea garden where we source our Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong is at an altitude of around 1200m, with tea trees over 100 years old.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Tong Mu Guan, the entire village practices natural farming, and the tea garden we source from uses no pesticides or fertilizers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the tea grows very slowly, producing a rich taste with a long-lasting aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Green forested mountains and a valley with a road\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/41AB8B5C-0BD1-4074-9EC6-BC76FB76B182.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong: The Tea that Inspired Earl Grey\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong, known as the world's first black tea, is well known among tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In 1662, when King Charles II of England married Princess Catherine of Portugal, she brought her favorite Lapsang Souchong with her, which is said to have sparked the tea boom in England.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A weathered wooden building beside a mountain stream\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/FFD1A6F0-A911-46BD-AE8B-D1289CA530E1.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are many interesting stories about Lapsang Souchong. For example, it is said to be the tea that inspired the famous Earl Grey.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Earl Grey was developed when the British, impressed by the sweet fruity aroma of Lapsang Souchong, attempted to replicate that aroma by adding bergamot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A man letting a handful of tea leaves fall from his hands\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0D6F6896-7EA0-40AF-BB76-9F3929BA2B24.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Mystery of the Sweet Fruity Aroma of Lapsang Souchong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When reading the many legendary accounts, one cannot help but imagine Lapsang Souchong as a tea with an enchanting, sweet, fruity aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, many Lapsang Souchong teas available worldwide have a strong smoky aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many tea enthusiasts drawn to the stories of Lapsang Souchong may have been puzzled by the gap between the legend and the actual aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Currently, Lapsang Souchong production in Wuyi Shan is divided into 2 types. Teas with a pine smoke aroma are mainly for export, while teas with no smoky aroma and a fruity flavor are made for domestic consumption.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, teas with a smoky aroma are referred to as Traditional Style or Traditional Type, distinguishing them from teas without a smoky flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A weathered wooden building with firewood stacked beneath\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/63C38EB9-4D8D-4851-A358-4CBD9DF8A390.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person\u0026#x27;s hands in a large tub of dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/ABBA64B1-E633-4F0D-B881-3BFB78CC2B17.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The reason why many Lapsang Souchong teas available worldwide lack a fruity flavor is that many inexpensive export teas are made from tea not grown in Tong Mu Guan — known as Wai Shan Xiao Zhong — and these teas carry little fruity flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Further Maturation through Charcoal Roasting\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The most distinctive feature of the Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong production method is the charcoal roasting step that follows the standard black tea processes of withering, rolling, enzyme inactivation, and drying.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This step is shared with Phoenix Dan Cong oolong tea and Wuyi oolong tea. By applying heat slowly at a low temperature, the maturation of the tea is accelerated and the fruity flavor is enhanced.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This charcoal roasting process is essential for creating the unique fruity flavor of Lapsang Souchong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In recent years, many non-roasted or electrically roasted teas have been produced, but we insist on sourcing Lapsang Souchong roasted at low temperatures over charcoal.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460282032,"sku":"b54ca","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460314800,"sku":"b54cc","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460347568,"sku":"b54cb","price":19100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460380336,"sku":"b54cv","price":62200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b54_01.jpg?v=1737905819"},{"product_id":"b47","title":"High Mountain Purple Black Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Custom Black Tea Made from Purple Tea\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        High Mountain Purple Black Tea is a very rare black tea made from very rate tea called purple tea. The tea leaves used for production this time were sourced from a naturally cultivated tea garden at an altitude of 2000m, with no pesticides or fertilizers.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The flavor is characterized by a sweet and mellow flavor reminiscent of peaches and sweet potatoes, with a creamy mouthfeel typical of high mountain teas.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Made using the first flush of spring, it has a very soft mouthfeel, allowing you to drink several cups even on an empty stomach without experiencing stomach pain.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    This tea is also very suitable for milk tea. We recommend making it with plenty of milk.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted tea leaves on a wooden tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/68EA7F7C-21F9-45F2-AA9E-ED89CD4CCE85.png?v=1614651079\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rare Purple Tea in Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the southwest of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, there is tea called purple tea. Due to its cultivation in only a few regions, purple tea is very rare.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are various types of wild tea in the Lincang area, and some of them are very similar in characteristics to purple tea, suggesting that purple tea originated from wild tea that minority ethnic groups began to cultivate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By the way, in Xishuangbanna, there is a tea variety called Zijingcha, but it is a  different tea in terms of form.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Zijingcha has entirely purple leaves and a astringent taste, whereas Lincang purple tea, apart from having slightly purple stems, looks similar to ordinary tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Interestingly, purple tea changes to a very dark indigo color when processed. \n    \u003cimg alt=\"Young tea shoots on bare branches\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/210B1FDD-FC3A-42E9-A6E7-9E437123053F.png?v=1614651132\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding several young tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B4BFFA18-3BAC-4BD2-B886-9F2864DF8B5A.png?v=1614651152\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Custom Black Tea After Hearing It Was Delicious\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The area where purple tea is cultivated is extremely limited, and in Lincang City, purple tea is mainly cultivated  in parts of Zhenkang County and Yongde County.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since the raw material itself is very limited, we had never seen purple tea processed into anything other than raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, a few years ago, a producer we know mentioned that they had tried black tea made from purple tea and found it very delicious.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Apparently, his friend made it as an experiment and found it very unique and tasty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Intrigued by this story, I planned to produce black tea from purple tea by custom ordering it from a skilled tea master who owns black tea production equipment.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted tea leaves piled on a wooden board\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/855C56FB-A900-42AE-AA86-AD9C3629C2A8.png?v=1614651204\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Naturally Cultivated Tea Harvested from a 2000m Tea Garden\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purple tea used for production this time was sourced from a tea garden at a very high altitude of 2000m.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Of course, it is a naturally cultivated tea garden with no pesticides or fertilizers. The tea has a creamy mouthfeel characteristic of high mountain teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hazy mountain ridges above a village on a grassy slope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/DD5AAEB4-BD27-4944-B580-42C98F7B53AE.png?v=1614651270\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Characterized by a Sweet, Mellow Flavor Like White Peaches\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Black Tea is made using the first flush of spring, giving it a very soft mouthfeel that allows you to drink several cups even on an empty stomach without experiencing stomach pain.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, it has almost no astringency or bitterness, making it a tea that even children will enjoy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor of High Mountain Purple Black Tea is very distinctive, with a mellow scent reminiscent of peaches, nectarines, marigolds, sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, and dried sweet potatoes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of amber tea with a ceramic spoon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C73D6E43-9D77-4943-9103-54218A7B76C7.png?v=1614651322\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because it uses naturally cultivated tea as raw material, it has a strong lingering flavor and a rich aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Another characteristic of purple tea is its rich flavor (body and breadth). When you put it in your mouth, the flavor spreads softly, giving it a glamorous impression.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Black Tea is also very suitable for milk tea. We recommend making it with plenty of milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460150960,"sku":"b47ca","price":900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460183728,"sku":"b47cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460216496,"sku":"b47cb","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460249264,"sku":"b47cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5664-1.jpg?v=1737905816"},{"product_id":"b56","title":"Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This is a black tea made in Tong Mu Guan, Wu Yi Shan, Fujian Province, China.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The tea garden is situated at an elevation of 1000m, and the tea leaves are harvested from 50-year-old tea trees grown naturally without pesticides or fertilizers.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        This rare black tea is characterized by its lingering aftertaste and rich, sweet flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    A very rare black tea from the high mountains of Wu Yi. This tea offers an uplifting sweet floral note with a smooth drinking sensation that lingers on the palate for a long time. It has no astringency or bitterness, and its soft taste makes it an ideal daily tea at any time of the day. Without sugar or milk, the tea has a natural sweetness that lingers on the palate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is from Tong Mu Guan in Wu Yi Shan, Fujian Province, China. The tea garden is located at 1000m above sea level and is fully sustainable, with tea trees grown without pesticides or fertilizers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Mist hanging over green forested mountains\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0236-1-1-1.jpg?v=1789408695\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea is Made Following the Process of Lapsang Souchong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is made from the Shui Xian cultivar following the process of traditional Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong). Yet, we do not call it Lapsang Souchong because the standard of Lapsang Souchong is to use local tea in Tong Mu. The name Souchong originally refers to the local seed-grown tea in Tong Mu Guan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Two Types of Lapsang Souchong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Currently, there are 2 types of Lapsang Souchong in Tong Mu Guan:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003e1. A well-known type of tea that gives a smoky scent.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003e2. A type that gives a sweet fruity scent and no smoky scent at all, as represented by teas such as Qi Zhong and Xiao Chi Gan (小赤甘).\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, traditional Lapsang Souchong has a smoky scent, and the fruity type is often considered a newly developed version of Lapsang Souchong. But we believe in another history.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Lapsang Souchong is also known as the model for Earl Grey tea. It is said that Earl Grey tea originated from an Englishman who drank Lapsang Souchong in the 1800s, was impressed by its tropical fruit-like scent, and later added bergamot flavor to black tea to imitate it. If traditional Lapsang Souchong were smoky, why wouldn't Earl Grey have become a smoky tea as well?\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Also, in the 1800s, due to the high demand for Lapsang Souchong, Keemun tea was developed following the method of making Lapsang Souchong black tea. If Keemun was made following the process of a smoky Lapsang Souchong, Keemun should also give a smoky scent. However, standard Keemun black tea is not smoky at all.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These historical accounts may not be 100% accurate, but they suggest that a fruity version of Lapsang Souchong black tea has existed since at least the 1600s.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"White cups of orange tea liquor and brown tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6526.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    A Very Rare Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Shui Xian is a very famous cultivar of Wuyi oolong tea (rock tea). Its popularity comes from its exceptional taste — a strong aftertaste and long-lasting finish. However, the flavor of the Shui Xian cultivar is generally more restrained, and only a highly skilled tea master can manage the process to draw out the flavor. Currently, the Shui Xian cultivar accounts for less than 1% of total tea production in Tong Mu Guan, making it a very rare tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Before the 1970s, the Shui Xian cultivar was grown by many farmers. However, many trees were removed afterward for 2 reasons.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Firstly, a professor in Fujian commented that in the relatively cooler climate of Tong Mu Guan, Shui Xian might produce a weaker flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Secondly, before 2000, black tea was not popular in the Chinese domestic market, so prices were low and farmers — especially those in remote areas — struggled to make a living. Many farmers cut down their tea trees and replaced them with more profitable crops, such as bamboo used as raw material for chopsticks and other items.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Higher Level of Fermentation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Compared to other types of Lapsang Souchong such as Qi Zhong, the Shui Xian cultivar has larger and thicker leaves. As a result, Shui Xian fresh leaves are withered in a thinner layer than other teas, and the fermentation is carried out for a longer time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Man tossing tea leaves in his hands\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0244-2.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Traditional Charcoal Roasting Develops Thick Fruity Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In addition to the standard black tea process, Tong Mu Shui Xian and Lapsang Souchong black tea are roasted with charcoal fire.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eProcess of Tong Mu Shui Xian Black Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fresh tea leaves → Withering → Rolling → Fermentation → Heating to Stop Enzyme → Drying → Charcoal Roasting\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purpose of charcoal roasting is to intensify the taste of the tea. The roasting is carried out at a lower temperature over a long period to promote maturation and bring out the fruitiness in the flavor. Once roasted with charcoal, the tea develops a sweet and rich flavor reminiscent of dried fruits. Charcoal roasting is painstaking work — if the temperature is too high, the leaves will be scorched; if too low, the effect is minimal. Constant monitoring and adjustment are essential.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark brown black tea leaves in a white bowl\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6514.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Some producers bake tea with a hot-air oven, but once tasted, the result is entirely different from tea baked with charcoal fire. Charcoal fire has strong heat permeability and transmits heat to the center of the leaf, whereas hot air heats only the surface, reaching the inner part less effectively. Thanks to charcoal roasting, the tea delivers a clean and clear drinking sensation, with a rich taste that lingers on the palate across many infusions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460019888,"sku":"b56ca","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460052656,"sku":"b56cc","price":4300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460085424,"sku":"b56cb","price":12600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460118192,"sku":"b56cv","price":41500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6532.jpg?v=1737905815"},{"product_id":"o29","title":"Phoenix Oolong Ba Xian 2022","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"hojo-phoenix-common\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe frequently visit Phoenix Town in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, to source good Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong Tea directly on site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7967.jpg\" alt=\"An old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7986.jpg\" alt=\"Tea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10296\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9174.jpg?v=1769754009\" alt=\"Dark, twisted tea leaves on a white background\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e We are releasing a new lot (2022 harvest) of Phoenix Oolong Ba Xian, our first since 2021. After several years of aging, it has come out in very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBa Xian from Ding Ping Keng Tou Village, Hard to Obtain Even Locally\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Ba Xian was harvested from a tea garden in Ding Ping Keng Tou Village (Wu Dong mountain range), at an altitude of about 1000m, where the trees are 50 years old. Tea leaves grown at high altitude are rich in compounds, and they are characterized by a soft, concentrated flavor and a vivid flavor that returns after drinking. In Phoenix Town, leaves from high altitudes are also regarded as very rare, and because Ba Xian trees have weak vigor and rarely live long, the number of old trees is limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10299\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3251.jpg?v=1771316198\" alt=\"Tea bushes on a steep slope below a rocky mountaintop\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e \u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10301\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4019.jpg?v=1771316197\" alt=\"A tea bush on a hillside with distant mountains and a lake\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBa Xian, a Cultivar Especially Popular in Chaozhou and Shantou\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBa Xian is a highly popular cultivar not only in Phoenix Town but also in Chaozhou and Shantou. The reason lies in the clarity of its refined, vivid orchid-like flavor. It is known as the \"Zhi Lan Xiang aroma type,\" and it has depth not only in flavor but also in taste, with an excellent balance of sweetness, smoothness, and lingering finish. Lao Cong Ba Xian in particular is rare, and tea grown at high altitude sells out quickly even on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10298\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9180.jpg?v=1771563626\" alt=\"A white cup of golden tea\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Captivating Flavor of Ba Xian, Woven from Orchid and Fruit Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea was slowly charcoal roasted at a low temperature and finished in the Qing Xiang style. Centered on the elegant flavor of orchid and lily flowers, fruit notes of pomegranate and raspberry are layered in complexity, giving the flavor depth. This is a tea to enjoy for the vivid returning flavor that rises after swallowing. Because it was grown in a high-altitude tea garden, the mouthfeel is soft and creamy, and it drinks gently and clearly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":44932459888816,"sku":"o029ca","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40g (in can)","offer_id":44932459921584,"sku":"o029cc","price":5400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g (large bag\/40g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932459954352,"sku":"o029cb","price":15900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"360g value pack (large bag [40g x 3 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932459987120,"sku":"o029cv","price":38900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/o95_01.jpg?v=1737905814"},{"product_id":"o103","title":"Phoenix Oolong Mi Lan Xiang 2025 No.2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This product is a Mi Lan Xiang (蜜蘭香) finished with a \"3-time fire\" heavy roasting method, which is favored among Chaozhou locals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark, twisted tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/o103_05.jpg?v=1737905810\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The \"3-time fire\" (三次火) method refers to a finishing process where the tea is roasted over charcoal three times, with each roasting spaced months apart. This method prevents uneven moisture distribution between the tea leaves' core and surface. Typically, the first roast happens right after production, the second in autumn, and the third in the following year. Thus, this product, while from the 2021 harvest, underwent its third charcoal roast in 2022.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Originally, due to a lack of proper storage techniques in China, Phoenix Town (鳳凰鎮) preserved its tea's freshness through multiple rounds of charcoal roasting. Consequently, Chaozhou locals have been accustomed to deeply roasted Phoenix Dan Cong teas like \"3-time fire\" and \"4-time fire\" since childhood, which is why heavily roasted Phoenix Dan Cong remains popular in Chaozhou.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of amber tea seen from above\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/o103_06.jpg?v=1737905810\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Through repeated roasting, the tea undergoes maturation, deepening its liquor color into a rich orange hue while developing a robust fruit flavor reminiscent of raspberry and lychee.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Phoenix Dan Cong, there are two primary roasting styles: light charcoal roasting for a floral flavor and repeated roasting for a more intense and matured fragrance. Both styles are highly appreciated by tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Our previous heavily roasted Phoenix Dan Cong Mi Lan Xiang is now labeled as No.1. No.1 was finished with a \"2-time fire\" method, resulting in a fresher flavor compared to this \"3-time fire\" version.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hojo-phoenix-common\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe frequently visit Fenghuang Town in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, to source high-quality Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong tea directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7967.jpg\" alt=\"An old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7986.jpg\" alt=\"Tea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\na:hover {\n    background-color: #333; \/* Invert background color on hover *\/\n    color: #f0f0e0; \/* Invert text color on hover *\/\n    box-shadow: 0 12px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3); \/* Add depth with a stronger shadow *\/\n    transform: translateY(-5px); \/* Slightly lift on hover *\/\n    text-decoration: none;\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":44932459495600,"sku":"o103ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40g (in can)","offer_id":44932459528368,"sku":"o103cc","price":5000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g (large bag\/40g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932459561136,"sku":"o103cb","price":14600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [40g x 3 bags] x 5 bags)","offer_id":44932459593904,"sku":"o103cv","price":59600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/o103_05.jpg?v=1737905810"},{"product_id":"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":"t01","title":"7 types of tea trial set","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Each category includes a selection of 7 recommended teas, packaged in 10g portions. This set is ideal for those unsure of which tea to choose or looking for a casual gift. Each tea is vacuum-sealed, ensuring it stays fresh for years if unopened.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Foil pouches of tea packed in an open kraft box\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2650-1.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7257\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The teas are packaged in a box, making them suitable for simple gift-giving.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a kraft box with a HOJO label\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2643.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7260\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2658_86f0597e-008a-483a-99e8-4b1dfef0f652.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    7 Types of Tea, 10g Each\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The sample set includes the following 7 types of tea, each packaged in 10g portions:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite Tea: Ancient White Tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack Tea: Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOolong Tea: Dong Ding Oolong\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen Tea: Tsukigase Zairai Sencha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJasmine Tea: Snow Jasmine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaw Pu-erh Tea: Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh 2016\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRipe Pu-erh Tea: Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh 2019\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhite Tea: Ancient White Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis white tea is made from naturally grown tea harvested at around 2000m in Yunnan Province. The trees are grown without pesticides or fertilizers and grow almost like wild trees. It has a clear, floral flavor and a soft taste that seems to soak into the body. White tea is especially popular among women. Bai Mu Dan is also very good cold-brewed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8415.jpg?v=1737905528\" alt=\"Ancient White Tea leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlack Tea: Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYunnan Ancient Black Tea Xing Mi Xiang is made with almost no withering. This tea, in contrast, is withered thoroughly, as Darjeeling is, before it is processed into black tea. The withering gives it a bright, slightly spicy flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is made from seed-grown, naturally cultivated tea at 2100m in Lincang, Yunnan Province, plucked from old trees more than 100 years old. The aftertaste is very rich, with a deep finish that seems to reach far into the body. It also goes well with milk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2414_1.jpg?v=1737905827\" alt=\"Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Oolong Tea: Dong Ding Oolong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    A representative oolong tea from Taiwan. Extended fermentation enhances its floral and honey-like flavor. Harvested from the authentic Dong Ding Mountain, it offers a full-bodied taste. The flavor is very good, with a refreshing green tea-like drinking experience.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tightly rolled dark green tea leaves\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/o06_01.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7242\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGreen Tea: Tsukigase Zairai Sencha\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lightly steamed sencha from Tsukigase in Nara, grown without pesticides or fertilizers. Because no fertilizer is used, it is rich in polyphenols and has a floral flavor that recalls Taiwanese oolong. It is a very interesting tea that changes your image of Japanese tea in a good way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/5DD8B62E-8E6B-489E-B521-20258143C2D1.png?v=1737905771\" alt=\"Tsukigase Zairai Sencha leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eJasmine Tea: Snow Jasmine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA jasmine tea based on green tea, made from the first spring flush plucked in a naturally cultivated garden in Sichuan Province. The jasmine aroma is very strong and vivid, as if the flowers were right in front of you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_4734-1.jpg?v=1737905681\" alt=\"Snow Jasmine leaves\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRaw Pu-erh Tea: Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh 2016\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Pu-erh tea comes in both raw and ripe varieties. To help you understand their characteristics, we have selected recommended teas from each type.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWu Liang Shan Gushu Raw Pu-erh is made from tea grown without pesticides or fertilizers. It has aged to a good degree and developed a sweet flavor like sugarcane, which makes it very easy to drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d47_05.jpg?v=1737905703\" alt=\"Wu Liang Shan Raw Pu-erh 2016\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRipe Pu-erh Tea: Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh 2019\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has no unpleasant smell. It shows a sweet, fruity flavor that recalls dried jujube, with a long finish that seems to soak into the body. Surprisingly, it also goes well with milk, and we recommend it as a milk tea too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d107_01.jpg?v=1737905735\" alt=\"Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh 2019\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39316671922352,"sku":"t01","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2654-1.jpg?v=1737905783"},{"product_id":"y01","title":"Junshan Yinzhen","description":"\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2604.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-436\" title=\"IMG_2604\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2604.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    Junshan Yinzhen — one of the most prestigious teas.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The tea to enjoy the water structure\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    Junshan Yinzhen is the tea that represent Hunan province of China. So far this tea was presented as a tribute tea to the Russian president and many other VIP from overseas. Although it is a super expensive tea, it does not give very strong flavor like oolong tea. This is the tea that is for you to enjoy the water structure made thanks to the rich minerals exist in tea. The authentic Junshan Yinzhen gives very full-bodied and long-lasting taste. The after taste is very strong that you feel the lingering sweetness on your throat for a long time. The flavor reminds me of the fresh bamboo shoot or fresh chestnut. The moderate extent of its flavor rather enhances the taste of this tea. The feeling of drinking this tea is like tasting the morning dew in highland. Since the flavor of this tea is not too strong, the base quality of the tea leave is very important. If the tea contains less mineral and it does not perform, it ends up as a tasteless tea with no characteristic. The authentic Junshan Yinzhen gives a feeling like the sweetness is spreading over the mouth and floating along the throat. This is also the tea used to be loved by the emperor of China. He had an opportunity to have any kinds of cuisine as he desired. I guess he loved Junshan Yinzhen because of the beauty of simplicity.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2626.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg title=\"IMG_2626\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2626.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow Tea, Jun Shan Yin Zhen\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The Junshan Yinzhen that I am purchasing every year is meeting the following criteria and this is ultimately the top grade of yellow tea produced in Junshan Island.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTea is produced in the Junshan Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTea is produced from the tea tree planted from the seed\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTea is hand-plucked in the middle of March as the first batch of tea in spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTea is processed into the Yellow tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    Majority of Junshan Yinzhen comes from the area outside the Junshan Island\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    Junshan Yinzhen is the tea that is produced at the tea garden situated in the Junshan Island in Dong Ting Lake (洞庭湖君山岛). This island is owned by a single company. However, there are so many Junshan Yinzhen overwhelmingly available in everywhere if you visit Hunan province. You may see this tea in town, airport, tea house and many other tea shops located in Hunan. As a matter of fact, there are so many tea gardens located outside the island. In fact the majority of the tea sold as Junshan Yinzhen is not the yellow tea. Many Junshan Yinzhen available in the market is processed as a green tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3468.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full\" title=\"IMG_3468\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3468.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The Dong Ting Lake is very vast. It is just like the sea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_34553.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-4171\" title=\"IMG_3455\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_34553.jpg\" alt=\"Jun Shan Island\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The temple built inside the Island\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The difference of tea produced in the Island and outside the Island.\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    There are 4 major differences between the Junshan Yinzhen produced in the island and outside the island.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The soil from the Junshan Island is rich in calcium\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The soil in the island is very rich in the mineral, especially calcium. The calcium enhances the body of tea and its taste lasts for a long time with lingering sweetness down the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The tea tree in the island is grown from the seed\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The tea tree planted in the island is grown from the seed. The way how the root grows is completely different between the tea grown from the seed and the tea propagated by cutting. If the tea is grown from the seed, it produces the roots that is very long and grows very deep in the soil, while the tea propagated by cutting produces the roots that is very shallow and it spreads towards horizontal direction. \u0026nbsp;\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The age of tea tree in the island is very old\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    In the Junshan Island, the tea trees are very old. The most important characteristic of Junshan Yinzhen is its richness in taste. For this character, it is important that tea grows very slow and concentrate the minerals inside the leaves. The old tea tree does grow very slowly and it makes tea rich in both minerals and polyphenols.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2576.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg title=\"IMG_2576\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2576.jpg\" alt=\"Jun Shan Yin Zhen tea leaves\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The ecological environment of tea garden in Junshan Island\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    Traditionally the tea garden situated in the Junshan Island is less taken care. The tea trees are left in nature and it is surrounded by the many weeds. This practice makes tea always \"hungry\" for nitrogen and thus the tea grows slowly since it lacks nitrogen supply as no fertilizer is applied. On the contrary, most of the tea garden located outside the island is managed with the modern agricultural practice. Due to the fast growing speed of tea, the manufacturers achieve the higher production quantity, yet the taste of tea becomes very light and thin.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_34061.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg title=\"IMG_3406\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_34061.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The very limited yellow tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    The Junshan Yinzhen = \"Yellow Tea\" as you know. However, the majority of so-called Junshan Yinzhen available in the market is not the yellow tea, but it is made as green tea. It is because of the production process of yellow tea are extremely complicated and not many people know how to process this tea. To make matters worse, the green Junshan Yinzhen often get oxidized and change its colour to yellowish due to the poor handling technique during storage in China. Sometimes it is hard for the people to tell whether it is a yellow tea or a green tea. The authentic yellow tea is only limited as the high-end tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2588.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4178\" title=\"IMG_2588\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2588.jpg\" alt=\"Brewing Jun Shan Yin Zhen\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2601.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4176\" title=\"IMG_2601\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2601.jpg\" alt=\"Jun Shan Yin Zhen tea leaves\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_25991.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4177\" title=\"IMG_2599\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_25991.jpg\" alt=\"Jun Shan Yin Zhen liquor\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g (small bag)","offer_id":44932458479792,"sku":"y01ca","price":8700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932458512560,"sku":"y01cc","price":14800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932458545328,"sku":"y01cb","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"300g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932458578096,"sku":"y01cv","price":71000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_25661.jpg?v=1737905782"},{"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":"g06","title":"Shi Feng Long Jing","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Shi Feng Long Jing, renowned as a masterpiece among Xi Hu Long Jing teas.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        We specified the cultivar, tree age, and altitude to select only the best first pluckings.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Would you like to experience the tea consistently loved by past emperors?\n    \u003c\/p\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\/F58180A4-8E8E-4E30-A329-3F2BB917BA10.png?v=1615375124\" alt=\"Shi Feng Long Jing\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is the first plucked tea from seed-grown tea trees in Long Jing Village, renowned for its historical and high-quality reputation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Shi Feng Long Jing - The Legendary Green Tea in China\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ever since tea was discovered, China has produced thousands of different green tea varieties. Among all Chinese green teas, Long Jing is second to none. Long Jing became famous because its production area is located very close to major cities. The tea garden of Long Jing is situated just beside Hangzhou city, one of the most developed cities in China. Additionally, the Long Jing production area is also very close to large cities such as Shanghai and Suzhou. The supply of Long Jing is very limited and seasonal, yet many people rave about this tea and always seek it out. It is indeed very famous and exclusive. In China, many other kinds of excellent green tea are produced in tea gardens located deep in the mountains. No matter how good their quality is, they could not be as famous as Long Jing since their production areas are too far from major cities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/LJ05.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"316\" height=\"474\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The highest peak of Shi Feng Mountain is around 300m.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/LJ06.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"316\" height=\"474\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The real Long Jing production area is located deep inside, unlike other areas, and there are no tourists in this place.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea has always been used as a gift, especially for diplomatic missions. Green tea is highly esteemed because of its freshness. If the tea is produced from gardens situated far from big cities, it loses its freshness during the long journey and won’t be appreciated as much. This is why Long Jing produced near big cities is considered the top green tea, surpassing any other Chinese green tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to its fame, the demand for Long Jing has increased, and its production has spread to many other places besides Hangzhou. Nowadays, Long Jing is found in most provinces in China, and tea gardens in Taiwan and even India are producing Long Jing tea as well. Under these circumstances, the authentic Long Jing produced in historically famous areas is named after the production area. The most famous Long Jing in the commercial tea market is generally named Xi Hu Long Jing. It is produced in the tea garden situated near West Lake (Xi Hu) in Hangzhou. Among Xi Hu Long Jing, the most famous is Shi Feng Long Jing, renowned for its superb quality. This is the tea we are introducing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eWhy is Shi Feng Long Jing the best? What is so good about this tea?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To answer these questions, we spent some time in Hangzhou and came up with the following findings.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/lj11.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"680\" height=\"434\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        We carry out manual inspection before packing: The leaf of Shi Feng Long Jing is a yellowish-green color. The Long Jing with a very bright green color is either made in another production area like Mei Jia Wu or from the second or third plucked tea leaves.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/lj13.jpg\" alt=\"Grinding the bottom\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        You can observe how small our Long Jing leaf is. The size is a very important criterion for judging the timing of plucking.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/lj12.jpg\" alt=\"Workshop\" width=\"316\" height=\"211\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        High-grade Long Jing may contain some white lumps. Many customers mistake these for spider webs or foreign material. In fact, it is the hair from the leaf bud itself. The young tea bud of the earliest upcoming spring crop is covered with tiny hairs. During the rolling process, these hairs come off the tea leaf and roll up into white balls. This is one of the quality indicators of Long Jing.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Shi Feng is the highest peak that produces Long Jing in the Xi Hu area\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The altitude is an essential factor for quality tea. Tea gardens located at higher altitudes experience a significant temperature gap between day and night. The cold environment at night keeps the metabolism of the tea tree low, allowing the leaves to accumulate more substances and minerals to enhance their flavor and taste. The Shi Feng area is at an altitude of about 300m, whereas the rest of the tea gardens in the Xi Hu area are at an altitude of around 100m. However, some tea gardens in other provinces of China are located at much higher altitudes and also produce so-called Long Jing. But their Long Jing quality is not as good as Shi Feng Long Jing. Thus, altitude is not the primary factor contributing to the quality of Shi Feng Long Jing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/g06_pho_06.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"200\" height=\"320\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/g06_pho_08.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"200\" height=\"320\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/g06_pho_10.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"200\" height=\"320\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Seed Grown Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Shi Feng Mountain, there are many different cultivars for making Long Jing. The most well-known cultivar is Long Jing No.43. This cultivar is famous because its sprouting season is 7-10 days earlier than other cultivars. In China, the earlier the Long Jing comes into the tea market, the better the selling price. Drinking the earliest harvested tea during spring is a customary culture that people are fond of. Therefore, cultivar No. 43 is highly appreciated by farmers because it can generate higher income. This has led many farmers to remove local native cultivars and replant cultivar No.43. Early plucking can be carried out because tea leaves grow faster. Just like vegetables cultivated in greenhouses to promote faster growth, this results in a thinner taste. Quality tea must be given sufficient time to grow slowly so that its flavor and taste become rich.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The most native tea in Long Jing village is seed-grown tea. It consists of a few types of hybrid cultivars due to random cross-breeding in history. It was the first generation of tea planted by the ancestors of the Long Jing area. Generally, seed-grown tea produces much longer roots than modern cultivars like Long Jing No. 43. Because of this, seed-grown tea has a greater ability to absorb minerals from the ground. Additionally, the growing rate of seed-grown tea is slower than modern cultivars, and the number of leaves is also lesser. As a result, the taste and flavor of the tea become much superior compared to modern cultivars.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Old Tea Trees: 老樹\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Nowadays, only a limited number of old tea trees remain in Shi Feng Mountain, and these are mixed cultivars. Shi Feng Mountain might have been the first place where tea was planted in the history of Long Jing. Some tea trees are over 100 years old. Old trees have much stronger and longer roots than young trees. However, there are mixtures of old trees and newly planted cultivars such as Long Jing No. 43 in Shi Feng Mountain. To ensure we obtain the desired quality, we specify the type of tea tree from the highest altitude of the tea garden in Shi Feng Mountain. We even make reservations one year in advance to ensure we get the best quality material.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We did not intend to chase the fame of Shi Feng. Our selection happens to be Shi Feng after carefully investigating the essential factors that contribute to the quality of Long Jing. Due to its fame, the price for Shi Feng Long Jing is very high. In fact, Long Jing tea from the second and third plucking is much cheaper. The second and third plucked tea consists of bigger leaves in length, giving less depth in taste and flavor, yet it has an intense aroma and slight bitterness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We solely selected the first plucked Long Jing from old trees of mixed cultivars planted at higher elevations in Shi Feng Mountain. This tea is suitable for customers looking for fame with equally prestigious quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    History and Culture\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The making of Long Jing dates back to 1,500 years ago. It is said that Long Jing was already recorded early in the Song Dynasty in the world’s first tea book, Cha-Jing (茶经, The Tea Scripture written by Lu Yu 陆羽). Once upon a time, it was named after mountains, such as 香林茶 (Xiang-lin-cha), 白云茶 (Bai-yun-cha), and 宝云茶 (Bao-yun-cha). Long Jing tea started to bloom during the Yuan (元) and Ming (明) Dynasties. It has been named Long Jing since the Song Dynasty. The name of Long Jing became well-known during the late Qing Dynasty (清代). It is said that during the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qian-Long (乾隆) visited Shi Feng Mountain and was served a cup of Long Jing tea. He was very impressed with its beautiful appearance, elegant fragrance, and mellow taste. The monk who served the tea explained and brought him to the tea garden. At that time, 18 tea trees were planted. While the emperor was enjoying plucking the tea leaves, urgent news arrived that the Queen Mother had fallen ill, urging the emperor to return to the palace. When the emperor visited the ill Queen Mother, the strong fragrance of the tea leaves he kept in his pocket attracted the Queen Mother’s attention. Without a second thought, he served the tea to the Queen Mother, and she fell in love with its pleasant taste and flavor. After drinking the tea several times, the Queen Mother was cured. The Emperor was very grateful and granted the 18 tea trees in Shi Feng Mountain as the Imperial Tea Tree. Since then, Long Jing has become a tribute tea to emperors. Up to date, the 18 tea trees still remain in Shi Feng Mountain. Long Jing still holds its crown on the list of China’s Top Ten Teas. It has been appointed as the National Tea (国茶 Guo-cha) and is always selected as a gift tea served to foreign dignitaries. Year after year, tea connoisseurs endlessly seek it and compete to obtain the best Long Jing in the tea market. Its fame as the \u003cstrong\u003eQueen of Green Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e is what every tea connoisseur is fond of.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tea Growing Area\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The original Long Jing is produced in Long Jing Village, situated at the shore of Xi Hu (西湖). Historically, Long Jing was produced from five different areas: Shi Feng Mountain (狮峰山), Mei-jia-Wu area (梅家坞), Weng-jia Mountain (翁家山), Yun-qi area (云栖), and Hu-pao area (虎跑). Today, Long Jing is categorized into four different groups: 狮 (Shi), 梅 (Mei), 西湖 (Xi Hu, meaning West Lake), and Long Jing from other places, called Zhejiang Long Jing (浙江龙井). The tea growing area is surrounded by fog throughout the year.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/LJ02.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"316\" height=\"474\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Tea garden with traditional mixed cultivars: The photo was taken at Shi Feng Mountain.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/LJ03.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"316\" height=\"474\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The name \"獅峰\" means Shi Feng.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Besides, the soil has a strong water-holding capacity and good penetrating character, which is important to retain sufficient moisture. Additionally, the soil is quartz sandstone, providing an acidic pH that is suitable for growing tea trees.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Plucking and Appearance\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During early spring, one bud and one leaf, or one bud with two leaves (which just starts to open up, called 初展 Chu-zhan) is hand-plucked. The length of the bud is 2.5 – 3.0 cm. The length of the bud indicates the degree of delicacy (嫩度 Nen-du) of the tea leaves. Our product is the first grade; the length of brewed leaves, including the bud, is below 3cm. During early spring, one bud and one leaf, or one bud with two leaves (which just starts to open up, called 初展 Chu-zhan) is hand-plucked. The length of the bud is 2.5 – 3.0 cm. The length of the bud indicates the degree of delicacy (嫩度 Nen-du) of the tea leaves. Our product is the earliest plucked mixed cultivar. Thus, the length of brewed leaves, including the bud, is below 3cm. The plucking is carried out at the earliest possible time to harvest the young shoots. It is said that the best time to harvest the best quality of Long Jing is before 清明 (Qing Ming, occurring on April 4 (leap years) or April 5 (other years) of the Gregorian calendar). The product is named 明前茶 (Ming-qian Cha). Subsequently, tea harvested before Grain Rain (谷雨) is of considerably good quality; it is named 雨前茶 (Yu-qian Cha). In a day, even an expert can only manage to harvest as much as 1.0 - 1.5kg of young shoots. In any event, 0.5kg contains about 60,000 pieces of young shoots. Additionally, the tea leaves must be carefully selected during plucking:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePluck the bud and leaf of the same size, in an even and orderly form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDo not pluck together with the long stalk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDo not pluck buds or leaves in purple color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDo not pluck buds and leaves damaged by plant diseases.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDo not pluck the tiny leaf attached to the bud.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After plucking, the leaves are transferred to a cool indoor place. During sunny days, usually in the spring season, the tea leaves are spread out evenly to form a thin layer (3 – 5 cm) and left to wither for 6 – 12 hours without turning or mixing. If the leaves are plucked after the rain or carry lots of dew, the tea leaves are spread out to form a much thinner layer, then lightly turned and mixed 2 – 3 times. This must be done with care to avoid damaging the leaves (damaged leaves will turn red and affect the quality of the end product). During this period, the water content is vaporized from fresh leaves until it is reduced to about 70%. The spreading causes the leaves to emit a greenish grassy smell, reduce bitterness and astringency, and increase the relative concentration of amino acids, improving the briskness of its liquor. Besides, it helps to avoid the leaves becoming lumps during frying. It improves the quality of the tea made; the color remains a delicate green with a smooth and sleek appearance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/LJ01.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"316\" height=\"474\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Mr. Kim and his wife. They produce Shi Feng Long Jing for us.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/LJ04.jpg\" alt=\"Longjing\" width=\"316\" height=\"474\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Most tea gardens on Shi Feng Mountain are situated in rocky environments.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Process - The tea maker's hand swollen like a grove\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Withering\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After plucking, the tea leaves are moved to a well-ventilated room. The tea leaves are spread in a layer of 3-5cm and left for 6-12 hours. This process reduces moisture to 70%. The tea leaves lose their greenish aroma and bitterness and increase the relative percentage of amino acids.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Pan Frying - Inactivation of Enzyme\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purpose of the first pan frying is to inactivate enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) with heat and form the preliminary shape of Long Jing. With high temperature, it takes a very short time to heat the tea leaves and inactivate enzymes. When the temperature reaches 80-100˚C, place about 100 g of tea leaves into the pan, and fry by hand. Initially, the main hand-gesture is to grasp the leaves up to about 10 cm in height away from the pan and slowly sprinkle the leaves to vaporize the moisture from the leaves. After frying for 3 – 4 minutes, the leaf turns soft. By then, the hand-gesture is changed to put-over, press or hold down, shiver, and fling or throw off. Progressively increase the pressure by hand. This step is important to form the preliminary shape of Long Jing. The leaves are straightened into narrow-shaped strips and flattened. The skillful tea master has to carefully manage the timing of action and pressure induced by hand: too much pressure, incorrect hand motion, and if pressed too soon, the tea leaves become dark in color; on the other hand, if leaves are not straightened and flattened, it indicates that the hand pressure applied is insufficient and\/or the pressing is carried out too late. After frying for 12 – 15 minutes, when the moisture content of leaves is reduced to 20-30%, remove the leaves from the pan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Cooling\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fried leaves are spread out to 15 – 20 cm and cooled down for about 40 - 60 minutes. At this time, the leaf reabsorbs moisture and softens (called 回潮 Hui-chao). After cooling, the softened leaves are winnowed to remove broken and light pieces of leaves, and hand-sorted to get rid of dull, burnt, yellow pieces, red colored leaves and stalks, stalks that are too long, and any foreign materials. Subsequently, the sorted leaves are sifted to obtain the first batch of leaves that are retained on the top sifter, while the leaves that pass the sifter are collected and sifted again to obtain the second batch retained on the sifter and third batch, i.e., leaves pass the sifter. These three different batches of leaves will be processed for second frying separately.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Second Pan Frying - Forming the shape and drying\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purpose of the second pan-frying is to form the shape and further remove moisture. Usually, about 4-5 batches of tea leaves from the first heating are gathered together and proceed for the second heating. The collected leaves are about 250g in total. The initial temperature of the pan is about 60 – 80˚C; fry the leaves until they are heated up and softened, and down reveal (露茸毛 Lu-rong-mao), then increase the temperature to 80 – 90˚C, and continue frying. When the down drops and leaves are tightened up to flat and smooth strips, the temperature is reduced to 50˚C. During frying, the pressure induced by hand is gradually increased. It involves the hand action of put-over, buckling, rubbing, pressing, and pushing. The gist of the matter is the leaves must always be in contact with the hands, and the tea leaves should not be away from the pan. Toasting is continued until the down drops from the leaves, and the leaf becomes flat, smooth, and sleek. When the leaves emit their own fragrance and can easily fracture, and the moisture content is reduced to 5 – 6%, the frying is then sufficient. It takes 25 minutes of frying in total.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Storage of Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Keep tea away from moisture\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once a bag of tea is opened, please finish it within 3 months to enjoy its freshness. From a medical point of view, it is safe to consume the tea even if kept for a few years. However, the freshness disappears if it is kept for too long. Tea must be tightly sealed before storage. Tea should be kept in ambient and dry conditions such as in the living room but away from humidity. Tea should not be kept in the kitchen as the environment is very humid. Avoid enclosed areas such as inside the cupboard or drawer as these places are damp. Also, avoid opening the bag of tea in a humid atmosphere. It is recommended to open the bag on a sunny day or under air-conditioned conditions. Once tea leaves absorb moisture, deterioration will occur within a few days, giving an astringent taste, sometimes tasting sour, and the fresh flavor will weaken.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n    Beware of keeping the tea in the fridge\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The quality of tea lasts longer if kept in the fridge. However, we strongly recommend not to keep tea in the fridge. When tea is withdrawn from the fridge, condensation usually occurs. Once tea is exposed to moisture during condensation, the quality will deteriorate within a few days. The higher moisture content in the tea leaves will trigger oxidation, completely destroying the quality of the tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Here's one frequently asked question: \u003cstrong\u003eWhat happens if the bag is sealed with tape or the tea is packed in a zipper bag and kept inside the fridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For your information, these simple sealing methods are insufficient. When the bag is withdrawn from the fridge, it is cold inside the bag, causing negative pressure. Air will be drawn from outside, and condensation will occur. Additionally, if the bag is taken in and out of the fridge frequently, it will cause heat stress to the tea leaves as the temperature fluctuates. If tea is kept in the fridge, it must be left in ambient conditions for more than 24 hours to warm up the tea leaves. Based on our experience, 12 hours is not long enough. We may think the tea is warmed up, but inside the bag, the tea leaves are still cold due to the insulation effect.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g (small bag)","offer_id":44932456448176,"sku":"g06ca","price":5200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932456480944,"sku":"g06cc","price":10000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g (large bag\/50g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932456513712,"sku":"g06cb","price":19400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"300g value pack (large bag [50g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932456546480,"sku":"g06cv","price":48200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/blog.jpg?v=1737905761"},{"product_id":"g26","title":"Xi Hu Long Jing","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Flat green tea leaves piled together\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F58180A4-8E8E-4E30-A329-3F2BB917BA10.png?v=1615375124\"\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    When it comes to Chinese green tea, Longjing tea is famous for its refreshing and a little beanish flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Longjing tea became well-known because its production area was close to major consumption areas. Longjing tea is produced in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to the proximity of large consumption areas like Hangzhou city, Shanghai, and historically Nanjing, Longjing tea became so famous that almost no Chinese person is unaware of it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are many delicious but lesser-known teas in China, but those far from major cities often do not gain fame.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For these reasons, Longjing tea is considered one of the most famous teas in China, alongside Biluochun from Suzhou.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Its fame has led to the production of Longjing tea outside the original area around Longjing Village (Shifeng) and even outside Hangzhou.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Nowadays, Longjing tea is produced outside of China, including in Taiwan and India.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To differentiate these teas from authentic Longjing, the original is referred to with the production area's name.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Xihu Longjing is named as such because its production area is scattered around the West Lake.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea fields on a hazy mountain slope with trees in the foreground\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/7E6AB337-7E57-4230-A9D3-9A35BBE384A7.png?v=1615375252\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Tea Made from Mixed Cultivars\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Xi Hu area, mixed cultivars from the Qing Dynasty era remain. Mixed cultivars are equivalent to \"Zairai-Shu\" in Japan, meaning seed grown tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These refer to the oldest tea plants planted by ancestors, which have remained in the tea gardens to this day. On the other hand, currently, the most common cultivar for Longjing tea is Longjing #43.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In China, as in Japan, the earlier the tea is harvested, the higher its price tends to be. The advantage of Longjing #43 is that it can be harvested about ten days earlier than traditional mixed cultivars.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For farmers, this is welcome news as they can sell the tea at higher prices. Therefore, Longjing #43 is now widely cultivated, and mixed cultivars remain only in less number of tea gardens.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The fact that Longjing #43 can be harvested early means it grows quickly. Generally, faster-growing plants, including fruits and vegetables, tend to have a lighter flavor and aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is similar to the mild flavor of greenhouse-grown vegetables and fruits.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The same can be said for Japanese tea; the first tea to appear on the market is not always the best. Furthermore, mixed cultivars have extremely long roots, which can absorb more minerals essential for tea quality, resulting in superior raw tea leaves in terms of depth of flavor and aftertaste compared to newer cultivars like Longjing #43.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of flat green tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E6DF1D2D-73D0-4954-8D4E-0398B3FEA9CC_0997ac9c-0203-444c-9e72-71115f9f798e.png?v=1615375486\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High-quality Longjing tea contains small white lumps like cotton wool. Some customers mistake this for spider webs, mold, or foreign substances. These white lumps are the \"hairs\" on young shoots that have become clumped together during processing. They are a sign of quality, so please rest assured.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Here is an introduction to Longjing tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Historical and Cultural Background\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Longjing tea is historically well-known in China. Production records date back 1500 years. Its name appears in the Tea Classic written by Lu Yu during the Tang Dynasty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Before it was called Longjing tea, it was commonly named after the mountains it came from, such as Xiang-lin-cha, Bai-yun-cha, and Bao-yun-cha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    During the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Longjing tea gained great popularity, and it was finally named \"Longjing\" during the Song Dynasty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong visited Shifeng Mountain and was served Longjing tea. He was impressed by its beautiful appearance, elegant aroma, and rich flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When Qianlong visited the tea garden with a monk, there were 18 Longjing tea trees. While enjoying tea plucking, he received news that his mother was ill and was summoned back to the capital.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When Qianlong returned to the palace, he noticed a wonderful fragrance from the tea leaves in his pocket. He brewed the tea and gave it to his mother, which miraculously cured her illness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Delighted, Qianlong designated the 18 tea trees as royal tea trees. Since then, Longjing has solidified its status as an imperial tribute tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Today, the 18 tea trees still remain on Shifeng Mountain. Longjing has dominated the top position among China's top ten teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is also used to welcome important foreign guests, solidifying its status as China's \"national tea\" and the queen of green tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Production Area\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The original Longjing tea is produced in Longjing Village by the West Lake. Historically, it was produced in Shifeng Mountain, Meijiawu, Wengjia Mountain, Yunqi, and Hupao.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Today, the production areas are classified as Shifeng, Meijiawu, Xihu, and other regions producing Zhejiang Longjing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rounded tea bushes on a hillside between tall trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EE42BA58-A332-4980-9900-E25DD4DC7748.png?v=1615375595\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Traditional mixed cultivar tea garden\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A large rock carved with Chinese characters standing among tea bushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E1A08524-F4F6-465D-9239-DB47D57765D8.png?v=1615375621\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Cultivar and Plucking\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Longjing tea cultivars are categorized into \"Longjing #43\" and \"mixed cultivars,\" which are the so-called Zairai-Shu in Japan, meaning traditional varieties that have been growing in the fields for a long time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The budding season for Longjing #43 occurs 7-10 days earlier than other teas. In China, the earlier the tea is shipped, the higher its price, so Longjing #43, which buds earlier, is welcomed by tea farmers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Embarrassingly, our company also chased after Longjing #43 during its early days.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As we deepened our knowledge of tea, we realized our mistake. Longjing #43 is a newly developed cultivar through recent breeding improvements.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, the tea trees are young, with short roots. Additionally, because they grow faster than mixed cultivars, the substances contained in the tea leaves are diluted, resulting in less throat feel and aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Mixed cultivars often include tea trees planted during the Qing Dynasty, remaining in the tea gardens to this day. These trees have very old ages, with very deep roots, making a significant difference in quality when compared.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Table of bud lengths in centimeters for each grade\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/28E67880-3302-49AC-9D51-633D5187248A.png?v=1615375689\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Grading and bud length\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In spring, the tea leaves are hand-plucked with one bud and one leaf or one bud and two leaves. The best grade is considered to have a bud length of 2.5-3.0cm.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea made from buds harvested before Qingming (April 4-5) is called Mingqian tea, considered the highest quality Longjing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Longjing harvested before Grain Rain is called Yuqian tea, the second-best quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even skilled workers can only harvest 1.0-1.5 kg of buds per day. One kilogram contains 120,000 young buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Processing: Hands Swell Red from Work\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production of Shifeng Longjing tea involves the following processing steps.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Withering\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After plucking, the tea leaves are moved to a cool room. On sunny spring days, the leaves are spread in a thin layer of 3-5 cm and left untouched for 6-12 hours.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This withering process gradually evaporates the moisture in the leaves, reducing the water content to 70%. The green aroma of the leaves diminishes, reducing bitterness and astringency while increasing the sweetness (amino acids) in relation to the weight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Pan-Frying (Deactivation of Enzymes and Leaf Shaping)\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The primary purpose of pan-frying tea leaves is to deactivate the enzymes with heat and shape the leaves into the distinctive Longjing form. Under high temperatures, the leaves are heated quickly, deactivating the enzymes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When the pan reaches 80-100℃, 100g of tea leaves are added and stir-fried by hand. Initially, the leaves are grasped and dropped slowly from about 10 cm height.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This process is performed to efficiently remove moisture from the leaves. Stir-frying for 3-4 minutes softens the leaves. Following this, the leaves are pressed against the pan by hand, lifted occasionally to be spread apart, then pressed harder over time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These operations are crucial for shaping the tea leaves. The leaves are shaped into long, flat forms. Experienced artisans are well aware of the timing and pressure needed for each operation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Incorrect movements or premature pressure can cause the leaves to turn black. Insufficient or delayed pressure results in leaves drying before achieving the characteristic Longjing shape.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After stir-frying the leaves for 12-15 minutes, the moisture content is reduced to 20-30%, and the leaves are removed from the pan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Cooling\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The pan-fried tea leaves are spread in layers 15-20 cm thick and cooled for 40-60 minutes. During this time, the leaves reabsorb moisture and become soft. This phenomenon is called \"rehydration.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After cooling, the softened leaves are sorted to remove broken, irregular, and off-spec leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The sorted leaves are then sieved through a 0.7 cm x 0.7 cm sieve to classify them by size.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Second Frying\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The second stir-frying aims to shape and dry the leaves. The leaves selected from the first sorting are collected in portions of 250g (4-5 batches) and added to the pan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The initial temperature is 60-80℃ until the leaves become covered in visible hairs. Then the temperature is increased to 80-90℃, continuing to stir-fry until the hairs adhere to the leaves, creating smooth, flat shapes. At this point, the temperature is reduced to 50℃.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Similar to the initial pan-frying process, various movements are used to perform stir-frying, with increasing pressure applied. The process takes a total of 25 minutes. Stir-frying is completed once a crisp and pleasant aroma develops.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932456317104,"sku":"g26ca","price":4100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932456349872,"sku":"g26cc","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (large bag\/50g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932456382640,"sku":"g26cb","price":12400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 2 bags] x 6 bags)","offer_id":44932456415408,"sku":"g26cv","price":62200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/g26_03.jpg?v=1737905760"},{"product_id":"g07","title":"Taiping Hou Kui","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Taiping Hou Kui has been known as one of the most prestigious Chinese teas since the Qing Dynasty. Today, it is counted among China's representative teas and is even used as a state gift in diplomatic contexts.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Due to its limited production area and high demand among tea enthusiasts, encountering genuine Taiping Hou Kui is very rare.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The brewed tea leaves are beautiful in appearance — the way they slowly move through the water is likened to the \"Dance of the Phoenix.\" The tea is characterized by a rich and mellow flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The production area is in the Taiping region of Huangshan City, Anhui Province, which is known for producing the highest quality Taiping Hou Kui.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiping Hou Kui is one of the top ten Chinese teas, renowned as one of the most prestigious since the Qing Dynasty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production area is in Hou-keng, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The tea leaves can grow up to 6 cm, making them the largest among premium green teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Despite its robust appearance, the dry leaves have an elegant character, with an orchid fragrance and a rich, mellow taste. High-quality Taiping Hou Kui can be enjoyed up to the 4th infusion.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiping Hou Kui is produced through a labor-intensive process — from plucking to manufacturing — resulting in uniformly shaped leaves that resemble exquisite pressed flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Historical and Cultural Background\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiping Hou Kui is a tea with a long history in China, first produced during the Qing Dynasty. It belongs to the category of point-shaped green teas representative of Anhui Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The name Hou Kui means \"Monkey King.\" According to legend, a Monkey King who became ill and died in the mountains — overcome with grief for his lost son — transformed into a tea tree.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    A farmer who witnessed this tragedy buried the body at the site. The following year, a tea tree sprouted from the burial site, believed to be the Monkey King's gesture of gratitude for the farmer's kindness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The farmer tended the tree carefully, and the leaves it produced were of exceptionally high quality. Their unique aroma and flavor captivated the villagers, and the tea quickly became famous.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production of point-shaped green tea began during the Qing Dynasty, and the name \"Taiping\" came into use naturally, as it was the most active production area in Anhui Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiping had a tea trade center where producers brought their tea to market.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Initially, tea leaves of various sizes — including fully grown leaves — were plucked to produce point-shaped green tea. Later, a man named Wang Kuicheng developed a method using one bud with one to two leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea produced by this method was of high quality and highly valued in the market. Since his name was \"Kuicheng\" and the tea was produced in \"Hou-keng,\" it came to be known as Taiping Hou Kui.\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    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1900: Taiping Hou Kui was first exhibited at an exhibition in Nanjing hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce. The tea was highly appreciated and became widely known.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1915: At the World Expo held in Panama to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal, Taiping Hou Kui won a gold medal among several Chinese teas exhibited, including Keemun black tea.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1916: Won a gold medal at a commercial exhibition held in Jiangsu Province.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1955: Selected as one of the top ten Chinese teas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1988: Won a gold medal at the first China Food Expo.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e2004: Certified as \"Tea King\" at the China International Tea Expo held in Anhui Province.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Today, Taiping Hou Kui is also presented as a gift tea to foreign dignitaries.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person on a mountain path beside a photo of village houses\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/64E75328-5E04-4F27-BBFD-57E77BE50C25.png?v=1615377994\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Production Area Information\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production area of Taiping Hou Kui is limited to 3 villages — Hou-keng, Hou-cun, and Yan-jia — all located in Ximing, Huangshan City, Anhui Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea fields are situated in the mountains, surrounded by dense forests. The high altitude and forest environment create significant temperature differences between day and night, and frequent heavy fog contributes to the high quality of the tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The forest also provides natural fertilizers such as humus, enriching the soil and allowing the tea trees to thrive. The result is the rich and mellow flavor that Taiping Hou Kui is known for.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Particularly in Hou-keng, the highest quality leaves are produced among the 3 areas. The tea fields there face north and tilt slightly westward, avoiding strong midday sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The high altitude also creates significant temperature differences between day and night. In the Taiping region, days are warm and nights very cold. During the day, tea leaves absorb sunlight to produce the amino acids and carbohydrates necessary for growth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These substances are essential to high-quality tea. If temperatures remain warm at night, the leaves consume the compounds stored during the day.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the flavor components diminish. Conversely, when nights are cold, the leaves retain what was accumulated during the day, producing tea rich in these beneficial compounds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A mountain valley beside a photo of a tea field on a hillside\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/BE3B6E6D-C2C0-4A13-8F14-C95C6C2F5DCB.png?v=1615378063\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Varieties and Plucking\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea variety is called Shi-da and is used exclusively for Taiping Hou Kui. Shi-da is propagated from seeds, with seedlings carefully selected and managed by Anhui Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are very large, oval-shaped, thick, soft, and covered with white hairs. Young buds are light green, while mature leaves turn dark green. The leaf surface is raised and the edges are wavy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Buds grow to 2–2.5 cm. Tea leaves are plucked by hand under very strict management.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea shoot in hand, tea leaves in a glass, and tea bushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A1752261-812B-44E4-96B1-C4EDE5A81D9C.png?v=1615378116\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Beautiful Tea Leaves Like Pressed Flowers: Traditional Processing Methods\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Jian-jian: Selecting Tea Leaves that Meet Various Conditions\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After plucking, the tea leaves are brought to the factory, where they are re-examined for quality and only the finest tips are retained.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Selection follows strict criteria. Well-developed branches — one bud with three leaves — are chosen, and any leaves beyond the second are removed.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The first and second leaves must be level with the tip bud. One kilogram of leaves meeting these strict criteria contains 20,000 buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Fresh tea leaves spread on a bamboo tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/06482886-6FCD-452F-94E0-5FB7FC436176.png?v=1615378163\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Sha Qing: Deactivating Enzymes through Pan-Frying\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purpose of Sha Qing is to deactivate enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase through heat, achieved by pan-frying.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When the metal pan reaches a surface temperature of 120–130°C, the tea leaves are added. The high temperature quickly deactivates the enzymes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In other green tea production, pointed-bottom pans are commonly used, as they suit the production of tightly rolled, slender-shaped tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For Taiping Hou Kui, rough, loose, and flat-shaped leaves are required, so deep, flat-bottomed pans are used instead.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When the pan reaches 120–130°C, 75–100 g of tea leaves are added and fried for 3–4 minutes. The leaves are gently stirred from the bottom to the edge with the fingers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The pan is then given 2–3 additional shakes to spread the leaves evenly, and the frying continues. This cycle is repeated 3–4 times. When the leaves become soft, the edges slightly crisp, the color deep green, the surface matte, and a pleasant aroma rises, the pan-frying is complete.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are immediately removed and spread on a bamboo sieve, which is shaken several times to dissipate heat. This cools the leaves, firms their texture, and reduces moisture to approximately 70%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are then promptly moved to the next process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves in a tiered pan beside a stove of glowing charcoal\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5790C802-BB78-4EC2-BE66-F99D86504AC1.png?v=1615378213\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Chu Hong: Shaping the Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is the most crucial step in producing point-shaped Taiping Hou Kui.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The pan-fried leaves are heated in 4 bamboo baskets set at progressively lower temperatures: the first at 110°C, followed by 100°C, 85°C, and 60°C.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After cooling on the bamboo sieve from the previous step, the sieve is placed on the first heating basket. The edge is gently tapped to distribute the leaves evenly, and they are heated for 2–3 minutes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are then moved to the second basket and heated for another 2–3 minutes. While still hot and pliable, they are lightly pressed with both hands to shape them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The process is repeated in the third basket, and finally the leaves are moved to the fourth basket for a further 2–3 minutes, reducing moisture to approximately 30%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At this stage the leaves are partially dried and already firm, so they are not pressed. The total heating time for Chu Hong is approximately 12 minutes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are then spread on a bamboo sieve and cooled for one hour, allowing moisture to redistribute evenly from stem to leaf in preparation for the next stage.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The primary purpose of Chu Hong is to evaporate moisture and halt enzymes to preserve the green color, while simultaneously shaping the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Er Hong\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After Chu Hong, 4–5 sieves of leaves are gathered and moved to the second heating stage. The basket temperature is approximately 80°C.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After spreading the leaves on the sieve, it is gently tapped several times to distribute them evenly. The leaves are then lightly pressed with the palm to strengthen their shape.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are turned every 5–6 minutes, repeating this 5–6 times over approximately 25–30 minutes in total.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When moisture is reduced to approximately 10%, the leaves are removed from the sieve and spread on a separate sieve to cool for 5–6 hours, allowing moisture to distribute evenly before the next process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    San Hong\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After the leaves have cooled sufficiently, 0.5–1 kg are heated for the third time at 60°C. The leaves are turned every 5 minutes, repeating 6 times for a total of 30 minutes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This stage uses a low heat (Wen-huo), developing a fresh green aroma (Qing-xiang).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When moisture content reaches 5–6%, the leaves are removed from the basket and cooled for 0.5–1 hour, completing the process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932456218800,"sku":"g07ca","price":4300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"90g (30g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932456251568,"sku":"g07cc","price":12600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (30g x 20 bags)","offer_id":44932456284336,"sku":"g07cv","price":69100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7238_1.jpg?v=1737905758"},{"product_id":"g10","title":"Taiping Hou Kui Special Tribute","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Special Tribute uses tea leaves from higher-altitude gardens, resulting in a stronger aftertaste and a longer-lasting finish compared to the standard type. This tea is recommended for those who prioritize depth of 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    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiping Hou Kui is one of the top ten Chinese teas, renowned as one of the most prestigious since the Qing Dynasty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production area is in Hou-keng, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The tea leaves can grow up to 6 cm, making them the largest among premium green teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Despite its robust appearance, the dry leaves have an elegant character, with an orchid fragrance and a rich, mellow taste. High-quality Taiping Hou Kui can be enjoyed up to the 4th infusion.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The brewed tea leaves are beautiful in appearance — the way they slowly move through the water is likened to the \"Dance of the Phoenix.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiping Hou Kui is produced through a labor-intensive process — from plucking to manufacturing — resulting in uniformly shaped leaves that resemble exquisite pressed flowers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Historical and Cultural Background\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiping Hou Kui is a tea with a long history in China, first produced during the Qing Dynasty. It belongs to the category of point-shaped green teas representative of Anhui Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The name Hou Kui means \"Monkey King.\" According to legend, a Monkey King who became ill and died in the mountains — overcome with grief for his lost son — transformed into a tea tree.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    A farmer who witnessed this tragedy buried the body at the site. The following year, a tea tree sprouted from the burial site, believed to be the Monkey King's gesture of gratitude for the farmer's kindness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The farmer tended the tree carefully, and the leaves it produced were of exceptionally high quality. Their unique aroma and flavor captivated the villagers, and the tea quickly became famous.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production of point-shaped green tea began during the Qing Dynasty, and the name \"Taiping\" came into use naturally, as it was the most active production area in Anhui Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiping had a tea trade center where producers brought their tea to market.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Initially, tea leaves of various sizes — including fully grown leaves — were plucked to produce point-shaped green tea. Later, a man named Wang Kuicheng developed a method using one bud with one to two leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea produced by this method was of high quality and highly valued in the market. Since his name was \"Kuicheng\" and the tea was produced in \"Hou-keng,\" it came to be known as Taiping Hou Kui.\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    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1900: Taiping Hou Kui was first exhibited at an exhibition in Nanjing hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce. The tea was highly appreciated and became widely known.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1915: At the World Expo held in Panama to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal, Taiping Hou Kui won a gold medal among several Chinese teas exhibited, including Keemun black tea.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1916: Won a gold medal at a commercial exhibition held in Jiangsu Province.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1955: Selected as one of the top ten Chinese teas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e1988: Won a gold medal at the first China Food Expo.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e2004: Certified as \"Tea King\" at the China International Tea Expo held in Anhui Province.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Today, Taiping Hou Kui is also presented as a gift tea to foreign dignitaries.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A person on a mountain path beside a photo of village houses\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/64E75328-5E04-4F27-BBFD-57E77BE50C25.png?v=1615377994\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Production Area Information\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production area of Taiping Hou Kui is limited to 3 villages — Hou-keng, Hou-cun, and Yan-jia — all located in Ximing, Huangshan City, Anhui Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea fields are situated in the mountains, surrounded by dense forests. The high altitude and forest environment create significant temperature differences between day and night, and frequent heavy fog contributes to the high quality of the tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The forest also provides natural fertilizers such as humus, enriching the soil and allowing the tea trees to thrive. The result is the rich and mellow flavor that Taiping Hou Kui is known for.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Particularly in Hou-keng, the highest quality leaves are produced among the 3 areas. The tea fields there face north and tilt slightly westward, avoiding strong midday sunlight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The high altitude also creates significant temperature differences between day and night. In the Taiping region, days are warm and nights very cold. During the day, tea leaves absorb sunlight to produce the amino acids and carbohydrates necessary for growth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These substances are essential to high-quality tea. If temperatures remain warm at night, the leaves consume the compounds stored during the day.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the flavor components diminish. Conversely, when nights are cold, the leaves retain what was accumulated during the day, producing tea rich in these beneficial compounds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A mountain valley beside a photo of a tea field on a hillside\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/BE3B6E6D-C2C0-4A13-8F14-C95C6C2F5DCB.png?v=1615378063\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Varieties and Plucking\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea variety is called Shi-da and is used exclusively for Taiping Hou Kui. Shi-da is propagated from seeds, with seedlings carefully selected and managed by Anhui Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea leaves are very large, oval-shaped, thick, soft, and covered with white hairs. Young buds are light green, while mature leaves turn dark green. The leaf surface is raised and the edges are wavy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Buds grow to 2–2.5 cm. Tea leaves are plucked by hand under very strict management.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea shoot in hand, tea leaves in a glass, and tea bushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A1752261-812B-44E4-96B1-C4EDE5A81D9C.png?v=1615378116\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Beautiful Tea Leaves Like Pressed Flowers: Traditional Processing Methods\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Jian-jian: Selecting Tea Leaves that Meet Various Conditions\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After plucking, the tea leaves are brought to the factory, where they are re-examined for quality and only the finest tips are retained.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Selection follows strict criteria. Well-developed branches — one bud with three leaves — are chosen, and any leaves beyond the second are removed.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The first and second leaves must be level with the tip bud. One kilogram of leaves meeting these strict criteria contains 20,000 buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Fresh tea leaves spread on a bamboo tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/06482886-6FCD-452F-94E0-5FB7FC436176.png?v=1615378163\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Sha Qing: Deactivating Enzymes through Pan-Frying\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purpose of Sha Qing is to deactivate enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase through heat, achieved by pan-frying.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When the metal pan reaches a surface temperature of 120–130°C, the tea leaves are added. The high temperature quickly deactivates the enzymes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In other green tea production, pointed-bottom pans are commonly used, as they suit the production of tightly rolled, slender-shaped tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For Taiping Hou Kui, rough, loose, and flat-shaped leaves are required, so deep, flat-bottomed pans are used instead.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When the pan reaches 120–130°C, 75–100 g of tea leaves are added and fried for 3–4 minutes. The leaves are gently stirred from the bottom to the edge with the fingers.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The pan is then given 2–3 additional shakes to spread the leaves evenly, and the frying continues. This cycle is repeated 3–4 times. When the leaves become soft, the edges slightly crisp, the color deep green, the surface matte, and a pleasant aroma rises, the pan-frying is complete.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are immediately removed and spread on a bamboo sieve, which is shaken several times to dissipate heat. This cools the leaves, firms their texture, and reduces moisture to approximately 70%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are then promptly moved to the next process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves in a tiered pan beside a stove of glowing charcoal\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/5790C802-BB78-4EC2-BE66-F99D86504AC1.png?v=1615378213\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Chu Hong: Shaping the Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is the most crucial step in producing point-shaped Taiping Hou Kui.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The pan-fried leaves are heated in 4 bamboo baskets set at progressively lower temperatures: the first at 110°C, followed by 100°C, 85°C, and 60°C.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After cooling on the bamboo sieve from the previous step, the sieve is placed on the first heating basket. The edge is gently tapped to distribute the leaves evenly, and they are heated for 2–3 minutes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are then moved to the second basket and heated for another 2–3 minutes. While still hot and pliable, they are lightly pressed with both hands to shape them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The process is repeated in the third basket, and finally the leaves are moved to the fourth basket for a further 2–3 minutes, reducing moisture to approximately 30%.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    At this stage the leaves are partially dried and already firm, so they are not pressed. The total heating time for Chu Hong is approximately 12 minutes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are then spread on a bamboo sieve and cooled for one hour, allowing moisture to redistribute evenly from stem to leaf in preparation for the next stage.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The primary purpose of Chu Hong is to evaporate moisture and halt enzymes to preserve the green color, while simultaneously shaping the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    Er Hong\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After Chu Hong, 4–5 sieves of leaves are gathered and moved to the second heating stage. The basket temperature is approximately 80°C.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After spreading the leaves on the sieve, it is gently tapped several times to distribute them evenly. The leaves are then lightly pressed with the palm to strengthen their shape.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The leaves are turned every 5–6 minutes, repeating this 5–6 times over approximately 25–30 minutes in total.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When moisture is reduced to approximately 10%, the leaves are removed from the sieve and spread on a separate sieve to cool for 5–6 hours, allowing moisture to distribute evenly before the next process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n    San Hong\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    After the leaves have cooled sufficiently, 0.5–1 kg are heated for the third time at 60°C. The leaves are turned every 5 minutes, repeating 6 times for a total of 30 minutes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This stage uses a low heat (Wen-huo), developing a fresh green aroma (Qing-xiang).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When moisture content reaches 5–6%, the leaves are removed from the basket and cooled for 0.5–1 hour, completing the process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932456087728,"sku":"g10ca","price":5600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"90g (30g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932456120496,"sku":"g10cc","price":16500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"600g value pack (30g x 20 bags)","offer_id":44932456153264,"sku":"g10cv","price":89900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/g10_01.jpg?v=1737905757"},{"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"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/collections\/Raw_Pu-erh_Tea.jpg?v=1611739506","url":"https:\/\/hojotea.com\/en\/collections\/chinese-tea.oembed?page=2","provider":"お茶の専門店HOJO \/ HOJO CO., LTD.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}