{"title":"Teas Children Like","description":"\u003cp\u003eChildren taste more keenly than adults, and their bodies need iron, so they tend to find teas rich in iron good to drink. On that count, tea grown slowly under natural farming, tea from high altitude and tea from old trees all suit them. Raw pu-erh and white tea work especially well, and cold brewed white tea goes down extremely well with children.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChildren also tend to dislike flavors that are too strong. They lean toward teas with a natural flavor, close to the state of fresh leaf, rather than teas with a powerful flavor, a high degree of fermentation or heavy roasting.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"o18","title":"Tian Chi Li Shan Cha","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Tian Chi Li Shan Cha is tea harvested from gardens at an altitude of 2500–2600m in Li Shan, named after a nearby pond called Tian Chi. While Tian Chi Li Shan Cha is one of our standard products, the Special grade introduced here is of an entirely different caliber. A particular lot from a specific section of the garden had a truly distinctive aroma — one that surprised us the moment we tasted it, and we decided to purchase it on the spot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\n    The dried tea leaves have a citrus-like aroma, but when brewed, they release a refreshing citrus scent combined with an aroma reminiscent of matsutake mushrooms. Although the comparison to matsutake may seem surprising, it is entirely a compliment. The fusion of the clean, forest-like character of matsutake with the brightness of citrus creates a fragrance reminiscent of tropical fruits. Thanks to the extremely high altitude of the tea garden, the taste is very soft and smooth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea garden with rows of tea bushes and tall trees in fog\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7844\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/83711446_473585796657128_56471217850286080_n-1024x768.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rolled green oolong tea leaves on a bamboo scoop\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7841\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5226.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Opened green tea leaves in a white bowl\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7846\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5249-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g (small bag)","offer_id":44932463886512,"sku":"o18ta","price":5200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in a can \/ 2 bags of 25g)","offer_id":44932463919280,"sku":"o18tc","price":10300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (large bag\/25g x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932463952048,"sku":"o18tb","price":20200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"300g value pack (large bag [25g x 4 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932463984816,"sku":"o18tv","price":49200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/2021-03-1314.03.01.png?v=1737905855"},{"product_id":"o07","title":"Li Shan Cha","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        \"There is nothing like Li Shan\"... The best masterpiece of high mountain tea\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Li Shan Cha is made from tea leaves grown at an altitude of 2400m. We source our Li Shan Cha from tea gardens that have received high evaluations in past competitions, and we offer spring teas with the best balance of flavor and sweetness.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        In Japan, this height is equivalent to about the 5th station of Mt. Fuji. The unique climate of the high mountains transforms the tea much like alpine plants, creating an unforgettable floral and citrus 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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A glass cup of pale yellow-green tea with a red teapot behind\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/FA70D43B-6E7C-4E46-B6C3-21AB7D1A1860.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Refreshing, Elegant Flavor with Sweetness and Smooth Drinking Sensation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor is reminiscent of mandarin orange and lime. Along with a refreshing, clean fragrance, the tea also offers a sweet floral character and honey notes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Masterpiece Grown in Li Shan\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiwan has many teas called high mountain teas, but Li Shan Cha always reigns at the top.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The unique soil and climate of Li Shan, along with the harsh winter conditions, create a strong citrus flavor and an elegant, sweet aftertaste that other high mountain teas do not possess.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Difference is in the Tea Leaves\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    A tablespoon of tea leaves expands to fill the teapot when hot water is added. If you have time, take out the tea leaves and observe them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    You will notice that the leaves retain their plucked shape and are very soft. They are carefully plucked and processed to maintain their original form.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Flavor and Color Lasts Up to the 7th Infusion\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Another feature of high-quality Li Shan Cha is that it can be brewed multiple times. Even after the 7th infusion, the color and flavor remain strong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    With just 5g of tea leaves, you can enjoy about 1 liter of tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves in red teapots and a soft leaf pinched between fingers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/8A5F064A-B3C5-401F-8063-4A977E26D8D5.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Opened green tea leaves inside a red teapot seen from above\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/4C20E26D-78BB-440F-9FD0-1564E2D045EE.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A cup with one rolled leaf beside a cup with an opened leaf\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/87B5EFCD-9A9F-4726-B867-0DD627829BCE.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark green rolled tea leaves in a white bowl\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/977276FD-0A7A-4165-8285-1E25C6C247B7.png\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932463493296,"sku":"o07ta","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932463526064,"sku":"o07tc","price":11300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932463558832,"sku":"o07tb","price":22100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932463591600,"sku":"o07tv","price":54400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/2021-03-2516.20.26.jpg?v=1737905851"},{"product_id":"g25","title":"Tsukigase Zairai Sencha","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Tsukigase, located at the border of Nara, Kyoto, and Mie prefectures, is a region with a rich history and unique geography. Once the bottom of ancient Lake Biwa, known as the Paleo-Biwa Formation, the land rose over time to form its present geographical features. This historical background contributes to the area's rich red clay soil, which is essential to the high quality of Tsukigase tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Clear Floral Flavor That is Unusual for Sencha\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tsukigase Zairai does not have the typical Japanese green tea flavor. Most Japanese green teas have a sweet flavor that comes from the large amount of amino acids inside the tea leaf. Amino acids are produced when nitrogen-based fertilizer is applied to the tea tree. The more nitrogen-based fertilizer applied, the faster the tea grows and the more amino acids accumulate. This amino acid is called theanine. When tea is baked during the finishing process called Shiage, the amino acids react with sugar and form the typical flavor through the Maillard reaction—the same mechanism that creates the aroma of pancakes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A sloping tea field in evening light with people among the rows\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/2011112320100478b_480x480.jpg?v=1591980227\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Without nitrogen-based fertilizer, tea grows very slowly. The tea then produces more polyphenols and accumulates more minerals inside the leaf. Tsukigase Zairai is grown without any fertilizer, making it rich in minerals and polyphenols. This type of tea has a very refreshing, flowery flavor because it contains very little amino acid. Brewed with a short infusion, the taste is similar to Taiwanese oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tsukigase is Rich in Red Soil\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tsukigase Zairai Sencha is produced in Tsukigase village in Nara prefecture. Due to a government consolidation policy, this village was merged into Nara city. Tsukigase is developed along the Nabari River, which flows through Kyoto and eventually reaches Osaka. The river's name changes from Nabari River to Kizu River and then to Yodo River as it passes through different regions. Historically, the river was used for logistics, and all tea gardens were developed along its banks, with the downstream city serving as the main market. Tea produced along this river, including Tsukigase Zairai Sencha, was historically sold as Uji Sencha. Following regulatory changes by Japan's health ministry, producers stopped using that designation, and tea from Nara is now called Yamato Cha. Yamato is Nara's ancient name, and it was once the oldest capital city of Japan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two men beside tea bushes, one carrying a camera\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/20111123201003f45_480x480.jpg?v=1591980240\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tsukigase Used to Be the Bottom of Lake Biwa\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tsukigase is situated at the border of 3 prefectures: Nara, Kyoto, and Mie. At one time, Lake Biwa was much larger than it is today, and Tsukigase lay at the bottom of this lake. As time passed, the land rose and formed the present geographical features, which is why Tsukigase is so rich in red clay. In fact, Tsukigase is very close to Iga and Shigaraki, both historically known for producing very fine red clay—it takes only a few minutes to reach Iga from Tsukigase. The high quality of Tsukigase tea is mainly due to this red clay.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A misty valley with a river and a suspension bridge\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/201111232010048be_480x480.jpg?v=1591980195\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, in Tsukigase, fine soil only exists in certain areas due to the specific geographical structure. The land may once have been flat with a top layer rich in red clay, but the gradual encroachment of the Nabari River formed a river terrace. As a result, the fine red soil exists only in the upper layer. The intermediate layer consists of red soil mixed with sand, while the bottom layer is pure white sand. We therefore look only for tea from gardens situated at the highest level. Tea from the lower layers tastes flat and has a very light flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The following diagram shows the distribution of soil layers on the river terrace.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Diagram of soil layers before and after river erosion, with tea garden positions\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/tsukigase01e.gif\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Zairai Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tsukigase Zairai Sencha is produced from Zairai cultivars. In Japanese, Zairai means \"native to Japan,\" though tea itself is not a native Japanese plant—the term refers to seed-grown tea. Zairai tea has very long roots that effectively absorb minerals. When grown under identical conditions, Zairai consistently produces higher quality than modern cultivars such as Yabukita. Because Zairai is planted from seed and undergoes complex natural hybridization, there are various genetic traits among the plants. On close inspection, each tree differs in leaf shape, size, and color.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea bush canopy covered in bright green new shoots\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/IMG_6934_480x480.jpg?v=1591980488\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Sustainable Tea Garden\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Our Tsukigase Zairai Sencha is produced through natural farming practices. Natural farming is a more stringent approach than organic production. Farmers do not use any nitrogen fertilizer, even organic forms. They use only grasses or leaves collected from the mountains to manage the growth rate of the tea. The tea grows almost entirely in natural conditions. If nitrogen-based fertilizer such as animal manure is applied, the tea grows faster, which negatively affects its quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A man in gloves plucking something from a tea bush\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/g25_03.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Removing insects by hand\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Bundles of dried grass stacked in a field\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/g25_04.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wild grass is applied after fermentation.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Slow Growing\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Usually, tea trees are trimmed in autumn. The common practice in Japan is to cut the branches low, leaving thick branches like straw. These thick branches effectively transfer nutrients from the ground, causing tea leaves to grow faster and increasing yield. As a result, the aftertaste becomes shallow and the tea accumulates a large amount of amino acids from the excessive nutrient supply. This is why most Japanese teas have a flat aftertaste. In Japan, it is commonly said that good tea contains more amino acids—but in fact, high-quality tea should contain more minerals and polyphenols and fewer amino acids.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tsukigase tea is trimmed only at the tips, to a very minor extent. With this practice, the branches become very thin—no thicker than a toothpick—and very consistent in size, producing small, evenly sized leaves with a uniform moisture content. Leaves managed this way look yellowish-green and feel firm to the touch. According to the farmer, this method makes the tea leaves less efficient at absorbing nutrients, causing them to grow very slowly and allowing substances to accumulate in the leaves. This is one of the primary reasons Tsukigase tea is of such high quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932457496752,"sku":"g25ja","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932457529520,"sku":"g25jc","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932457562288,"sku":"g25jb","price":5100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932457595056,"sku":"g25jv","price":13000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/5DD8B62E-8E6B-489E-B521-20258143C2D1.png?v=1737905771"},{"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":"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":"w25","title":"Ancient White Tea ( Gushu Bai Cha )","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Green and silvery tea leaves in a metal scoop\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7600\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4846-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ancient White Tea (Gushu Baicha) is made from tea leaves plucked from old trees, using one bud and two to three leaves. It is a luxurious white tea that combines a floral flavor with a long, lingering aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Metal bowl filled with tea leaves covered in fine white down\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7603\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4771-1.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tea from High-Altitude Old Trees\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ancient White Tea is made from tea grown in sustainable, naturally cultivated gardens at an altitude of 2100–2200 meters in Zhenkang County, Lincang City. The tea leaves are sourced from a garden owned by a friend and fellow tea producer with whom we collaborate. Due to the high altitude, old tree age, and natural cultivation, the tea grows very slowly, and the first flush is not harvested until April. Slowly grown tea is rich in minerals and polyphenols, resulting in a deep aftertaste and a long finish.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea trees and grass in a garden with mountains behind\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7591\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3629.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Refreshing Citrus Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To bring out the best characteristics of Ancient White Tea, we pluck using one bud and 2–3 leaves rather than one bud and one leaf. Baihao Yinzhen (Silver Needle), made from a single bud, and Bai Mudan (White Peony), made from one bud and one leaf, both have a creamy texture due to their high amino acid content. In contrast, one bud and 2–3 leaves contain more polyphenols, resulting in a cleaner taste and a more pronounced floral flavor. Ancient White Tea has a refreshing citrus character and a clear, transparent taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry green and silvery tea leaves in a white bowl\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7602\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4870-2.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hand holding a spoon in a white bowl of pale yellow tea\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7595\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4877.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Green and silvery tea leaves on a white dish\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7594\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4871.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Enhanced Flavor with Aging\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Teas with high polyphenol content are well suited for aging. In the case of white tea in particular, aging in an oxygen-free environment further enhances its flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pile of green and silvery tea leaves on a dark surface\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7597\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4851.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Non-Heat Processing of White Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    White tea is made without applying any heat, which preserves the enzymes in the tea leaves. After plucking, the leaves are spread on mats in a well-ventilated indoor space to slowly release moisture through withering. This dehydration stress activates the leaf enzymes, triggering a gentle fermentation. Unlike oolong and black tea, where heat is applied after withering to halt fermentation, white tea is continuously withered and simultaneously dried until fully dry.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Man spreading tea leaves by hand on a bamboo mat\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7593\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3944.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Bamboo tray filled with dry tea leaves covered in fine white down\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7592\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3985.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Ideal for Cold Brew Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is also excellent when cold brewed. As a guide, 5g of tea leaves can yield about 2 liters of cold brew. Simply soak the leaves in water and refrigerate for about half a day. Be sure to remove the leaves after brewing. Using water that has been boiled and cooled will further enhance the flavor and aroma. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for several days. Children love it too, so it is well worth trying.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":43880369848496,"sku":"w25cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932438524080,"sku":"w25cb","price":5400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932438556848,"sku":"w25cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8415.jpg?v=1737905528"},{"product_id":"w30","title":"High Mountain White Tea","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry white tea leaves in a stainless steel bowl\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8731\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8418.jpg?v=1641395076\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain White Tea is a white tea made from one bud and two leaves plucked at an altitude of 2100m to 2300m. It has a soft taste and a refreshing flavor that reminds one of grass, perilla, honey, and peaches.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since the tea garden is far from the village, the amount sourced is limited, making it a rare tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Large dry white tea leaves in a white cup\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8745\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w30_03.jpg?v=1713923309\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tea Garden Untouched by Humans for Decades\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain White Tea is made from tea harvested from Bai Yan Shan in Zhenkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, at an altitude of 2100m to 2300m, and nearby mountains. The tea trees are estimated to be 100 to 150 years old. The tea garden has been left unattended for decades, and the tea trees have become semi-wild. In China, such tea gardens are called \"wild tea gardens.\"\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Forested mountain ridges fading into haze\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8746\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w30_02-1.jpg?v=1713923310\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Honey Fragrance Formed by Leafhoppers\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In addition to the high altitude, the characteristic of High Mountain White Tea is that it comes from tea gardens with plenty of sunshine. Tea from sunlit gardens has a very floral flavor. Moreover, sunlit tea gardens are prone to leafhoppers, resulting in many tea leaves that have been attacked by them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When bitten by leafhoppers, the tea tries to resist by biosynthesizing a substance called terpenoid, which is equivalent to antibodies in humans.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When this substance is changed through fermentation and aging, it forms a honey fragrance similar to that found in Oriental Beauty. Even in its fresh state, High Mountain White Tea has a faint honey fragrance. Generally, the honey fragrance becomes more pronounced as fermentation and aging progress. It is expected that High Mountain White Tea will develop a clearer honey fragrance (muscatel flavor) after being aged in an anaerobic environment for several years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/blogs\/blog\/posts-895\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    High-Altitude Tea is High-Quality Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When sourcing tea, we invariably prefer tea gardens at high altitudes. As you can imagine, the climate in high-altitude areas allows for strong sunlight and high temperatures during the day, while nights cool down rapidly. This results in vigorous photosynthesis during the day and minimal consumption activities at night, making the tea rich in components and giving it a more dense flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Not just tea, but vegetables, wild plants, and fruits from high-altitude regions have an absolute advantage in quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dry white tea leaves in a white cup on a patterned surface\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8737\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8435.jpg?v=1713923121\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A cup of pale tea beside a cup of brewed leaves\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8736\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8445.jpg?v=1713923123\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain White Tea has a refreshing flavor reminiscent of perilla and herbs, with a hint of peach, and a sweet muscatel aftertaste. It features a smooth mouthfeel and a transparent flavor. In addition to brewing with hot water, we also recommend brewing with cold water. It might also be interesting to let some of the tea age for a long time without opening the package to bring out the muscatel flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":43880369815728,"sku":"w30cc","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932438458544,"sku":"w30cb","price":6200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932438491312,"sku":"w30cv","price":20700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4110-2.jpg?v=1787720261"},{"product_id":"d137","title":"Wu Jia Ping Zhang Raw Pu-erh Tea 2020","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Tea from a Single Tea Garden\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea is produced from an area called Wu Jia Ping Zhang, located in the village of Wu Jia Zhai in Yongde County, Lincang. In Chinese, 'Zai' refers to a settlement smaller than a village (usually about a few hundred people).\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The name Wu Jia Zhai comes from the many people with the surname Wu, indicating a settlement of the Wu family.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        We offer a raw pu-erh tea named Wu Jia Zhai raw pu-erh tea, made from tea leaves of multiple tea gardens in Wu Jia Zhai.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        In contrast, Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea comes from a single tea garden. Due to the centuries-old, naturally cultivated tea trees grown without pesticides or fertilizers, it has a very strong aftertaste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When thinking of pu-erh tea, many may imagine a brown-colored tea with an flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits. This type of tea is called ripe pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Raw pu-erh tea, however, is fruity and delicate like freshly made white wine. It is completely free of bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\"\u003eDifferences Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea garden is at a high altitude of around 2100m, located in the southwest of Lincang, Yunnan, and it is very near the Myanmar border.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Lush green tea garden in the hills\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3803.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Disc-shaped tea cake with a dimple in the center\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d138_01.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A compressed Pu-erh tea cake seen from above on its paper wrapper\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d137_01.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman with a shoulder bag plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932436721840,"sku":"d137ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"357g (cake)","offer_id":44932436754608,"sku":"d137cc","price":13000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,071g value pack (3 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932436787376,"sku":"d137cv","price":31100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d137_01.jpg?v=1737905500"},{"product_id":"d138","title":"Wu Jia Ping Zhang Raw Pu-erh Tea 2021","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Tea from a Single Garden\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea is from an area called Wu Jia Ping Zhang, located in the village of Wu Jia Zhai in Yongde County, Lincang City. In Chinese, \"Zhai\" refers to a settlement smaller than a village, typically with a population of a few hundred people.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Wu Jia Zhai is named after the many people with the surname Wu who live there.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        We offer a raw pu-erh tea called Wu Jia Zhai raw pu-erh tea, made from tea leaves from multiple tea gardens in Wu Jia Zhai.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        In contrast, Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea is from a single tea garden. It comes from naturally cultivated, pesticide-free, and fertilizer-free old trees that are several hundred years old, giving it a very rich aftertaste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When you think of pu-erh tea, you might imagine a brownish tea with the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits, but that is a type of pu-erh called ripe pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Raw pu-erh tea is fruity and delicate, like freshly made white wine. It is entirely free of bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\"\u003eDifferences Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea is harvested from tea gardens located at an altitude of around 2100m in the southwest of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, near the Myanmar border. We offer the 2020 (357g cake) and 2021 (200g cake) harvests.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Lush green tea garden in the hills\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3803.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Two Unique Teas\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This time, we are releasing two different teas from 2020 and 2021. The 2020 tea is a 357g cake, and the 2021 tea is a 200g cake. The 2020 tea was aged for two years in an oxygen-free environment before release.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Disc-shaped tea cake with a dimple in the center\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d138_01.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The photo shows Wu Jia Ping Zhang raw pu-erh tea 2021.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2021 cake is 200g. Since we produced raw pu-erh tea from the same area for two consecutive years, we varied the tea leaves used to ensure each year's tea has a unique character.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2020 tea was made from leaves harvested around mid-April. This period is ideal for balanced flavor and aroma. The high proportion of buds gives the tea a soft, creamy texture and a smooth mouthfeel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, the 2021 tea was made from leaves harvested in mid-May. Although from the same garden, you might wonder why the 2020 tea was harvested in mid-April and the 2021 tea in mid-May. The answer is that both are first flush teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, Yunnan farmers sow new tea plants as each generation passes, resulting in mixed-age tea gardens.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Wu Jia Ping Zhang tea garden also consists of tea trees of various ages, ranging from around 100 years to several hundred years old. Younger trees grow faster, while older trees grow more slowly. Only the oldest trees produce first flush tea in May.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One might think that older trees are always better, but by May, the season progresses and temperatures rise. Compared to April, the leaves open more, and the proportion of buds decreases by weight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, the creamy, smooth mouthfeel characteristic of the April harvest is lost. Instead, the May harvest has higher clarity, increased crispness, and a long aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2020 tea is well-balanced and appeals to a broad audience, while the 2021 tea is more specialized and will delight connoisseurs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman with a shoulder bag plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932436623536,"sku":"d138ca","price":1700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932436656304,"sku":"d138cc","price":6700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932436689072,"sku":"d138cv","price":26800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d138_02.jpg?v=1737905499"},{"product_id":"d161","title":"Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh Tea 2022","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Unique Characteristics of 2020 and 2021 Harvests\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh Tea has a well-balanced taste with a moderate body and a long aftertaste. The 2020 harvest has a creamier and smoother mouthfeel, while the 2021 harvest offers a longer aftertaste and a sharp, transparent taste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When thinking of Pu-erh tea, many may imagine a tea with a brown liquor and the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits. However, that type of tea is Ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Raw Pu-erh tea is fruity and delicate, much like freshly made white wine. It has no bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDifference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh Tea is made from spring tea harvested from tea gardens at an altitude of 2000–2100 meters in the western part of Lincang City, Yunnan Province. The name \"Tang Jia\" comes from the family name \"Tang,\" who own the tea garden. Despite having many old trees that anyone would envy, the Tang family's tea garden was left unattended for about 30 years until 2018, without any tea being plucked.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Ancient Tea Garden Left Unattended for 30 Years Due to Family Circumstances\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The Tang family used to be tea farmers, but after the current head of the family inherited the property, they switched to raising cattle and goats. The high-quality meat of cattle and goats grazed on wild mountain grass in the high-altitude areas of Lincang fetches high prices. Even pen-raised cattle sell for around 10,000 yuan (approximately 150,000 yen) per head, and free-range cattle command even higher prices, making livestock farming a coveted occupation in the village. Consequently, many tea garden owners, like the Tang family, have switched to livestock farming.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"Person herding cattle and goats along a dirt path\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3084.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7724\" width=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Initially, the Tang family expected his wife to be involved in tea production while Mr. Tang (pictured above) managed the livestock. However, since the livestock farming provided sufficient income, his wife had little interest in working the tea garden. As a result, the garden was left unattended for years, creating tension within the family — particularly with the mother-in-law — and ultimately leading to their divorce a few years ago.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"People walking with cattle up a rocky red-soil slope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8771.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7730\" width=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Me attempting to touch a goat kid.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Now in his 50s, Mr. Tang remarried after his first wife left. His new wife is a refugee from Kokang, Myanmar.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Kokang was a region of intense civil conflict, with fighter jets and mortar shells flying overhead until just a few years ago. The western part of Lincang is only about 50 kilometers from Myanmar, and accepting refugees from there is common. In counties like Zhenkang and Yongde, it is not unusual for locals to marry people from Myanmar.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"Smiling woman in a striped top standing among tea bushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0111.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7728\" width=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Mr. Tang's new wife from Myanmar (pictured above) is an incredibly hard worker. Within less than six months, she transformed the completely overgrown garden into a pluckable state by clearing the underbrush and cutting down small trees. Her extraordinary work ethic made her famous in the village, and the tea garden became known as \"the ancient tea garden of the Myanmar wife.\"\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        In 2018, I attempted to source Tang Jia's tea, but due to its popularity I could only secure a small amount of the raw tea leaves. In 2019, I decided to rent the Tang family's tea garden. Fortunately, the tea producer I collaborate with is a relative of the Tang family, which allowed me to arrange the rental fee through the producer and secure a one-year lease.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Following local custom, when renting a tea garden you pay the rental fee upfront and also pay the Myanmar wife a fair rate for plucking the tea. This arrangement provides the Tang family with additional income from the rental fee.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        \u003cimg alt=\"Hillside tea garden covered in bright green tea bushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2838-2.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-7726\" width=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The Tang family's tea garden after clearing the overgrowth.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Slowly Grown Tea Trees\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Interestingly, even tea trees that have thrived for hundreds of years can suddenly become weak and die if fertilized. Farmers with this knowledge avoid using any fertilizers to prevent weakening the trees. The Tang family has\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but on teas with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we seek out remote mountain villages and select tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through channels off the beaten path. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to originate from famous regions are produced across thousands of locations using leaves sourced from elsewhere, and can be found everywhere — from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What makes the situation more complex is a well-known phenomenon among local sourcing professionals: teas made from leaves grown in remote, lesser-known areas often surpass the genuine articles in quality. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands such as Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are highly regarded because teas produced before 1990 are considered exceptionally valuable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Why are those older teas so special? Many assume it is simply due to long aging, but the real reason is that the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, giving them inherently superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This means that even if today's teas are aged for just as long, they will not reach the same level. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932435509424,"sku":"d161ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932435542192,"sku":"d161cc","price":7600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932435574960,"sku":"d161cv","price":26800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_4140-1_380bf309-426a-475c-8594-1ea5b182134f.jpg?v=1788163472"},{"product_id":"g48","title":"Tsuge Zairai Sencha","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        Umami ≠ Delicious\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n        The current trend in Japanese tea is to have a high umami content. The main component of umami is an amino acid called theanine, but umami does not necessarily mean delicious. Umami refers to flavors like monosodium glutamate, a key taste component.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n        To increase the amino acid content in tea leaves, nitrogen fertilizer must be applied. In tea gardens where nitrogen fertilizer is used, tea plants grow vigorously, but the amount of catechins and other polyphenols and minerals decreases.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n        Additionally, teas high in theanine have a lighter taste with less depth (body and aftertaste), making them taste more plain.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Rich-Aftertaste Tea is the Hallmark of HOJO's Japanese Tea\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n        At HOJO, we prioritize rich-Aftertaste tea, selecting teas that are high in catechins and minerals rather than theanine.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n        Teas rich in minerals are produced through natural cultivation without fertilizers or with limited use of fertilizers. Enjoy the sweet aftertaste that lingers in your throat when you drink our tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"A green tea field on a slope beside a forest of cedar trees\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9228\" height=\"420\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9561.jpg?v=1737905451\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Tea garden on a hillside with a cedar forest behind\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1325\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9593.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\nTsuge Zairai Sencha is made from \"zairai\" tea plucked in spring, from the naturally farmed tea garden located in Tsuge, Nara City, Nara Prefecture.\nThe tea garden of Tsuge Zairai Sencha is maintained in sustainable manner applying neither pesticide nor fertilizer.\nTsuge Zairai Sencha has a subtle and refreshing floral scent with a hint of sweet nutty note and smooth taste. It has a very long-lasting finishing that lingers down the throat.\nIn terms of the strength and depth of the finishing\/aftertaste, it is the longest among HOJO's Japanese teas.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Pile of dry green tea leaves on a white background\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1323\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0023.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\nThe tea leaves are slightly rough cut like aracha (crude tea), not those slim-needle-shape. But you may be surprised how delicate and soft the taste of tea is.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Brewed green tea leaves in a white dish\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1322\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0033.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Yellow-green tea liquor in a white cup\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1321\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0040.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\n \n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tsuge, which is said to be the center of ancient Japan\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\nTsuge is located in the Yamato highland in the northeastern part of Nara Prefecture.\n Tsuge used to be Tsuge Village, but was merged with Nara City in 2005. Even now, the name Tsuge remains as a place name.\nMany myths that seem to be related to the land around Tsugi are described in the Kojiki(The oldest document of  in Japan) . There are a number of heritages in Tsuge.\nIf you have the greatest interest in the ancient history of Japan, Tsuge is an interesting place to visit.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Map of the Kinki region marking the location of Tsuge\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1327\" height=\"613\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/nara_map.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The soil is rich in minerals\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\nTsuge Zairai Sencha tea gardens located on the slope of a mountain within walking distance from Kunitsu Shrine and Ogami Shrine. Tsuge, where many ancient historical sites remain, is a land that is not easily eroded by rivers.  The area around the tea garden is covered with beige-yellowish clay that has the similar property as Zhuni and is very rich in iron. It is one of the reasons why Tsuge Zairai Sencha has such a long finishing.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Bare soil with fallen leaves on a slope\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1330\" height=\"471\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/312319354_663334285304415_6787079740662994095_n.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding small crumbs of reddish-brown soil\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1331\" height=\"471\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/312318237_532396828777532_8579815991812196207_n.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\nFor decades, the tea garden was managed with natural farming method. It's pesticide-free and fertilizer-free tea garden.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Tea grower standing in a green tea field\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1326\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9580.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\nTsuge Zairai Sencha Tea Garden and the tea maker\n \nUnlike modern Japanese tea garden with mass production scale, this Tsuge Zairai Sencha tea gardens are in very small scale.\nWe evaluate the quality of tea from each section of the tea garden owned by the producer, and selected a single tea garden for our lineup.\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Quality Tea comes from Healthy Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\nWe think that a good example of a healthy plant is a natural plant in the forest or mountain. Plants in nature depend only on the ecosystem for nitrogen intake. As a result, natural plants grow slower and their cells are more compact and dense.\nWhen we search for quality tea, we search for the garden that is maintained in a state similar to the natural plant.\n On the contrary, when fertilizers (nitrogen fertilizers, regardless of organic or chemical) are applied, the nitrogen is over saturated in \u003cspan class=\"correction alternate\" id=\"GingerWidget-correction-0\"\u003ethe tea garden\u003c\/span\u003e. As a result, the tea tree \u003cspan class=\"correction alternate\" id=\"GingerWidget-correction-1\"\u003eabsorbs\u003c\/span\u003e a lot of nitrogen and it grows fast and vigorously. To support faster growth, tea leaves synthesize a large amount of chlorophyll and actively performs photosynthesis. The cells of the rapidly growing tea leaves are enlarged, leading to low cell density.As a result, although the yield increases, the aftertaste\/finishing becomes light and flat.\nThere are some producers who advertise not using chemical fertilizers, but we believe that both chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers have the same effect on tea growth as long as they are rich in nitrogen.\nBased on our experience, applying the grass and forest's fallen leaves as the fertilizer are not a problem because it is the part of the ecosystem that keeps tea and vegetables in their natural state.\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Fertilizer-free cultivation eliminates the need for pesticides\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\nAs you can see by observing the plants in nature, they are perfectly sustainable. They have been alive and well for many years even though they have not been given any fertilizer as well as pesticides.\nIn fact, pests are always looking for the nitrogen through the consumption of leaves. \u003cspan class=\"correction alternate\" id=\"GingerWidget-correction-0\"\u003eTherefore, tea\u003c\/span\u003e leaves that contains \u003cspan class=\"correction alternate\" id=\"GingerWidget-correction-1\"\u003ea higher concentration\u003c\/span\u003e of nitrogen will eventually attract insects, which is why pesticides are needed.\n \nFor example, even if the plants are natural, if they are fertilized, the leaves and their cells will grow larger, the color changes to dark green, and at the same time they will attract insects.\nNon-fertilized tea contains a lot of polyphenols and terpenes and low in nitrogen concentration. These physiologically active substances contribute greatly to the taste and flavor of tea; it gives a rich and complex taste, with fruity and floral flavor. Note that the flavor comes not from the polyphenols themselves but from terpenes. Slowly grown tea contains more terpene glycosides, the precursors of these terpenes, which is why its flavor is rich.\nLike natural plants, these tea plants do not require pesticide because insects are not interested in the plant that contains low nitrogen. The producers of Tsuge Zairai Sencha also emphasized the fact that it is almost free of pests.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Fine dry green tea leaves in a metal bowl\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1324\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0018.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\nFertilizer-free tea grows slowly and does not require vigorous photosynthesis. For this reason, it has less number chlorophyll and generally it is characterized by its yellow-green color.\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Seedling tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\nTsuge Zairai Sencha is grown from seedlings.\nSeedlings means tea plants are grown from seeds, and are called zairai in Japan.\nOriginally, \u003cspan class=\"correction alternate\" id=\"GingerWidget-correction-0\"\u003eZaire\u003c\/span\u003e means the name used for the endemic \u003cspan class=\"correction alternate\" id=\"GingerWidget-correction-1\"\u003especies\u003c\/span\u003e of Japanese animals and plants such as Japanese \u003cspan class=\"correction alternate\" id=\"GingerWidget-correction-2\"\u003eserow\u003c\/span\u003e, or Yamato Iwana. Since tea were originally brought from China, the term \"Zairai\" is not really appropriate. However, in the Japanese tea industry, Zairai is commonly used for the tea planted by seeding, so HOJO uses the term 'zairai' to make it easier to understand.\nThe teas of cultivars, such as Yabukita, Okumidori and Benifuki, are planted with cuttings.\nWhen seeds are sown, crossbreeding produces hybrids, so cuttings or grafting are essential to preserve a particular cultivar or variety.\nCompared to cuttings, seedling tea has a different root structure.\nThe photo below shows a clear picture of the different between cuttings and seedling tea.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Two tea plants laid on a rock, the left with shallow spreading roots and the right with one long deep root\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1328\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_6121.jpg\" width=\"630\"\/\u003e\nCuttings (Cultivated Tea) on the left, seedlings (Grown from Seed) on the right\nThe tea tree sown from the seed has a long root like a burdock, it's called a taproot. For this reason, it is easy to absorb the minerals in the ground, and the tea has a thicker aftertaste.\n","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932432199856,"sku":"g48ja","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932432232624,"sku":"g48jc","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932432265392,"sku":"g48jb","price":5000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932432298160,"sku":"g48jv","price":12500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0023.jpg?v=1737905451"},{"product_id":"w36","title":"Tiang Xiang Bai Mu Dan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Pile of dry white tea leaves with silvery down on a white background\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w36_02.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9270\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Tian\" (甜) means sweet flavor. We have aged the 2020 white tea for years in an oxygen-free environment, resulting in a unique sweet flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea is made from one bud and one leaf harvested from natural tea gardens at an altitude of 2000m in Yunnan Province. By storing the 2019 white tea for several years, we have enhanced its sweet flavor through aging.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Aging Bai Mu Dan in Oxygen-Free Environment\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In 2019, we produced more Bai Mu Dan than planned, so we decided to store part of the batch in an oxygen-free environment for several years instead of selling it as new tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Sweet Flavor Like Sweet Potatoes\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Through aging, the tea has developed a sweet flavor reminiscent of sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and brown sugar.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you drink this tea without prior knowledge, you might think it is a black tea rather than a white tea. Therefore, we highly recommend it to those who love black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to its sweet flavor, it pairs well with sweets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed green-brown tea leaves on a white background\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w36_01.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9271\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Pale golden tea liquor in a white cup\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w36_03.jpg\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9272\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Using Raw Materials Harvested from Naturally Grown Old Tea Trees\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like Bai Mu Dan, this tea is produced in a mountain village located in the southwestern part of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, about 50km from the Myanmar border.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0487.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"View of hills with white flowering shrubs\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0487.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6751\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In 2019, before the pandemic, I personally visited the site and oversaw the production of Bai Mu Dan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since the production method of white tea is simple, the quality of the raw tea leaves is directly reflected in the quality of the tea. Therefore, improving the quality of the raw tea leaves directly enhances the quality of white tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9322.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Tea leaves spread on a woven bamboo mat\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9322.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6755\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tian Xiang Bai Mu Dan uses raw materials harvested from  tea gardens kept in wild over 2000m in altitude in a mountain village in Yunnan Province. Like fruits and vegetables, the higher the altitude, the better the quality. In this respect, the 2000m tea garden is ideal in terms of altitude.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In this area, the tea trees are not pruned to be low like in Japanese or Fujian tea gardens. Each tea tree is left to grow naturally, and some trees are as tall as the roof of a house.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9880.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A person among tea trees on a hillside\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" height=\"420\" width=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9880.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6749\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Old tea trees without fertilizers grow slowly, and because the number of leaves is small, the cell density is high, resulting in a soft taste and a rich aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Best to Wait a Few Days After Opening Aged Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Like wine, aged tea develops better flavor if you wait a few days (at least one day) after opening it before drinking. Enjoy the evolving aroma over time after opening the package.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/tea-in-lincang\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ee Focus on Lincang Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e.\n\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932431937712,"sku":"w36cc","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"150g (50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932431970480,"sku":"w36cb","price":7800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"600g value pack (50g x 12 bags)","offer_id":44932432003248,"sku":"w36cv","price":15600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/w36_02.jpg?v=1737905448"},{"product_id":"d166","title":"Hou Di Raw Pu-erh Tea 2025 Loose","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh Tea is made from spring tea grown in western Lincang, at a high altitude of 2000–2100m.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea has a very deep finish with a smooth mouthfeel. It has a sweet, grassy note with a honey-like flavor, and a hint of fruitiness that lingers on the palate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tang Jia means \"Tang Family\" in Chinese, named after the family that owns the tea garden. Tang Jia tea garden is an ancient tea garden with a vast number of large tea trees, yet nobody had plucked tea there until 2018. The garden had been left unattended for nearly 30 years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Ancient Tea Garden Left Unattended for 30 Years\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Long ago, the Tang family made their living from tea. However, ever since the current Mr. Tang took over the family business, he shifted to goat and cattle grazing. In Yunnan, cattle and goats raised on wild grass in high mountain areas are in very high demand. Even cattle raised in enclosures in high mountain villages are popular, fetching prices as high as RMB 10,000. Naturally, free-range cattle are much more expensive. As a result, the livestock grazing business is very popular among villagers. We have noticed that quite a number of tea garden owners have abandoned their gardens to take up livestock grazing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Person herding cattle and goats along a dirt path\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3084.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Initially, Mr. Tang expected his wife to manage the tea farming while he focused on grazing. However, his wife was unwilling to work in the tea garden, as they already had sufficient income. Eventually, the tea gardens were left unattended for many years. A few years ago, Mr. Tang and his wife divorced.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"People walking with cattle up a rocky red-soil slope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8771.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Here, we are trying to touch one of the baby goats. Mr. Tang is now about 50 years old and has remarried. His new wife came to Yunnan from Guo Gan, Myanmar, as a refugee. Guo Gan is only about 50km from the Yunnan border and had been in a civil war for quite some time—a conflict between ethnic minority groups and government forces. Due to the conflict, many villagers fled to Yunnan as refugees. In Zhenkang County, which directly borders Myanmar, we often encounter them. Nowadays, it is quite common for villagers in Lincang to marry women from Myanmar.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Smiling woman in a striped top standing among tea bushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0111.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To everyone's surprise, Mr. Tang's new wife (shown above) turned out to be extremely hardworking. She willingly went to the tea garden and cleared the undergrowth by hand. Before the other villagers had noticed, she had revived Tang Jia tea garden within half a year. Because she worked so effectively, she became well known among the neighbors. Nowadays, neighbors often call Tang Jia tea garden \"the Myanmar wife's tea garden.\" She started plucking tea in 2018. However, there were many people interested in the teas from her garden. Since it had been left unattended for 30 years, everyone knew her tea would be exceptional. Due to its high popularity, we only managed to purchase a very small quantity in 2018 and introduced it in Malaysia. In 2019, we decided to rent her garden to secure quality raw material for our tea. Our tea producer happens to be a relative of the Tang family. So, we approached them through our producer and succeeded in renting Tang Jia garden. Sadly, they only agreed to a one-year contract. Following local customs, anyone who rents a garden pays a lump sum for the full year's rental. In addition, tea pluckers are paid according to the market rate. Essentially, the rental fee provides extra income for the tea garden owner.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hillside tea garden covered in bright green tea bushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2838-2.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Tang Jia tea garden after the Myanmar wife began caring for it.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Old tea tree with thick moss-covered branches\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3685.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Ancient Tea Trees in Tang Jia Garden\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    How the Compression Process Affects Quality\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    From experience, we have learned that the compression process greatly affects the quality of tea. We put a great deal of effort into managing this process. After the tea is processed into mao cha (loose tea), we immediately bring it down from the mountain and send it to a tea compression factory in town. Through years of experience, we have learned the critical control points in tea compression. We now have a thorough understanding of every detail we need to manage, including steaming, compression, drying, and even the material of the mold. Weather is a critical factor in drying tea cakes. We pay close attention to weather conditions and never proceed with compression in poor weather. We only work with small-scale producers so that they can carefully attend to our requirements and fulfill them. We believe we can produce a very ideal cake, not only in shape but also in flavor and taste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Round tea cakes lined up on wooden shelves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3794.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Very Long-Lasting Aftertaste That May Leave You Tea Drunk\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tang Jia raw pu-erh tea is medium-bodied with a very long-lasting aftertaste. For now, since the tea is still relatively fresh, the flavor tends to be milder. It gives a sweet note reminiscent of sweet rice cake or fresh sugarcane. This tea contains an outstandingly high level of polyphenols, thanks to the ancient tea trees, absence of fertilizers, and high altitude. Based on our experience, tea with high polyphenol content ages well and quickly. It will develop a fruity, sweet honey flavor in a few years. We have kept a small amount of the Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh tea from our 2018 production. It has aged very well and now gives the flavor of fresh honey. In addition to the Tang Jia Raw Pu-erh, we also made two small batches of tea from three ancient trees in Tang Jia tea garden, called \"Triple Trees Raw Pu-erh,\" available only in Malaysia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman with a shoulder bag plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it's due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932427219120,"sku":"d166cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (50g x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932427251888,"sku":"d166cb","price":7100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1,000g value pack (50g x 20 bags)","offer_id":44932427284656,"sku":"d166cv","price":31100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9452.jpg?v=1766825189"},{"product_id":"d163","title":"Dong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake 2024","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\u003cimg alt=\"Front surface of a round compressed tea cake\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10264\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9789-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"129\"\u003eThis compressed tea cake is made from exactly the same batch of raw material, sourced and processed with the same quality.\nWhen Dong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea is freshly compressed into cakes, it has a more subtle flavour compared to the loose version made from the same material. However, after allowing it to rest and mature for about a year, the flavour has now developed, becoming richer, smoother, and more expressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\nIn 2025, we continued working with the same producer and made tea together on site.\n\u003ch2\u003eNear the Myanmar Border – A Hidden Land of Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\nDong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea is produced in Zhenkang County, located in the Lincang region of Yunnan Province, China.\nZhenkang sits right along the border with Myanmar, and from the remote tea gardens of Dong Shan, you can even catch a glimpse of the Myanmar mountains in the distance. The surrounding air is crisp and carries the distinct feel of the untouched border highlands.\nBecause this area is far from major cities like Kunming and still lacks modern infrastructure, it remains relatively inaccessible—which is why many tea lovers consider it one of Yunnan’s lesser-known, yet truly special tea regions.\nDespite its remote location, Dong Shan is home to high-quality tea trees, and the natural environment here—untouched forests, rich biodiversity, and high elevation—creates ideal conditions for growing premium raw Pu-erh tea.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Large hams hanging from wooden beams\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10266\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2726-2.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"473\"\u003e\nMost of the ingredients at the producer’s factory were homegrown and used in everyday cooking. The photos show Yunnan ham and a few of the dishes made with these ingredients.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Red fruits growing on a leafy branch\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10270\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2737.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"473\"\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"White plate of sliced cured meat\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10267\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2748.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"473\"\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"White bowl of soup with meat and vegetables\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10268\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2751.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"473\"\u003e\nMany ethnic minority groups live in the mountainous regions of Yunnan, and the tea from Dong Shan is processed by the Yi ethnic group, one of the largest indigenous communities in this area.\nInterestingly, genetic research based on mitochondrial DNA has suggested that the Yi people may share ancestral links with the Jomon people—an ancient population that lived in Japan for thousands of years, long before the arrival of migrants from the Korean Peninsula.\n\u003ch2\u003eNot Just Buying Tea — Creating the Ideal Tea Together with the Producer\u003c\/h2\u003e\nIn the traditional tea trade, buyers often purchase from producers or wholesalers after the tea has already been made. In many cases, they place orders remotely and choose from teas that have already been blended and finished. This means they can only select from what is available, with limited opportunity to influence how the tea is crafted. As a result, the final product largely reflects the producer’s decisions, methods, and skills.\nBut we take a different approach.\nInstead of choosing from finished teas, we have detailed discussions with producers before the season begins, focusing on the raw materials, timing of the harvest, and production parameters. We ensure that every step, from plucking to processing, is aligned with our requirements to meet the desired outcome.\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Do We Go to This Extent?\u003c\/h2\u003e\nBecause to us, tea is not just a product to buy and sell — it’s a craft, and every detail matters.\nWe choose this path because it gives us full control over quality, from tea trees selection to final processing. The tea reflects our vision and standards, not just what's convenient to produce. Most importantly, it allows us to offer our customers something truly unique—not just what’s available, but what is purposefully created with care and intention.\nThis level of commitment may be more challenging, but it’s the only way to consistently bring in teas that are of expressive quality.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Dry tea leaves in a white gaiwan\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10265\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2745.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"473\"\u003e\nFor the 2024 harvest, the first batch we received had a slight issue — the temperature during the final stage of pan-frying was too high, which caused a burnt note commonly referred to as \"gao xiang\" (meaning \"high aroma\").\nHowever, we were aiming for a cleaner, more floral flavour profile, so we immediately communicated this to the producer. After discussing and reaching a shared understanding, the producer remade the tea with the necessary adjustments—and the result matched what we had desired.\n\u003cimg alt=\"Back of a compressed tea cake with a center dent\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10263\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9785.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Gentle Flavour True to Naturally Grown High Mountain Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\nDong Shan Raw Pu-erh Tea is made from tea trees that are grown completely without pesticides or fertilisers. These trees are left to grow naturally, much like wild forest trees, and the tea garden itself is truly sustainable. Even if no one were to manage it, the landscape would likely remain the same even a hundred years from now.\nBecause the garden is located at high elevation, the tea trees grow very slowly. This slow growth results in a tea with a long, lingering finish and a deep, satisfying aftertaste.\nAfter resting for a year, the tea develops a gentle floral flavour, along with light hints of citrus and grape.\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":45567874957488,"sku":"d163ca","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":45567874990256,"sku":"d163cc","price":5900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":45567875023024,"sku":"d163cv","price":23800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9789-1_f58e0b4b-8ac8-445d-996f-896682068d1c.jpg?v=1788880234"},{"product_id":"b71","title":"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003eWhat Is Qing Xiang Black Tea? Every year we stay in Yunnan Province, where we manage selecting fresh tea leaves, production, packing and export and we also work on developing new teas. In 2024 we developed a new style of black tea using processing techniques which is not found in conventional black tea, and we are now releasing the first tea of this style. We are not producers who own tea gardens. We borrow local producers' equipment and raw leaves, and we design and carry out the processing ourselves. This black tea was processed at low temperatures to keep avoid heat damage to the leaves, this tea is a black tea of its own that does not fit into any existing category. We had been calling it \"New Style Black Tea,\" but from now on we will call it \"Qing Xiang Black Tea.\" The Qing Xiang means refreshing flavor in Chinese We plan to release several teas one after another as the Qing Xiang Black Tea series.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9953.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eQing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is made from High Mountain Purple Tea from Yunnan Province, China. It uses the same High Mountain Purple Tea as our High Mountain Purple Black Tea, but a different processing method produces a completely different flavor and taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_3077.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis purple tea grows at around 2,000 m in Lincang City. Depending on how it is processed, its flavor can resemble perilla leaves, peach, or menthol.\u003cbr\u003eOur Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea has a strong floral top note that recalls Phoenix Oolong, along with a cool, fresh note of perilla or menthol. It is so different from conventional black tea that you probably would not know it was black tea unless someone told you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh leaves of purple tea \u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2589.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eThe Philosophy Behind Qing Xiang Black Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flavor of black tea is formed mainly by two enzymatic reactions. One is the breakdown of terpene glycosides during withering and rolling, in which beta-glucosidase releases floral flavor compounds such as linalool and geraniol. The other is fermentation by polyphenol oxidase after rolling, which gives black tea its characteristic qualities. Of the two, the former is the main reaction that produces flavor compounds reminiscent of flowers and fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Qing Xiang Black Tea series, we put the emphasis on withering to allow sufficient breakdown of terpene glycosides, while deliberately limiting fermentation. By limiting fermentation, we aim to preserve as much as possible of the fresh, floral flavor that develops during black tea processing. For this reason, the leaves remain greenish, and after brewing, their color resembles that of Phoenix Oolong leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9966.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9959.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eKeeping the distinctive aroma that appears during black tea processing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have ever watched black tea being made, you may know that the leaves give off a vibrant aroma reminiscent of flowers or menthol right after rolling. As processing continues and the leaves are heated at high temperatures, however, that aroma gradually changes into the familiar aroma we associate with black tea. In developing Qing Xiang Black Tea, we aimed to preserve as much of that flavor as possible in the finished tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack tea is generally heated at high temperatures to stop enzymatic fermentation. However, high heat also destroys the fresh floral flavor. If heating is insufficient, some enzymes remain active, allowing fermentation to go too far and produce an unpleasant, stuffy smell. To solve this dilemma, we developed a method that reliably stops fermentation while keeping heating to a minimum. As a result, we made a tea with character somewhere between white tea and black tea that does not fit into any existing category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2347.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9942.jpg\" alt=\"Qing Xiang Black Tea Purple Tea 2024\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eThe Qing Xiang Black Tea Series Is Also Ideal for Cold Brewing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite tea is our top recommendation for cold brewing. Unlike green tea, white tea does not undergo the enzyme-deactivating process. As a result, various enzymes remain in the leaves without being deactivated. When brewed with hot water, these enzymes become active and gradually change the flavor over multiple infusions. In contrast, when brewed with cold water, the enzymes remain largely inactive because of the low temperature. As a result, the original flavor compounds in the tea leaves can be extracted without enzymatic intervention. This allows you to enjoy flavors reminiscent of flowers, citrus fruits, and perilla leaves.\u003cbr\u003eThe Qing Xiang Black Tea series combines elements of both white tea and black tea, so it is also excellent for cold brewing. When cold brewed, it develops a vibrant flavor reminiscent of natural wine rather than black tea and tastes like an entirely different tea.\u003cbr\u003eBlack tea is generally difficult to pair with food, but this tea does not have the typical black tea character. It complements Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, making it an excellent tea to enjoy with meals.\u003cbr\u003eIf you carbonate it with a soda maker, its flavor becomes so reminiscent of natural sparkling wine that you may forget you are drinking tea.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":45567928139952,"sku":"b71ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":45567928172720,"sku":"b71cc","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":45567928205488,"sku":"b71cb","price":6200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":45567928238256,"sku":"b71cv","price":20700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9953.jpg?v=1787816913"}],"url":"https:\/\/hojotea.com\/en\/collections\/teas-children-like.oembed","provider":"お茶の専門店HOJO \/ HOJO CO., LTD.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}