{"title":"Suitable for Milk Tea","description":"\u003cp\u003eMilk tea tends to bring India or Ceylon to mind, and a good Yunnan black tea is superb with milk. Roasted oolong and ripe pu-erh work beautifully with milk too, which surprises most people. Jasmine milk tea is hugely popular in China at the moment, and that alone shows how well jasmine tea can take milk when it is handled right. Black Jasmine is one that turns out unexpectedly good as milk tea.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"o73","title":"Black Tie Guan Yin","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n    Long and Multiple Baking Processes\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Black Tie Guan Yin is made from traditional Tie Guan Yin. The uniqueness lies in its deep baking process, turning the tea leaves black. However, the baking method is not simple. The tea undergoes several stages of baking at different temperatures. Thanks to this special baking method, the tea develops a unique flavor, with hints of dried fruit and caramel notes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea garden is located above 1000m. The high mountain climate gives the tea a strong aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7946-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Close-up of dark rolled dried tea leaves on a wooden surface\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6224\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7946-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7932-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark rolled dried tea leaves on a wooden scoop\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6222\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7932-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7929.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark rolled dried tea leaves in a metal scoop\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6221\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7929.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    We Have Tested to Ensure the Tea Meets Japan's Pesticide Standards\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, teas produced in Fujian province tend to contain higher pesticide residues. From the past to today, Fujian teas have always been in high demand in the domestic Chinese market. Most tea producers focus on the domestic market, where pesticide requirements are lower. They do not have to strictly control it. Subsequently, it was very tough to find tea that could meet our standards. We selected material from gardens managed according to European pesticide standards. Additionally, we sent the tea to the SGS Lab and tested it for more than 400 substances to ensure it meets Japan's standards.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    5g for 1 Liter of Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For brewing Black Tie Guan Yin, we can use the same method as for brewing ordinary oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    With 5g of tea leaves, we should be able to brew 1000ml of tea. Please use boiling hot water for brewing.\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7949-1_c2b3b9ed-81c1-4920-8ce0-c9142961045b.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Amber tea in a white cup with a white spoon\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6218\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7949-1_c2b3b9ed-81c1-4920-8ce0-c9142961045b.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Cold Water Brewed Black Tie Guan Yin\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The Black Tie Guan Yin is also suitable for cold water brewing. In fact, I enjoyed this tea very much in summer because of the hot weather. The cold water brewed Black Tie Guan Yin is mellower, and the drinking sensation is softer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is very easy to prepare Black Tie Guan Yin in cold water:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    1. Use about 5g of tea leaves and place them in a bottle of cold water.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    2. Leave it in the fridge for more than 5 hours, and the tea is ready.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I usually prepare it at night and drink it the next day. If we keep the tea in the fridge, we can continue drinking it for 3-4 days. Please note that you should not use aluminum, copper, or colored glass bottles for brewing. These materials spoil the taste of the tea and make it taste flat. If you prefer a stronger flavor, please use water that has been boiled once and cooled down. Fresh water contains calcium bicarbonate, which is converted into calcium carbonate once boiled. This is why boiled water gives a sweeter taste.\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8023-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dark tea leaves steeping in a glass pot\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6223\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8023-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7956.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a glass of amber tea against green foliage\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6217\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7956.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Black Tie Guan Yin with Milk\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Another way to enjoy Black Tie Guan Yin is to serve it with milk. Normally, black tea pairs well with milk. However, I personally think that deeply-fired oolong also has a good affinity with milk. If you wish to add milk to Black Tie Guan Yin, please brew the tea with less water and mix it with fresh milk. Since the flavor of Black Tie Guan Yin is very stable, it's fine to brew the tea in hot water for more than 10 minutes. It is also nice to drink it chilled.\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7969-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A glass of milk tea with ice cubes\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6215\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7969-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7992.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a glass of iced milk tea\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6214\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7992.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7971-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Glass of iced milk tea on a wooden table\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6216\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7971-1.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932462706864,"sku":"o73ca","price":650.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932462739632,"sku":"o73cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932462772400,"sku":"o73cb","price":3700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932462805168,"sku":"o73cv","price":9300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_7946-1.jpg?v=1737905843"},{"product_id":"b05","title":"Formosa Black Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Many people may not be familiar with Taiwan Black Tea, but it is extremely popular in Taiwan, to the point where production cannot keep up with domestic demand. It is a rare and highly sought-after tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Despite its unassuming appearance, those who drink it are often surprised by its strong and distinctive characteristics. The most notable feature of this tea is its unique flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The sweet menthol aroma and full-bodied taste, characteristic of Taiwanese black tea, provide great satisfaction to the drinker. The true essence of Taiwanese black tea is encapsulated in these leaves.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiwan is famous for producing High Mountain Oolong Tea. However, there is also black tea produced here that might not be well-known in other countries. It is called Red Jade Tea, sometimes referred to as Taicha No. 18 or Sun Moon Lake Black Tea. We call it Formosa Black Tea, derived from the old name for Taiwan, Formosa. This unique tea yields a liquor with a very special and unforgettable aroma, a sweet malty scent like raw chocolate with a minty undertone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Taiwan is known for the famous Oriental Beauty tea. Although classified as an oolong tea, its high degree of fermentation makes it more akin to black tea. Even in Taiwan, we are familiar with highly fermented teas like Oriental Beauty, and these techniques are well reflected in the production of Formosa black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Formosa Black Tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9235\/1065\/files\/b05_03_480x480.jpg?v=1614867729\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Brandy Like Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Formosa black tea may look common, but those who try it are amazed by its strong and unique characteristics. Its flavor is often described as having a cognac-like scent with a pronounced mint aroma. While some Ceylon teas, like Uva Quality Season Tea, have a menthol aroma, Formosa black tea's menthol aroma is much stronger, making it more appropriate to describe it as brandy-like.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea pairs well with dessert or can be enjoyed in the evening. The strong aroma is enriching and provides a sense of satisfaction and well-being.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Due to its strong flavor, it can be enjoyed with milk. However, to fully appreciate its unique flavor, it is best enjoyed straight.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Supply of Quality Black Tea is Limited\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Until now, Taiwanese tea hasn't been very famous due to its limited production volume, which couldn't even meet domestic demand, let alone be exported. Consequently, Taiwanese black tea is hardly known overseas. However, the quality of Formosa black tea, among Taiwanese black teas, stands out. This tea was created by further improving the Assam varieties cultivated over a long time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The production area is in lowland regions where the temperature is around 23℃ throughout the year. Harvesting begins in spring, with the best quality season being summer. The plucking process involves plucking one bud and a few leaves. The processing steps include plucking, indoor withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b05_pho_002.jpg\" alt=\"Plucking Formosa Black Tea\" width=\"648\" height=\"486\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Storage of Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Deeply fermented tea like Formosa black tea lasts for more than a year once the bag is opened. It is very stable during storage and safe to consume even after a few years. However, the freshness diminishes over time. Tea should be tightly sealed and stored in a dry place away from humidity. Avoid keeping it in the kitchen or enclosed areas like cupboards or drawers. It's recommended to open the bag on a sunny day or in an air-conditioned environment. Once tea leaves absorb moisture, they deteriorate within a few days, becoming astringent and sometimes sour, with a weakened aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n    Beware of Keeping Tea in the Fridge\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While tea can last longer in the fridge, it is not recommended. When tea is taken out of the fridge, condensation can occur, leading to quality deterioration. Simple sealing methods are not sufficient, as air will be drawn into the bag, causing condensation. Frequent temperature changes also cause heat stress to the tea leaves. If tea is kept in the fridge, it should be left in ambient conditions for more than 24 hours to warm up completely.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n    Enjoy Maturation\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea can be enjoyed as it matures over a few years in ambient conditions, changing its character. Fresh tea has a flowery or fruity aroma, while matured tea offers a sweeter aroma. Preference between fresh and matured tea varies, with elderly people often preferring the latter.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"15g (small bag)","offer_id":44932461330608,"sku":"b05ta","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932461363376,"sku":"b05tc","price":4900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (large bag\/50g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932461396144,"sku":"b05tb","price":9400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 2 bags] x 6 bags)","offer_id":44932461428912,"sku":"b05tv","price":36300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_6312.jpg?v=1737905830"},{"product_id":"b39","title":"Yunnan Ancient black tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Natural Farming Black Tea with Honey Flavor and Refreshing Uva-like Flavor\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor features a muscatel flavor and menthol flavor, characterized by a sweet and refreshing flavor in this naturally farmed black tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Made from tea trees that are several hundred years old in the remote mountainous regions of Lincang, Yunnan, this tea offers a deep richness that permeates the throat and warms the body as you drink it.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Enjoy the natural farming black tea with honey flavor and a refreshing Uva-like flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried black tea leaves mixed with golden tips on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E6E5D358-800E-47EB-9B1F-86F66101D490.png?v=1614474892\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Luxurious Black Tea with Uva Flavor and Muscatel Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan Ancient Black Tea Apricot Honey Flavor is a very rare tea that combines two flavors highly sought after by black tea enthusiasts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    You can enjoy both the muscatel flavor like that of Oriental Beauty or Darjeeling First Flush, and the refreshing menthol flavor like that of Sri Lankan Uva or Taiwanese Ruby Red Tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, in terms of flavor balance, the menthol flavor is stronger, while the honey flavor is present in a harmonious level without being too dominant.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dried black tea leaves with golden tips in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0582578C-9C1C-47FF-A4F3-744E45D7FA93.png?v=1614474938\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rich in Iron, May Cause Tea Drunkenness\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, this tea is made from tea trees that are several hundred years old and naturally farmed, offering a deep richness that permeates the throat and warms the body as you drink it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Despite drinking tea, you may feel a light, pleasant sensation and sometimes become sleepy. This is known as tea drunkenness, a phenomenon said to be caused by improved blood circulation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Improved blood circulation is good news for those who suffer from constipation or cold sensitivity.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Orange-colored tea in a white cup\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C25C692D-95B8-4ED8-8409-5D926837BA99.png?v=1614474985\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Reddish-brown brewed tea leaves spread on a white dish\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/1BC93307-8296-4507-846A-D8DDB31AD1A3.png?v=1614475007\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Natural Farming Tea by Ethnic Minorities\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    One of the characteristics of this tea is that it is made from naturally farmed (wild-grown) tea owned by ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Not only is it pesticide-free, but no fertilizers are used, and the tea trees are left unpruned, allowing them to grow naturally like wild plants, blending with the surrounding ecosystem.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in blue with a bamboo basket on her back plucking young tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/2F923B48-4B71-4EE5-9B7F-0FCAA9A157E4.png?v=1614475136\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea trees with fresh growth standing in a field with small white flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/320C35F6-DBFE-464C-B6BE-05BC7FA8CA2A.png?v=1614475157\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea trees that have become part of the ecosystem grow extremely slowly, and as a result, do not need to actively photosynthesize, leading to an extremely low number of tea leaves per tree.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because they grow slowly and have very few leaves per tree, each leaf is rich in minerals, resulting in healthy tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For more information on natural farming, please refer to the \"Golden Tea\" page below.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGolden Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-golden-tea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree branch with brown seed pods and fresh leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C9CD4E41-2A87-492E-921B-7FF325B7445B.png?v=1614475379\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The wild-growing nature of natural farming contributes to the formation of muscatel flavor (honey flavor).\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because no pesticides are used and the weeds around the tea trees are not removed, many insects inhabit the area, including leafhoppers, which prefer tea buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea leaves sucked by leafhoppers produce a substance akin to human antibodies.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This substance, called phytoalexin, changes during the fermentation process, creating a sweet muscatel flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While Darjeeling and Oriental Beauty are harvested in June when leafhoppers are abundant, Yunnan tea gardens allow you to enjoy honey flavor even in the high-quality tea plucked in March.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tiny insect on a young tea stem\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D14484DC-C9DA-4765-92AD-3B8859B6F2F1.png?v=1614475426\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea branch with yellowing leaves among green ones\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/09667376-C861-44DC-9719-C2964B7EFB22.png?v=1614475450\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The most notable point about naturally farmed tea is its very rich flavor, with a strong sweet aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It is like eating wild mountain vegetables. For example, what is the difference between wild and cultivated fuki, tara no me, natural wasabi, and natural mitsuba?\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wild vegetables contain abundant minerals, giving them a rich flavor and leaving a lingering aftertaste and sweetness in the mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Brewing naturally farmed tea makes the water feel distinctly different.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The water becomes finer and slips smoothly down the throat, giving a unique sensation of the tea permeating the body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932461199536,"sku":"b39ca","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932461232304,"sku":"b39cc","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461265072,"sku":"b39cb","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461297840,"sku":"b39cv","price":24800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/b039_11-1.jpg?v=1737905829"},{"product_id":"b52","title":"Yunnan Gong Fu Black tea","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea with Outstanding Quality from Yunnan with a Floral Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan, like Darjeeling, has a high elevation, so the quality of tea from general tea gardens is very similar to that of Darjeeling tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, when it comes to tea leaves harvested from old trees in natural, abandoned tea gardens that serve as raw material for high-quality raw pu-erh tea, the quality is astonishingly high.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea from Yunnan, as previously mentioned, typically undergoes a short withering process and has deep fermentation, making it similar to Assam tea in nature.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This makes it a tea with a mild flavor and a very good compatibility with milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A bowl full of fine black dried tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A0253850-6C2A-49B9-AEC2-5AE176A7E197.png?v=1614599701\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea is made using more mature tea leaves with one bud and two to three leaves for withering.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Long thin dark brown dried tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/044A6F64-D4F8-4F90-840E-04285F6AC7D4.png?v=1614599781\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hands holding a white cup of orange-colored tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F4A742A5-BDBF-4527-9FD4-FF7B20389CF0.png?v=1614599824\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea with a Rich Flavor by Innovating the Withering Method\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n   When producing Yunnan Gong Fu Black Tea, we experimented with various withering methods. Initially, we considered spreading the tea leaves on bamboo baskets indoors since Yunnan lacks proper equipment. However, the results were not favorable, so we introduced withering layers and used air to efficiently wither the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result of prolonged withering, the tea has a rich flavor that pairs well with milk, and the tea leaves turned a reddish color due to the thorough withering process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, since we used extremely high-quality first flush tea leaves, the tea has a deep richness, a long-lasting aftertaste, and a very complex flavor, making it a tea in a different class from typical black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Most Yunnan Black Tea Comes from Managed Tea Gardens in Fengqing County\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Yunnan black tea is also known as \"Dian Hong.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Dian\" refers to Yunnan Province, and \"Hong\" refers to black tea. Therefore, \"Dian Hong\" refers to black tea from Yunnan Province. Most Yunnan black tea (Dian Hong) is produced in an area called Fengqing County in Lincang City.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you receive Yunnan black tea or Dian Hong as a gift, or if you purchase Yunnan black tea from a specialty Chinese tea store, it is safe to assume that most of it comes from Fengqing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Fengqing County is a region with a high population of Han Chinese, unlike other regions in Yunnan where ethnic minorities are the majority. In Yunnan, historically significant tea gardens with old trees are typically owned by ethnic minorities.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In contrast, many of the tea gardens owned by Han Chinese are newly developed and follow a conventional cultivation style, similar to tea gardens in Japan, Taiwan, India, and Sri Lanka, with tea plants of relatively young age.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The elevation of these tea gardens is around 1500-1600m, and while the quality is good, it is considered middle to upper grade compared to other black tea-producing regions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A forested mountainside in evening light with a small house\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/8A8879B0-EC74-49D3-8F53-6E96758CDC7D.png?v=1614599881\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea plants grow among shrubs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea tree among shrubs with small white flowers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EAE77A9D-F69D-414C-8D8B-D340D442AEC8.png?v=1614597535\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A smiling man plucking tea leaves among tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/798751D4-CDA2-4A43-8661-6D9226C264C0.png?v=1614597560\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Black Tea from Top-Quality Raw Materials Used for Raw Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To achieve high-quality raw tea leaves, we chose natural farming tea gardens at an elevation of 2100-2200m in Zhenkang County, rather than well-managed tea gardens in Fengqing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These tea gardens are owned by the Yi ethnic minority, and all the trees are over 100 years old, semi-wild. The quality of tea leaves is higher at higher elevations, with older trees and no fertilizer.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The common factor among these three elements is slow growth. Tea leaves that grow slowly are rich in polyphenols and minerals, providing a deep aftertaste, long-lasting finish, and a richness that permeates the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These high-quality tea leaves are usually processed into raw pu-erh tea because high-quality raw materials fetch a higher price when made into raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, by purchasing directly from farmers, we kept the purchase price low.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a pink hat plucking leaves from a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0E09299F-9023-44FB-9410-F206D8559D81.png?v=1614597840\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Mystery of Tea Creating Flavor When Attacked by Insects!\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In semi-wild tea gardens, tea leaves coexist with various plants and insects, making it inevitable for insects like leafhoppers to suck the sap from the leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, tea leaves attacked by insects produce defensive substances called terpenes to resist. Interestingly, these tea leaves develop a honey-like sweet flavor after fermentation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460937392,"sku":"b52ca","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460970160,"sku":"b52cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932461002928,"sku":"b52cb","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932461035696,"sku":"b52cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_2414_1.jpg?v=1737905827"},{"product_id":"b47","title":"High Mountain Purple Black Tea","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Custom Black Tea Made from Purple Tea\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        High Mountain Purple Black Tea is a very rare black tea made from very rate tea called purple tea. The tea leaves used for production this time were sourced from a naturally cultivated tea garden at an altitude of 2000m, with no pesticides or fertilizers.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The flavor is characterized by a sweet and mellow flavor reminiscent of peaches and sweet potatoes, with a creamy mouthfeel typical of high mountain teas.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Made using the first flush of spring, it has a very soft mouthfeel, allowing you to drink several cups even on an empty stomach without experiencing stomach pain.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    This tea is also very suitable for milk tea. We recommend making it with plenty of milk.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted tea leaves on a wooden tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/68EA7F7C-21F9-45F2-AA9E-ED89CD4CCE85.png?v=1614651079\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Rare Purple Tea in Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In the southwest of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, there is tea called purple tea. Due to its cultivation in only a few regions, purple tea is very rare.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are various types of wild tea in the Lincang area, and some of them are very similar in characteristics to purple tea, suggesting that purple tea originated from wild tea that minority ethnic groups began to cultivate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By the way, in Xishuangbanna, there is a tea variety called Zijingcha, but it is a  different tea in terms of form.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Zijingcha has entirely purple leaves and a astringent taste, whereas Lincang purple tea, apart from having slightly purple stems, looks similar to ordinary tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Interestingly, purple tea changes to a very dark indigo color when processed. \n    \u003cimg alt=\"Young tea shoots on bare branches\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/210B1FDD-FC3A-42E9-A6E7-9E437123053F.png?v=1614651132\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding several young tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/B4BFFA18-3BAC-4BD2-B886-9F2864DF8B5A.png?v=1614651152\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Custom Black Tea After Hearing It Was Delicious\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The area where purple tea is cultivated is extremely limited, and in Lincang City, purple tea is mainly cultivated  in parts of Zhenkang County and Yongde County.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since the raw material itself is very limited, we had never seen purple tea processed into anything other than raw pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, a few years ago, a producer we know mentioned that they had tried black tea made from purple tea and found it very delicious.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Apparently, his friend made it as an experiment and found it very unique and tasty.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Intrigued by this story, I planned to produce black tea from purple tea by custom ordering it from a skilled tea master who owns black tea production equipment.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Dark twisted tea leaves piled on a wooden board\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/855C56FB-A900-42AE-AA86-AD9C3629C2A8.png?v=1614651204\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Naturally Cultivated Tea Harvested from a 2000m Tea Garden\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The purple tea used for production this time was sourced from a tea garden at a very high altitude of 2000m.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Of course, it is a naturally cultivated tea garden with no pesticides or fertilizers. The tea has a creamy mouthfeel characteristic of high mountain teas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hazy mountain ridges above a village on a grassy slope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/DD5AAEB4-BD27-4944-B580-42C98F7B53AE.png?v=1614651270\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Characterized by a Sweet, Mellow Flavor Like White Peaches\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Black Tea is made using the first flush of spring, giving it a very soft mouthfeel that allows you to drink several cups even on an empty stomach without experiencing stomach pain.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, it has almost no astringency or bitterness, making it a tea that even children will enjoy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor of High Mountain Purple Black Tea is very distinctive, with a mellow scent reminiscent of peaches, nectarines, marigolds, sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, and dried sweet potatoes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of amber tea with a ceramic spoon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/C73D6E43-9D77-4943-9103-54218A7B76C7.png?v=1614651322\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Because it uses naturally cultivated tea as raw material, it has a strong lingering flavor and a rich aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Another characteristic of purple tea is its rich flavor (body and breadth). When you put it in your mouth, the flavor spreads softly, giving it a glamorous impression.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High Mountain Purple Black Tea is also very suitable for milk tea. We recommend making it with plenty of milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"20g (small bag)","offer_id":44932460150960,"sku":"b47ca","price":900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g (in can)","offer_id":44932460183728,"sku":"b47cc","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (large bag\/50g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932460216496,"sku":"b47cb","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [50g x 3 bags] x 4 bags)","offer_id":44932460249264,"sku":"b47cv","price":18700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_5664-1.jpg?v=1737905816"},{"product_id":"g34","title":"Uji Hojicha Jubuzan","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Umami Does Not Equal Deliciousness\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        The current mainstream in Japanese tea focuses on high umami content. Umami is primarily composed of an amino acid called theanine, but umami does not equal deliciousness. Umami refers to flavors represented by monosodium glutamate, like those found in broth.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        To increase the amino acid content in tea leaves, nitrogen fertilizer is necessary. While tea trees in nitrogen-fertilized gardens grow vigorously, they also contain fewer polyphenols and minerals, such as catechins.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Additionally, tea with high theanine content has a weaker depth of flavor, resulting in a lighter taste.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        Our Japanese Tea Focuses on Rich Flavor and Aftertaste\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        We select tea with a rich flavor, choosing teas high in catechins and minerals rather than theanine. Tea rich in minerals is typically grown naturally, with little to no fertilizers.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Enjoy the sweet aftertaste that lingers in your throat when you drink our tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Producing Hoji Tea with Deep, Lingering Aftertaste Comparable to Premium Teas Worldwide\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Hojicha Jubuzan is a hoji tea made from the first flush of naturally cultivated tea in Jubuzan, a mountain in Wazuka Town, Kyoto Prefecture.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wazuka Town, along with Ujitawara Town, Minamiyamashiro Village, Kasagi Town, Tsukigase, and Asamiya, has long been known as a producer of high-quality Uji tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have produced hoji tea with a rich flavor and a long-lasting aftertaste. The tea is custom roasted from the first flush of naturally cultivated tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This hoji tea is of a quality that even those accustomed to high-end Chinese teas will appreciate. The deep richness and sweet aftertaste that lingers in your throat redefine the standards of hoji tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Unusual Quality, That is Defined by The Long Lasting Aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We wanted to create a high-quality hoji that you've never tasted before.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High-quality tea has depth of flavor, making the tea feel soft and the sweet aftertaste linger. The most important factor in achieving this flavor is the selection of raw materials. We chose Uji Sencha Jubuzan, known for its deep throat feel and excellent raw material quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By growing the tea slowly and without any fertilizer, the leaves contain more polyphenols and iron. The difference in fragrance and taste is evident even to those not familiar with tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    We Paid Attention to the Roasting Process\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The raw sencha was roasted using a sand-roasting method. Sand has a large surface area, allowing heat to be evenly transferred to the tea leaves, resulting in uniform roasting.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    A Sweet, Toasted Flavor Similar to High-Quality Oolong Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many people have tasted this tea, and most of them said, \"This is not hoji tea.\"\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It truly doesn't taste like hoji tea. It has a sweet flavor like high-quality oolong tea, an unimaginable smoothness, deep throat feel, and a lasting sweet aftertaste.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The brewed tea has an amber color and tastes and smells more like high-quality oolong tea than hoji tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Thin stem-like tea leaves in a white gaiwan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/513CB004-8453-4DA7-BD10-39AAA2EA9680.png?v=1615373015\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tea has a glossy amber color, and its potential can be sensed the moment you smell it.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Brewed tea leaves in a white gaiwan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/0CFFA927-0A56-441A-BD4A-BCBC6AD8839A.png?v=1615373054\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Touch the brewed tea leaves. They are surprisingly soft and elastic, contrary to their appearance.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Experience the Quality Difference Through Water Quality\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The higher the quality of tea, the more iron it contains, which alters the nature of the water itself.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The iron in the tea affects the water quality, making it very soft and viscous.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Hojicha Jubuzan dramatically changes the water's nature. Just a small sip gives a pleasant tea high.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A glass pitcher filled with yellow tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F363AA85-EB7E-4F15-A8B9-7FF56923E9F8.png?v=1615373119\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It has a color more like oolong tea than hoji tea.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Two small white cups of pale yellow tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E614BD32-7E51-4A2E-B439-0131659AF0A0.png?v=1615373135\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Because of its high quality, it is also suitable to drink from small tea cups.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product uses Uji Sencha Jubuzan as the raw material. Unlike hoji tea made from stems or coarse tea, the raw material itself is costly.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Additionally, when making hoji tea, the extra roasting process results in weight loss, which is reflected in the cost, making it slightly more expensive than sencha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Below is an explanation of the raw material used, Uji Sencha Jubuzan.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    We Focused on Natural Cultivation Without Fertilizers to Achieve Deep Throat Feel and Sweet Aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Jubuzan is a 682-meter-high mountain located between Ujitawara Town and Wazuka Town. This area used to be the bottom of Lake Biwa, which is why it contains rich clayey red soil.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When sourcing this tea, we selected naturally cultivated tea leaves from Jubuzan's ideal environment. Natural cultivation means growing the tea without fertilizers or pesticides, allowing it to grow robustly and naturally over time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Modern agriculture often relies on fertilizers for tea production.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, tea grown with excessive fertilizer grows excessively, accumulating large amounts of amino acids but lacking polyphenols and minerals essential for flavor and aftertaste, resulting in bland tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In general, Japanese tea relies heavily on amino acids, leading to a very light taste. Excessive roasting is used to enhance the tea's character, but good tea should be impressive even in its raw state.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The phrase \"tea rich in theanine\" often cited in books implies tea heavily fertilized with nitrogen, which, in my definition, means less tasty tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The difference is clear when comparing fresh leaves from various tea gardens. When planning this year's new product, we focused extensively on selecting the best raw materials before discussing the processing methods.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    By sourcing excellent raw materials, we achieved delicious tea without the heavy roasting typically seen in the Japanese tea industry.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Preserving the Natural Flavor by Not Removing Stems\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Japanese tea, stems are usually removed because they are yellow and noticeable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Modern tea production always removes stems to achieve visually appealing green leaves. However, we intentionally leave the stems. Through various experiments, we found that stems play a crucial role. Stems contain abundant minerals and have a sweet flavor and body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Those familiar with stem tea, like Karigane, know that stem tea is very sweet!\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We conducted a comparison by hand-removing stems with tweezers from some tea and leaving the stems in others.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The results were surprising; the tea with stems had a much better flavor and body. Everyone who tasted it agreed that the tea with stems was more delicious.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Removing the stems made the flavor sharper and significantly weakened the sweet, floral scent and body.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Historically, it was considered good luck to have a tea stem standing upright in your cup, known as \"chabashira\" in Japanese. Nowadays, stems are not included in tea, so this rarely occurs. In the past, people appreciated the sweetness of stems and habitually drank tea with them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Today, aesthetics often take precedence over flavor and aroma, leading to the removal of stems.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Sourcing Tea from Completely Natural Cultivation Gardens to Provide Sweet, Lingering Aftertaste\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The moment you swallow this tea, you will be amazed at how different it feels from ordinary tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea smoothly flows down your throat, leaving a pleasant sweetness from the root of your tongue to the back of your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is a characteristic of high-quality tea. Although this product would command a high price overseas, the unique standards of Japanese quality allowed us to offer it at a realistic price.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Simply put, the definition of good tea is \"rich flavor.\" Richness refers to the deep, satisfying taste felt in the back of your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Using more tea leaves for cheaper tea increases bitterness but does not enhance the richness. Uji Sencha Jubuzan meets this definition of richness. Even with a small amount of tea leaves, it makes the water taste rich, providing deep satisfaction. It's similar to how high-quality kombu requires only a light touch in water to impart its flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Unlike typical Japanese tea with a strong amino acid flavor, this tea has a refreshing, clean scent, similar to oolong tea. It is perfect for those who enjoy oolong tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The Blind Spot of Organic Cultivation\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There is a common belief that organic cultivation equals healthy and delicious. While organic cultivation is safe from a pesticide perspective, it does not necessarily mean the tea is delicious or healthy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To produce delicious vegetables, fruits, and tea, it is essential to grow the plants slowly to develop high cell density leaves, rich in polyphenols and minerals, resulting in a flavorful, rich sweetness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    I have tasted many organically grown teas, but many of them were indistinguishable from regular tea in terms of quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This largely depends on the fertilizers used and the cultivation methods. Even organic fertilizers like compost act similarly to chemical fertilizers like nitrates.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Nitrogen stimulates vigorous growth, causing large cell growth, which results in fewer polyphenols and minerals, producing bland tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    My family grows apples, and when nitrogen fertilizer is applied, the leaves turn deep green and the apples grow larger. However, the apples taste bland and watery.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Regardless of organic or inorganic, growing tea naturally — like wild vegetables, slowly and robustly — is crucial for producing high-quality tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea grown under harsh conditions over time reflects its struggle in its quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A tea plant growing beside a mound of compost\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F5BD0218-AA80-494C-B5BC-DB0EF6FF4EED.png?v=1615373343\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea tree beside animal manure. The leaves are large and deep green, unlike typical tea trees. Tea made from such leaves will have a bland taste and little throat feel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Deep Pruning\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The more deeply a tea tree is pruned, the more vigorously it grows the following year.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"Vigorous growth\" means larger cells with fewer minerals, resulting in lower-quality tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Deep pruning is common in high-production areas like Shizuoka and Kagoshima. By providing nitrogen and deep pruning, growth is accelerated, leaf size increases, and production volume rises.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High quality typically means lower production and rarity. It's unrealistic to expect both high quality and high production.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As with highland vegetables or delicious apples, slow growth results in high-density cells, producing flavorful food.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This applies not only to vegetables but also to fish. Farmed fish grown quickly and naturally grown fish grown slowly have similar differences.\n\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea plants growing among ferns and other greenery\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/36BD8751-6769-4876-A0A0-F4FCD9879400.png?v=1615373542\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Pruned tea leaves produce vigorous young branches and large green leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    The More You Drink, the Sleepier You Get\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is not an issue with Uji Sencha Jubuzan. On the contrary, it is perfect for those seeking deep sleep.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    High-mineral tea, which is considered \"premium tea\" in overseas markets, warms the body and makes you sleepy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While tea contains caffeine, known to prevent sleep if consumed excessively, high-quality tea's increased mineral content improves circulation, leading to sleepiness.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Sencha Jubuzan contains abundant minerals, sometimes causing a light tea high, similar to the relaxation felt after drinking premium brandy, whiskey, or wine.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This is not a psychological effect; continued drinking will make your face flush and feel relaxed and mellow.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although Japanese law prohibits specifying health benefits, foods that improve circulation also aid in relaxation, digestion, and sleep.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Experience it for yourself by drinking it.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    About Jubuzan\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Hojicha Jubuzan is grown in Jubuzan, a mountain in Wazuka Town, Kyoto Prefecture.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wazuka Town, along with Ujitawara Town, Minamiyamashiro Village, Kasagi Town, Tsukigase, and Asamiya, has long been known as a producer of high-quality Uji tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The area, once the bottom of Lake Biwa, was uplifted, and subsequent erosion by the Nabari River created unique river terraces characteristic of Tsukigase.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The former lakebed contains extremely high-quality, fine-grained red soil.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, not all areas along the Nabari River have red soil; it is found only in tea gardens located at the top of mountains, untouched by erosion.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Conversely, areas shaped by river erosion contain more sand, producing ordinary Japanese tea with little throat feel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hillside cut showing layers of soil beside a tea field\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/A6EBB7B9-616E-43ED-ABD4-42862ADBB459.png?v=1615373600\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Surroundings of Jubuzan: This area is covered with rich clayey red soil abundant in iron.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Rows of tea plants on a hillside with forested mountains behind\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/FF8EF98F-AA64-4780-8851-1F22184250C1.png?v=1615373624\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Uji tea region: The unique environment of mountains and valleys creates significant temperature differences between day and night, producing high-quality tea.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The following diagram explains why red soil layers are found only at high altitudes. Erosion by the river has washed away the soil from the mountains, leaving the red soil layers in limited areas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Diagram of soil layers before and after river erosion, with tea garden positions\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/68B5DBE9-4495-411F-A5AA-3CECF68318B7.png?v=1615373695\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Made from Rare Native Varieties of Sencha\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Uji Sencha Jubuzan is made from Zairai tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Zairai are often thought of as indigenous or original species native to Japan, but they are grown from seeds, resulting in diverse shapes, sizes, colors, aromas, and flavors within the same tea garden.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many high-quality teas in China are made from native varieties, often referred to as mixed varieties. Famous teas like Longjing are made from mixed varieties for high-quality products.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The following video introduces the tea-making of Tsukigase.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uOkkyHNm3sg\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\n\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932456579248,"sku":"g34ja","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in a bag)","offer_id":44932456612016,"sku":"g34jc","price":2900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932456644784,"sku":"g34jb","price":5400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (100g x 6 bags)","offer_id":44932456677552,"sku":"g34jv","price":14000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/513CB004-8453-4DA7-BD10-39AAA2EA9680.png?v=1737905762"},{"product_id":"d81","title":"Gong Ting Jin Hao Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Gong Ting Jin Hao Ripe Pu-erh is made from tea harvested in an area near the Myanmar border, about ten hours by car from Lincang City.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Ripe Pu-erh is made from plantation tea grown with modern farming methods. For this tea, however, the tea trees are owned by an ethnic minority community, and the leaves come from trees grown with natural farming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sorted Mao Cha made from naturally grown spring tea, collected only the buds, and compressed them. It is a very luxurious tea, with a strong richness with a sweet flavor like sugarcane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe taste is very thick, with no astringency or bitterness at all. It can easily make you tea drunk, so we recommend it for times when you want to relax completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        High-quality ripe Pu-erh tea is never moldy.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe tea because it smells like \"old furniture,\" \"rotten wood,\" or \"mold,\" but moldy flavors indicate poor quality tea with fermentation issues. High-quality tea should evoke a certain level of emotion when tasted. HOJO conducts extensive tasting to ensure we introduce only the best quality teas.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A round compressed tea cake of dark brown leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/24666433-0F11-4CEF-8279-C951232943E0.png?v=1615625436\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGong Ting Jin Hao Ripe Pu-erh has a delicate taste with silky texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe taste is very thick, with no astringency or bitterness at all. It can easily make you tea drunk, so we recommend it for times when you want to relax completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like Pu-erh, you may have heard the name Gong Ting Pu-erh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eWhat Is Gong Ting Pu-erh?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGong Ting means imperial, which is one category of Ripe Pu-erh after the grading process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBooks and websites often describe Gong Ting Pu-erh as the highest grade of Pu-erh, but that is not necessarily accurate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRight after processing, the crude Ripe Pu-erh leaves are called Mao Cha, and they consist of one bud and two to 3 leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eMao Cha right after fermentation \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding dark tea leaves over a pile of leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9F00D9C2-3011-4716-98FB-F8A5651B0474.png?v=1615625490\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Ripe Pu-erh, the Mao Cha is either compressed and sold as it is after removing dusts, or sifted and graded by size and part of the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eLeft: Mao Cha. Right: after grading. \u003cimg alt=\"Two kinds of dark tea leaves side by side in a bamboo tray\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/71CC1434-C930-43BF-8F38-268C523FDD26.png?v=1615625544\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeither is better than the other. When the tea is graded, though, it can be separated into buds, leaves, stems and so on, so a graded tea may show character that Mao Cha does not have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGong Ting Pu-erh is the grade made by collecting only the buds at the tips. Because it contains so many buds, the tea is a golden-orangish color before compression, and its appearance gives the impression of an exclusive tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly a small amount can be obtained, and it is popular, so among the graded parts Gong Ting Pu-erh fetches the highest price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are exceptions depending on the producer, however. Sometimes the tea called Cha Tou, which forms naturally when tea leaves clump together, sells at the highest price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eComment \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding clumps of dark tea leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E1EFA213-02FE-410A-A61B-1483773CDDF7.png?v=1615625594\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf course, even among Gong Ting Pu-erh teas, there is a world of difference in quality depending on the raw material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTea grown with lots of fertilizer, naturally grown tea, and naturally grown tea plucked from old trees differ in the strength of their aftertaste. The soil of the tea garden also affects the body of the tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat matters is getting good raw material with excellent aftertaste and richness. Tea made from it is, naturally, very good to drink even as Mao Cha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGong Ting Pu-erh made from good raw material is naturally of good quality because it starts from a good source, and it gives you a taste that stays in your memory after a single cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A round compressed tea cake of dark brown leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/24666433-0F11-4CEF-8279-C951232943E0_cc69972f-3e91-46e8-b681-d0939bf0f09c.png?v=1615625646\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gong Ting Jin Hao Ripe Pu-erh we offer at HOJO is harvested in an area near the Myanmar border, about ten hours by car from Lincang City.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea trees are owned by an ethnic minority community, and the tea comes from trees grown with natural farming. In fact, most Ripe Pu-erh is made from plantation tea grown with modern farming methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you stop by a tea shop in Yunnan, or at any airport in China, you will find huge amounts of Pu-erh for sale, but almost all of it is plantation Ripe Pu-erh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlantation tea is not bad in itself. On plantations, however, the soil is modified and pesticides and fertilizers are used, so apart from safety concerns, the tea grows faster, tastes thin and lacks richness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRipe Pu-erh does not have a strong flavor to begin with, so richness is the key factor to enjoy drinking it. We are always looking for Ripe Pu-erh made from naturally grown old trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural farming sounds nice, but in short it means tea trees that are left alone. Left in harsh natural conditions and growing without fertilizer or human interventions, these trees adapt to many kinds of environmental stress and grow very slowly over a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a result, the tea's cells become smaller, and minerals, polyphenols and other constituents in the tea become concentrated. Tea made this way has a strong aftertaste that you won't forget once you have tried it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932455301296,"sku":"d81ca","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932455334064,"sku":"d81cc","price":8100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932455366832,"sku":"d81cv","price":32400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/D41_07-2.jpg?v=1737905748"},{"product_id":"d06","title":"Gong Ting Dian Hong","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Blend of Naturally Cultivated Yunnan Black Tea and Gong Ting Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have created a unique original tea by blending naturally cultivated black tea and Gong Ting ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea has a balanced flavor, combining the sweetness of black tea with the mellow, deep taste of ripe Pu-erh tea. It is also excellent as milk tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For ease of brewing, the tea is compressed into mini tuocha (approximately 5 g each), making it simple to brew a consistent cup by placing one in a teapot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While it is delicious to drink immediately, it can also be enjoyed with a different character after aging for some time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        High-Quality Ripe Pu-erh Tea is Never Musty\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe Pu-erh tea because of flavors described as \"old furniture,\" \"rotten wood,\" or \"mold.\" However, a musty smell indicates poor-quality ripe tea with issues in the fermentation process.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Good-quality tea always evokes a sense of excitement when tasted. We repeatedly taste a significant amount of tea to ensure we introduce only high-quality products.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        About Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/24F13E60-FAEC-412A-B0BB-E0927980166F.png?v=1615631026\" alt=\"Product Image\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We have created a new tea by blending naturally cultivated black tea and Gong Ting ripe Pu-erh tea. The result is a balanced flavor that combines the sweetness of black tea with the mellow, deep taste of ripe Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Collaboration of Gong Ting Pu-erh Tea and Naturally Cultivated Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Blending black tea and Gong Ting ripe Pu-erh tea turned out to be surprisingly delicious, and we personally enjoyed this combination for a long time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We wanted to share this blend with others and recommended it to many friends and customers. However, it never quite caught on for 3 reasons:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe need to obtain 2 types of tea separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe need to blend them oneself\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eThe extraction speeds of compressed ripe Pu-erh and loose-leaf black tea differ, making the flavor inconsistent\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Compressed into Mini Tuocha to Uniformly Blend the Two Ingredients\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We wanted to solve these 3 problems and make the blend of Yunnan black tea and Gong Ting Pu-erh tea easily accessible to everyone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, when blending the 2 teas in loose-leaf form, the Gong Ting grade ripe Pu-erh leaves are much smaller, making it difficult to blend uniformly with the larger black tea leaves.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We therefore decided to compress the blended tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Compressing into 200 g or 357 g cakes causes the black tea leaves to break when the cake is separated, and uneven mixing can occur. Shaping into mini tuocha solved both problems.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Each mini tuocha weighs approximately 5 g, making it very convenient to brew a consistent and intended flavor simply by placing one in a teapot.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F8CE53A3-2835-43E0-9F72-816018CA9AEC.png?v=1615631088\" alt=\"Mini Tuocha\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    High-Quality Tea Leaves of One Bud, One Leaf for Black Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For the black tea, we used leaves plucked around March 20th, consisting of one bud and one leaf.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    While tea made from one bud and 2 leaves has a stronger flavor, we deliberately selected one bud and one leaf to achieve a smoother mouthfeel.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea comes from a naturally cultivated garden at an altitude of 2000 m in Lincang, Yunnan Province. The tea is grown without pesticides or fertilizers, and even the ground vegetation is left untouched.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The black tea has a very deep richness and medium body, making it delicious even as a standalone black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To obtain the earliest spring leaves, we stayed in Yunnan Province before the tea season began to ensure we secured the first-plucked harvest.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/CDD1E4B5-668F-4792-A8A5-1C5A2B7CA517.png?v=1615631181\" alt=\"Tea Leaves\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9DACE150-8BCB-43C5-8E9B-B61CA1AAFA93.png?v=1615631194\" alt=\"Tea Processing\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F8888851-9DBD-40C3-A5CC-F92B83A48810.png?v=1615631201\" alt=\"Tea Garden\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/CA4A4DBB-4F3F-462F-BA69-0F4BB60A8577.png?v=1615631215\" alt=\"Tea Garden\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/80E9E840-D063-4F05-9729-835E00BC8BD3.png?v=1615631230\" alt=\"Tea Processing\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Using Gong Ting Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    For the ripe Pu-erh tea, we used our Gong Ting Jin Hao.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is also made from naturally cultivated tea from Lincang. After aging for 2–3 years, it develops a sweet flavor reminiscent of dried jujube.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, this black tea and Pu-erh blend can be enjoyed not only immediately but also with a distinctly different character after aging for some time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/7C3F38B6-26A5-4810-B1D6-4ED8085490C2.png?v=1615631377\" alt=\"Gong Ting Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Decided on the Name Gong Ting Dian Hong\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The final product exceeded expectations, achieving exactly the intended flavor and character.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since it blends Gong Ting Jin Hao — a Gong Ting grade ripe Pu-erh tea — with Yunnan black tea, we named it Gong Ting Dian Hong.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Dian Hong is the Chinese name for Yunnan black tea. \"Dian\" is an ancient name for Yunnan Province, and \"Hong\" means red, so Dian Hong literally means \"Yunnan red\" — the Chinese term for Yunnan black tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/287132F5-7355-40C5-8615-735AD0868080.png?v=1615631425\" alt=\"Gong Ting Dian Hong\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/E2326B30-D0E6-463C-8271-1C2EDF1BC308.png?v=1615631448\" alt=\"Gong Ting Dian Hong\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Delicious Even as Milk Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Gong Ting Dian Hong is excellent to drink straight, but it pairs exceptionally well with milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend brewing it strong with as little water as possible, then mixing with plenty of milk.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    It feels like silk on the tongue and has a natural sweetness that requires no added sugar.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on teas with clarity and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we seek out remote mountain villages, selecting gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste \u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to originate from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves sourced from elsewhere, and can be found everywhere — from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters further is the surprising phenomenon where teas made from leaves in remote, lesser-known areas are often of higher quality than the genuine articles from famous regions. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and is well known among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Why are these older teas considered special? Many assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, which accounts for their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same level of quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932455071920,"sku":"d06ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932455104688,"sku":"d06cc","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932455137456,"sku":"d06cb","price":7200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932455170224,"sku":"d06cv","price":18100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/IMG_8333.jpg?v=1737905745"},{"product_id":"d110","title":"Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea Mini Tuo Cha 2019","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Our Pu-erh Ripe Tea with Strong Aftertaste and Rich Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea Mini Tuo Cha is a ripe Pu-erh tea made from spring tea harvested from trees hundreds of years old growing deep in the mountains. It is a tea with a very well-balanced flavor, taste, and depth of aftertaste, allowing you to fully enjoy the richness of its flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2019 harvest has a strong flavor reminiscent of dried jujube, with a rich, long aftertaste and deep throat sensation. It dispels the musty image sometimes associated with ripe tea, making it enjoyable for both first-time Pu-erh drinkers and connoisseurs. Enjoy the mature, melting mouthfeel and the sensation of the tea flowing smoothly down your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product (Mini Tuo Cha type) is designed for convenience, processed into small shapes resembling chocolate, allowing you to brew tea using the whole piece.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is available in 2 types: Mini Tuo Cha and cake. This product is the Mini Tuo Cha type.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although both types use raw material from Wu Liang Shan, the specific material used differs slightly. While sold under the same name, their flavor and texture are not identical. If you enjoy 1 type, we encourage you to try the other as well.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Five small paper-wrapped tea balls in a hand\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF.png?v=1615636494\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mini Tuo Cha\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A round tea cake on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9E68EC48-C67F-472B-B4AB-7060A4568C81.png?v=1615636527\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cake type\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is well-received by regular Pu-erh drinkers and can be enjoyed equally by beginners and connoisseurs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor is reminiscent of dried fruits, and the taste is mellow, smooth, and full-bodied.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In addition to the pleasant drinking experience, Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea has a deep aftertaste that spreads through the back of the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The \"character\" of tea is determined by its flavor and drinking experience, but the \"quality\" of tea—which encompasses a three-dimensional, clean taste and flavor, and the richness you feel when drinking—is defined by the depth of its taste and flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Diagram of body (spread in the mouth) and aftertaste (what lingers after swallowing)\" width=\"630\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/taste-body-aftertaste-en2.webp?v=1790840300\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Production of Pu-erh Tea in Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"In Yunnan Province, you can find Pu-erh tea almost everywhere.\" In ethnic minority villages, each household produces Pu-erh tea, and even small villages have hundreds of varieties.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Across all of Yunnan Province, there are thousands or even tens of thousands of types of Pu-erh tea, so in that sense, finding a Pu-erh tea to buy is easy for anyone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, finding Pu-erh tea with a deep aftertaste—as rich and mellow as high-quality chocolate—is extremely rare.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Layers of hazy mountain ranges\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/62FC9607-A456-4C95-89C6-DC8D7AD5820D.png?v=1615636628\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The mountains of Wu Liang Shan\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea bushes growing on a slope among trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EEBF8226-463D-4790-AA39-81B044E2B6CE.png?v=1615636661\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tea growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Difference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is made from tea trees over 100 years old, planted in the mountains rather than cultivated gardens, making the tea semi-wild.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ethnic minorities harvest the tea 1–2 times a year as part of their livelihood. Tea plucking involves climbing the trees and selecting leaves by hand—a genuinely laborious process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To the ethnic minorities of Wu Liang Shan, the tea trees in the surrounding mountains are like wild vegetables, growing among wild trees in the forest.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Mountain tea contains more minerals than garden-grown tea, and old trees growing slowly with deep root systems yield leaves that are especially rich in minerals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    These abundant minerals give the tea a richer, fuller taste. One of the main minerals in Pu-erh tea is iron, which plays a key role in blood production and is especially beneficial for those prone to anemia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman plucking tea leaves high in a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6DAD9A31-6CA0-4247-9A11-0167018A9435.png?v=1615636732\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A worker plucking leaves high in an old tea tree — harvesting from these ancient trees is a genuinely demanding task.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"An old tea tree spreading its branches beneath tall trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D261671E-A5C8-4B98-B08E-8B4A72DADB92.png?v=1615636748\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Old tea trees growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Various Shapes of Ripe Pu-erh Tea Depending on Usage\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh tea is shaped into various forms such as rounds and blocks, depending on its intended use. Before pressing, Pu-erh tea exists as loose leaves called mao cha.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once fermentation is complete, the leaves look similar to black tea. We purchase the tea in this state and have it pressed into the desired shape.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Loose dark brown tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/15E2616E-276C-4040-966F-AE0955E413DE.png?v=1615636815\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ripe Pu-erh mao cha before pressing\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Processed into Small Shapes for Convenience\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea Mini Tuo Cha is designed for convenience, pressed into small pieces resembling chocolate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Each piece weighs 6–8 g, so use the whole piece when brewing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a wrapped tea ball and an unwrapped one\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/89B12BD4-96BA-42EC-868B-922D024530AE.png?v=1615636867\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The small size makes it convenient for sharing with friends!\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is Very Economical\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Five small paper-wrapped tea balls in a hand\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF_453bff26-b9e4-438e-b917-2dc88ad7ce64.png?v=1615636922\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is very economical — just 5 g of leaves can yield 2 liters of brewed tea across multiple infusions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you do not finish the tea in one session, you can continue brewing within the same day. For example, it is perfectly fine to resume brewing the next morning from leaves used the previous evening.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of dark reddish-brown tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F914142E-0B51-4F98-BC96-D5FEAF21B7AB.png?v=1615636942\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Enjoying strong tea in small sips is another rewarding way to savor Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932454645936,"sku":"d110ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932454678704,"sku":"d110cc","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932454711472,"sku":"d110cb","price":4200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932454744240,"sku":"d110cv","price":10900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF.png?v=1737905737"},{"product_id":"d107","title":"Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake 2019","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Our Pu-erh Ripe Tea with Strong Aftertaste and Rich Flavor\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea Mini Tuo Cha is a Pu-erh ripe tea made from the spring tea of trees hundreds of years old growing deep in the mountains. It is a product with a very well-balanced flavor, taste, and depth (aftertaste), allowing you to fully enjoy the richness of its flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The 2019 harvest has a strong flavor reminiscent of dried jujube, with a rich, long aftertaste and deep throat sensation. It dispels the moldy image of ripe tea, making it enjoyable for both those who have never tried Pu-erh tea and experienced drinkers. Enjoy the mature, melting mouthfeel and the sensation of the tea flowing smoothly down your throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product (Mini Tuo Cha type) is designed for convenience, processed into small shapes like chocolate, allowing you to brew tea using the whole piece.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    There are two types of Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea available: Mini Tuo Cha and cake.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This product is the Mini Tuo Cha type.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Although both Mini Tuo Cha and cake are made in Wu Liang Shan, the raw materials used are slightly different. While they are sold under the same name, their flavor and texture are not identical.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you enjoy one type, please try the other as well.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Five small paper-wrapped tea balls in a hand\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF.png?v=1615636494\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mini Tuo Cha\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A round tea cake on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/9E68EC48-C67F-472B-B4AB-7060A4568C81.png?v=1615636527\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cake type\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is well-received by customers who regularly drink Pu-erh ripe tea and can be enjoyed by both beginners and connoisseurs.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The flavor is reminiscent of dried fruits, and the taste is mellow, smooth, and rich, blending well in your mouth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In addition to the pleasant drinking experience, Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea has a deep aftertaste that spreads in the back of the throat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The \"character\" of tea is determined by its flavor and drinking experience, but the \"quality\" of tea—which includes a three-dimensional, clean taste and flavor and the richness you feel when drinking it—is defined by the depth of its flavor and aroma.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Diagram of body (spread in the mouth) and aftertaste (what lingers after swallowing)\" width=\"630\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/taste-body-aftertaste-en2.webp?v=1790840300\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Production of Pu-erh Tea in Yunnan Province\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \"In Yunnan Province, you can find Pu-erh tea almost everywhere.\" In villages of ethnic minorities, each household produces Pu-erh tea, and even in small villages, there are hundreds of types of Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Moreover, across Yunnan Province, there are thousands upon tens of thousands of types of Pu-erh tea, so in a sense, \"buying Pu-erh tea\" is easy for anyone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, finding Pu-erh tea with a deep aftertaste, as rich and mellow as high-quality chocolate, is extremely rare.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Layers of hazy mountain ranges\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/62FC9607-A456-4C95-89C6-DC8D7AD5820D.png?v=1615636628\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The mountains of Wu Liang Shan\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea bushes growing on a slope among trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/EEBF8226-463D-4790-AA39-81B044E2B6CE.png?v=1615636661\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tea growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\"\u003eThe Difference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is made from tea trees aged over 100 years old planted in the mountains rather than in tea gardens, making the tea semi-wild.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ethnic minorities pluck tea leaves 1–2 times a year for their livelihood. Tea plucking involves climbing the trees and plucking the leaves by hand, making it a laborious process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The tea in the mountains around Wu Liang Shan is like wild vegetables for the ethnic minorities, surrounded by wild trees.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Mountain tea contains more minerals than garden-grown tea, and old trees grow slowly with extensive root systems, resulting in tea leaves rich in minerals.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    The abundant minerals make the tea taste richer. One of the main minerals in Pu-erh tea is iron, which plays a crucial role in blood production and is especially beneficial for women prone to anemia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman plucking tea leaves high in a tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/6DAD9A31-6CA0-4247-9A11-0167018A9435.png?v=1615636732\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A woman on a tree?! Plucking leaves from old trees is a life-threatening task.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"An old tea tree spreading its branches beneath tall trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/D261671E-A5C8-4B98-B08E-8B4A72DADB92.png?v=1615636748\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Old tea trees growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Various Shapes of Pu-erh Ripe Tea Depending on Usage\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Pu-erh ripe tea is shaped into various forms such as round cakes and blocks, depending on its intended use. Initially, Pu-erh tea consists of loose leaves, referred to as loose tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Once fermentation is complete, Pu-erh tea looks similar to black tea. We purchase the tea leaves in this state and have them pressed into the desired shapes.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Loose dark brown tea leaves on a white background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/15E2616E-276C-4040-966F-AE0955E413DE.png?v=1615636815\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pu-erh ripe tea mao cha before pressing\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Processed into Small Shapes for Convenience\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea Mini Tuo Cha is designed for convenience, processed into small shapes resembling chocolate.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Each piece weighs 6–8g, so use the whole piece when brewing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A hand holding a wrapped tea ball and an unwrapped one\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/89B12BD4-96BA-42EC-868B-922D024530AE.png?v=1615636867\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The small size makes it convenient for sharing with friends!\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Tea is Very Economical\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Five small paper-wrapped tea balls in a hand\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/29E69968-B1F9-4A84-A3A9-40C6483504BF_453bff26-b9e4-438e-b917-2dc88ad7ce64.png?v=1615636922\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This Pu-erh tea is very economical, as you can brew multiple infusions from just 5g of tea leaves, yielding around 2 liters in total.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    If you do not finish brewing in one session, you can continue the next day. For example, you can pick up where you left off the next morning with leaves brewed the previous evening.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A white cup of dark reddish-brown tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/F914142E-0B51-4F98-BC96-D5FEAF21B7AB.png?v=1615636942\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Enjoying strong tea in small sips is another way to savor Pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on teas with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we concentrate on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations, using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves grown in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, which accounts for their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932454547632,"sku":"d107ca","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932454580400,"sku":"d107cc","price":5200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932454613168,"sku":"d107cv","price":20300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/products\/d107_01.jpg?v=1737905735"},{"product_id":"s09","title":"Ripe Pu-erh Jasmine Tea","description":"\u003cimg alt=\"Dark tea leaves and hands holding jasmine flowers\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9348\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/kuromari.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"279\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Instead of sourcing finished jasmine tea, we specialize in producing custom-made jasmine tea by bringing our carefully selected raw materials to jasmine factories. Over the years, we have created numerous unique jasmine tea varieties that are not available elsewhere, such as Pu-erh jasmine tea made from raw Pu-erh tea leaves, Jasmine Silver Needle made from white tea collected from old tea trees, and Wild Jasmine Bud made from wild white tea buds.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This time, we have processed a tea that we have always wanted to try as jasmine tea: ripe Pu-erh tea! You might wonder if ripe tea and jasmine tea would complement each other, so we invite you to give it a try.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"White jasmine flowers spread out in a thick layer\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9347\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1826.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Photo of the jasmine scenting process\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Remarkable Compatibility Between Ripe Pu-erh Tea and Floral Flavors\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In fact, ripe Pu-erh tea exhibits a remarkable affinity for floral and fruity notes. In Hong Kong, there is a popular tea known as \"Kok-pou\" that combines ripe Pu-erh tea with chrysanthemum.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Furthermore, there has been a growing trend in recent years of stuffing ripe Pu-erh tea inside hollowed-out mandarin oranges, resulting in a uniquely flavored tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe tea also demonstrates unexpected versatility when blended with various types of tea. Have you ever tried blending ripe tea with black tea in a 50\/50 ratio? The outcome is an exceptionally delightful blend.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Based on these experiences, I firmly believed that ripe tea would undoubtedly complement jasmine.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Reddish-brown tea liquor in a white cup\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9346\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0318.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Using Ripe Pu-erh Tea Made from Naturally Grown Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When sourcing base-tea for Ripe Pu-erh Jasmine Tea, we specifically sought out naturally-grown tea. Naturally-grown tea imparts a rich and deep taste that is essential for crafting high-quality jasmine tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    A Tea That Surprises Everyone\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We created this tea with the assumption that ripe Pu-erh tea and jasmine flavor would complement each other well. However, I must admit I had some concerns until I actually tasted the finished tea. To my surprise, the mellow sweetness of the ripe tea combined with the refreshing flavor of jasmine created an unbeatable combination.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    This tea is recommended not only for those who like jasmine tea but also for those who are not fond of ripe Pu-erh tea. Due to the jasmine flavor, the distinct fermented flavor of ripe Pu-erh tea is completely absent, replaced instead by the vibrant scent of jasmine. Furthermore, thanks to the rich and robust taste of ripe Pu-erh, it offers a satisfying experience when consumed, making it a perfect choice for evenings or enjoyed alongside desserts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Moreover, as this tea is based on ripe Pu-erh tea, it has a warming effect on the body. When you actually drink it, you will experience not just a slight warmth, but a remarkable sensation that leaves your body pleasantly cozy. This makes it an ideal choice for chilly days or when you want to feel warm and comfortable.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Perfect Pairing with Desserts!\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea is a great match for desserts. Unlike regular jasmine tea, which has a refreshing taste due to its green tea base, it doesn't always go well with all desserts. However, ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea, with its fermented tea as the base tea, pairs exceptionally well with sweet treats like pastries. It's also a versatile option that complements a wide variety of desserts, including baked apples, apple pie, tarts, cheesecakes, and desserts made with fruit puree or jam.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Reddish-brown tea in a white cup and a serving pitcher\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9345\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0325.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh Jasmine Tea Unlocks a New Dimension of Milk Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Surprisingly, when ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea is prepared as milk tea, it undergoes a remarkable transformation and becomes an exceptionally delightful beverage. As someone who usually prefers drinking tea without any additions, even I find myself irresistibly tempted to give it a try. Once transformed into milk tea, the floral fragrance of jasmine takes on a fruity undertone, and when combined with the creamy texture of the milk, a sweet fruity essence reminiscent of apple tea emerges. It's as if you're entering an entirely new realm of milk tea experience.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Milk tea in a white cup\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9344\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0331.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Recommended for Cocktails and Mixing with Shochu\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea is not only fascinating as a standalone drink but also an intriguing ingredient for cocktails. One simple and outstanding combination is with shochu, a Japanese distilled spirit. Try mixing black jasmine tea with a mild-flavored shochu such as barley, rice, or black sugar-based varieties. Once you experience it, you'll become addicted. Additionally, you can experiment by substituting shochu with other spirits like tequila, rum, or vodka. And if you're looking for a distinct twist, adding milk to ripe Pu-erh jasmine tea infused with shochu creates a one-of-a-kind beverage.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Dry dark brown tea leaves on a white background\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-9343\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0315.jpg\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Concerning the Occasional Presence of Green Tea Mixed In\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We carefully select and sort tea leaves by hand and package them with great care. However, during the production of jasmine tea, there may be a small unintentional mix of green tea or white tea. This can occur if traces of our previously processed teas, like Snow Jasmine or Jasmine Silver Needle, remain in the drying machine and occasionally get mixed in. Although we make efforts to remove non-ripe Pu-erh tea leaves during hand-sorting, it may not be possible to completely eliminate green tea or white tea buds that have a similar color to ripe tea in their dry form. If you discover green tea leaves mixed in while brewing the tea, please understand that it will not impact the taste or flavor.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag)","offer_id":44932435280048,"sku":"s09ca","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g (in can)","offer_id":44932435312816,"sku":"s09cc","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (large bag\/100g x 2 bags)","offer_id":44932435345584,"sku":"s09cb","price":7200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"600g value pack (large bag [100g x 2 bags] x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932435378352,"sku":"s09cv","price":18100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_0315.jpg?v=1737905484"},{"product_id":"d134","title":"Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh 2020 Loose","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n    This product is a loose tea. We have procured it in loose form to accommodate a wide range of uses, such as blending with other teas, making milk tea, and using it in cooking. Loose tea is characterized by a gentler taste and a smoother, milder flavor compared to cake tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh is a Pu-erh tea well-received by regular Pu-erh drinkers and equally enjoyable for beginners.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend this tea because \u003cstrong\u003ethe balance of flavor, taste, and depth of aftertaste is excellent, and both the flavor and aroma are very rich. The flavor is reminiscent of dried fruit, and the taste is mellow, smooth, and full-bodied.\u003c\/strong\u003e While these qualities can be found in other well-fermented Pu-erh teas, Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh stands out for the sheer depth behind them.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Beyond the drinking experience described above, Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh has a deep aftertaste that spreads through the back of the throat. This is not merely about flavor type or aroma type, but about the \u003cstrong\u003e\"quality\"\u003c\/strong\u003e of those qualities—the three-dimensional, impurity-free taste and flavor, and the fullness that fills you when you drink it. This quality factor is determined by the \u003cstrong\u003e\"depth of flavor and aroma,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and it is something we have sought during our visits to Yunnan Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003e\"In Yunnan Province, you encounter Pu-erh tea everywhere you go.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e In ethnic minority villages, each household makes Pu-erh tea, and even a small village may have hundreds of varieties. Across all of Yunnan Province, there are thousands or even tens of thousands of types of Pu-erh tea, and in that sense, finding a Pu-erh tea to buy is easy.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    However, Pu-erh tea with a deep aftertaste—mellow and rich like high-quality chocolate—is extremely rare. We encountered Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh after more than 10 days of tasting trips through various mountainous areas of Yunnan Province.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Hazy mountain ranges beyond reddish slopes\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d03_03.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The mountains of Wu Liang Shan\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea bushes growing on a slope among trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d06_03.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Tea growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Generally, ripe Pu-erh tea is made from garden-grown tea, while high-quality raw Pu-erh tea comes from old trees in the mountains. Wu Liang Shan Ripe Pu-erh, however, is made from tea leaves harvested from trees over 100 years old, planted in the mountains in a semi-wild state—not in cultivated gardens. The ethnic minorities pluck this tea 1–2 times a year as part of their livelihood. Though called tea plucking, it involves climbing the trees and selecting leaves by hand one by one, making it an extremely labor-intensive task.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    To the ethnic minorities of Wu Liang Shan, the tea trees in the surrounding mountains are like wild mountain vegetables. The trees have grown so large that upon entering the forest, they blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and are difficult to distinguish from other trees. No pesticides or fertilizers are used—because to these communities, the tea trees are simply another part of the natural mountain environment.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tea grown in the mountains has a higher mineral content than garden-grown tea. Old trees, growing slowly with deep roots, accumulate leaves that are especially rich in minerals. These abundant minerals give the tea a rich, full taste. The principal mineral in Pu-erh tea is iron, which plays an important role in blood production and is an essential nutrient for those prone to anemia.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A plucker in a hat high among the branches of an old tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d06_01.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    A worker plucking leaves high in an old tea tree — harvesting from these ancient trees is a genuinely demanding task.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Old tea trees on a slope below tall trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d06_02.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Old tea trees growing in the mountains\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Since 2010, we have been visiting Yunnan Province every spring. Over the years, we have built connections with many famous tea regions. However, our focus is not on a region's fame, but rather on tea with transparency and a long-lasting aftertaste. To achieve this, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting tea gardens with ancient tea trees, high altitudes, and no fertilizers, sourcing through unique logistics channels. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/aftertaste\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eBeyond Fame: In Pursuit of Teas with a Long-Lasting Aftertaste\u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan, teas claiming to be from famous regions are produced in thousands of locations using leaves from other areas, and can be found everywhere—from airports and convenience stores to supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates matters is the surprising phenomenon where imitation teas made from leaves in remote areas are of higher quality than the genuine articles. This is especially common with Pu-erh teas from Lincang, and it is a well-known fact among professionals involved in local sourcing. For more details, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/famous_area\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eFamous Tea Regions Where Imitation Is the Norm\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, there are long-established brands like Dayi and Zhongcha. These brands are renowned because their teas produced before 1990 are highly valued.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    So why are these older teas considered special? Many people assume it is due to long aging, but in reality, the tea leaves used at that time were naturally grown without fertilizers, resulting in their superior quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Therefore, even if current teas are aged for a long time, they will not reach the same quality. For more information, please visit the following page.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 25px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #0000ff;\"\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/pu-erh_brand\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"\u003eChanges in the Quality of Famous Tea Brands: Then and Now\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g (small bag)","offer_id":44932428824752,"sku":"d134ca","price":760.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"80g (in can)","offer_id":44932428857520,"sku":"d134cc","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"240g (large bag\/80g x 3 bags)","offer_id":44932428890288,"sku":"d134cb","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"720g value pack (80g x 9 bags)","offer_id":44932428923056,"sku":"d134cv","price":11500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/d134_01_9d6ef23f-6432-46f7-bca8-3543b7f89e43.jpg?v=1737905401"},{"product_id":"d155","title":"Tang Li Shan Ripe 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        Tang Li Shan(棠梨山) is the name of a mountain located on the northern slope of Dedang Town(德党镇), the administrative center of Yongde County(永德县). This ripe pu-erh tea is made from high-quality raw material with carefully controlled fermentation, producing an exceptionally long aftertaste. It stands out in both raw material selection and processing.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    When people think of pu-erh tea, many imagine a dark brown liquor with notes reminiscent of dried mushrooms or dried fruit. This image generally refers to ripe pu-erh tea.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Raw pu-erh tea, by contrast, is produced without microbial fermentation during processing. It is delicate and fresh in character, often compared to a young white wine. Because it has no bitterness or astringency, it is enjoyed even by children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"display: block; padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    Differences Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        High-quality ripe pu-erh tea has a naturally sweet fragrance.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe pu-erh tea because they say it smells like old furniture, rotten wood, or mold. Flavors that evoke mold are referred to as Zhang Xiang in Chinese and are primarily caused by the use of smoky raw material. In recent years, particularly in Southeast Asia, ripe pu-erh tea with Zhang Xiang has become expensive, and intentionally smoked raw pu-erh tea has sometimes been used as material for ripe pu-erh tea.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        A good-quality tea delivers a distinct impact when you drink it. We conduct extensive tastings to ensure we offer only teas of reliable quality.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n        About Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n        \u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    Tang Li Shan, the Symbolic Mountain of Dedang Town\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tang Li Shan is located to the north of Dedang Town, the central urban area of Yongde County. Gentle slopes extend up to an elevation of approximately 2000m. This mountain is symbolic to Yongde Town itself. Because access to this area is relatively easy, both fertilized tea gardens and naturally cultivated tea gardens coexist. As one moves further north along Tang Li Shan, the distance from the town increases, elevations rise, and the tea trees tend to be older, resulting in a higher concentration of tea gardens with favorable growing conditions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea trees growing in a mountain garden\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1175.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Slopes of Tang Li Shan spreading across northern Dedang Town\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Tea trees with white-flowered plants growing beneath\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1126.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tang Li Shan also benefits from ample sunlight, and teas produced here tend to be clean and relatively refined in character. Because of its popularity, tea from this mountain is highly priced even locally, and it is rarely processed into ripe pu-erh tea. In recent years, however, the downturn in the Chinese economy has affected the ripe pu-erh market, lowering overall market prices. As a result, it became possible for the producer to source this fine tea material at a more reasonable cost than usual.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Blue three-wheeled vehicle on a dirt road by tea trees\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1075.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n    The Longest Aftertaste Among Our Ripe Pu-erh Selections\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Tang Li Shan Gushu Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2023(棠梨山古树熟茶2023) is characterized by its long aftertaste and surpasses even the previously popular Guogan Gushu Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2016(果敢古树熟茶2016), which is now sold out. From a professional perspective, the fermentation has been carried out appropriately, with no sourness emerging even as the tea cools, allowing a clean and pleasant sweetness to remain. The tea was first stored in loose form under aerobic conditions and aged for one year before being compressed into its final shape. With further aging under oxygen-free conditions over the coming years, the fragrance is expected to become more pronounced and the sweetness more layered.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Front surface of a dark compressed tea cake\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5341.jpg\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Specialized Sourcing Focused on 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    We have visited Yunnan Province every spring since 2010. Through long-term stays and repeated visits, we have built strong relationships with many well-known tea producing areas. However, our priority is not regional fame, but teas that show clarity and a long aftertaste. For this reason, we focus on remote mountain villages, selecting unfertilized tea gardens at higher elevations with older tea trees, and source them through our own independent logistics channels. For more details, please refer to the page below.\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;\"\u003e\n    Our Approach to Tea Selection Focused on Aftertaste Rather Than Famous Origins \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    In Yunnan Province, countless producers create teas labeled with famous origin names while using raw material sourced from elsewhere. These products are found everywhere, from airports to convenience stores and supermarkets.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    What complicates the situation further is the paradox that some imitation products made with tea from remote areas are actually of higher quality than the originals. This phenomenon is particularly common with pu-erh tea from the Lincang region(临沧) and is widely known among professionals involved in local sourcing. For further explanation, please see the page below.\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;\"\u003e\n    The Reality of Famous Origin Teas in China\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Pu-erh tea includes several long-established famous brands. One reason these brands are highly regarded is that teas produced before 1980 receive especially high evaluations.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many assume that long-term aging alone is the reason these old teas are special. In reality, the key factor is that the raw leaves used at the time were naturally grown, unfertilized, and of very high quality.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    As a result, aging modern tea for a long period does not necessarily lead to the same quality. For further details, please refer to the page below.\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;\"\u003e\n    Are Famous Brands Truly High Quality\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932427874480,"sku":"d155ca","price":1700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932427907248,"sku":"d155cc","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932427940016,"sku":"d155cv","price":28100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5356.jpg?v=1737905363"},{"product_id":"d156","title":"Mang Fei Ripe 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    \u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\n            Mang Fei is a place name transliterated from an ethnic minority language rather than originating from standard Chinese pronunciation. The pronunciation \"Mang Fei\" preserves its indigenous phonetic characteristics.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\n            Mang Fei is situated in the western part of Yongde County, Lincang, Yunnan Province, approximately 15–20 km from the county center. During the rainy season, the roads become muddy, making access more difficult.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\n            The landscape is mountainous, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,800–2,100 meters. The terrain is steep, with villages scattered along valleys and slopes. The soil is primarily red clay, with some areas featuring exposed rock formations.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\n            Tea cultivation has been an integral part of Mang Fei for centuries. The region consists mainly of small-scale tea gardens rather than large plantations.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Many associate Pu-erh tea with dark-colored liquor and earthy flavors reminiscent of dried mushrooms and aged fruit, but that applies only to ripe Pu-erh.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    Raw Pu-erh, in contrast, undergoes no microbial fermentation during production. It has a fresh, delicate profile comparable to white wine and is free from bitterness or astringency, making it enjoyable even for children.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" style=\"display: block; padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Differences \u0026gt; \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        High-quality ripe Pu-erh has a sweet flavor.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe Pu-erh because they associate it with musty or moldy flavors. However, properly processed ripe Pu-erh made from high-quality raw material carries a pleasant, dried fruit-like sweetness. Any unpleasant odor is likely due to poor-quality raw Pu-erh or issues during microbial fermentation.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        \u003ca href=\"\/en-en\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" style=\"color: #fff;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e About Ripe Pu-erh \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Product Details\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        The Soil of Mang Fei Produces Full-bodied Tea, Vegetables, and Fruits\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Mang Fei is one of the most well-known tea-growing regions in Yongde County, largely due to its distinctive soil composition.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Yunnan's geological history reveals that the land was once submerged beneath the sea before being uplifted through tectonic activity. The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates played a major role in forming the region's mountainous landscape, including the steep terrain of Lincang, where Mang Fei is located.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        As a result, limestone formations are commonly found throughout Yongde County. Land that was once under the sea often contains alkaline minerals such as calcium, potassium, and sodium, which contribute to a full-bodied taste in agricultural products. This characteristic extends to Mang Fei's tea, vegetables, and fruits.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Many famous Pu-erh tea-producing regions share this full-bodied character, including Lao Ban Zhang, Xi Gui, and Ma An Shan. Mang Fei tea is highly sought after due to its rich body, intense flavor, and lingering aftertaste. Mang Fei Ripe Pu-erh embodies these qualities with its deeply satisfying, full-bodied profile.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Rare Naturally Grown Tea from a Famous Production Region\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Due to high demand, many tea farmers in Mang Fei apply fertilizers to increase yield. However, fertilized tea trees grow rapidly, resulting in low cell density and a thinner, shorter aftertaste. While some advocate the use of animal manure as an eco-friendly alternative, it remains a nitrogen source and can similarly lead to quality degradation. While Mang Fei teas are generally full-bodied, many lack depth and lingering complexity. The 2023 Mang Fei Gushu Ripe Pu-erh, however, comes from a naturally cultivated tea garden, free from pesticides and fertilizers, yielding an exceptionally long aftertaste rarely found in tea from well-known regions.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003e\n        Rare Small-batch Ripe Pu-erh Production\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Most ripe Pu-erh is produced in large batches, often around 10 tons per lot, as producers rely on high volumes for profitability. The 2023 Mang Fei Gushu Ripe Pu-erh, however, was produced in a small batch of just over 1 ton due to the rarity and high cost of the raw material. Small-batch production ensures ideal processing conditions for pan-frying and sun-drying, resulting in a well-crafted tea with minimal imperfections. Although this tea is from the 2023 vintage and has had only a short aging period, high-quality ripe Pu-erh is enjoyable even when fresh. The purity of the raw material allows for a smooth, clean taste with natural sweetness. For those looking to enhance its flavor further, aging it in an airtight environment for several years is recommended.\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 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\n\u003cstyle\u003e\na:hover {\n    background-color: #333;\n    color: #f0f0e0;\n    box-shadow: 0 12px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);\n    transform: translateY(-5px);\n    text-decoration: none;\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e","brand":"HOJO Tea","offers":[{"title":"50g (small bag\/small portion of cake)","offer_id":44932427677872,"sku":"d156ca","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":44932427710640,"sku":"d156cc","price":10300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":44932427743408,"sku":"d156cv","price":41000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_7177.jpg?v=1738306239"},{"product_id":"d154","title":"Zhenkang Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2022","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Raw Pu-erh tea is a delicate tea that is fruity and fresh, like freshly made white wine. It has no bitterness or astringency, making it very popular with children.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        When you think of Pu-erh tea, you might imagine a tea with a brown liquor and the flavor of dried mushrooms or dried fruits, but that is a type of Pu-erh called ripe Pu-erh.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-raw-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n        Difference Between Raw and Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: .9em; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 30px 10px 12.5px 10px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n        High-quality ripe Pu-erh tea is never moldy.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n        Some people dislike ripe tea because it smells like \"old furniture,\" \"rotten wood,\" or \"mold,\" but moldy aromas indicate poor quality tea with fermentation issues. High-quality tea should evoke a certain level of emotion when tasted. HOJO conducts extensive tasting to ensure we introduce only the best quality teas.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 15px 0; font-size: .9em; background-color: #cfcfcf; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n        \u003ca style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAbout Ripe Pu-erh Tea \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe buy tea leaves from a very remote growing area, aiming for a tea suited for everyday drinking. \u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"630\" alt=\"Hand holding a wrapped Zhenkang 2022 tea cake\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5373.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10135\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eZhenkang County, on the Border with Myanmar\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea was made in Zhenkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. Zhenkang is the westernmost county in Lincang and borders Myanmar. The county seat (the equivalent of a prefectural capital in Japan) is in Nan San, a town in the border area, and it plays an important role as a hub for border trade. After Nan San, the most economically active town is Feng Wei, in northeastern Zhenkang. Feng Wei is high in altitude and covered in mountains, and tea growing is widespread there. It has many ancient tea trees in particular and is widely known as a tea-producing area. Ethnic minority villages are scattered around it, mainly Lahu, Yi and Wa, and traditional culture and ways of life are still alive there. For reference, in China, prefecture-level cities sit under provinces, and counties and districts sit under those. Below them are towns (zhen) and townships (xiang); a zhen is equivalent to a town in Japan and a xiang to a village. Under towns and townships are villages and communities (shequ). For example, Lincang City in Yunnan Province contains Zhenkang County, which contains the town of Nan San. China's administrative divisions are layered like this, from province down to village. Lincang City covers about 24,469 square kilometers. That is larger than the whole of Shikoku (about 18,800 square kilometers) and a little smaller than Kyushu (about 36,800 square kilometers). It is a single regional city in China, yet its area is comparable to a whole region of Japan. \u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"630\" alt=\"Forested mountain slope overlooking a sea of clouds\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8984.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10143\"\u003e \u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"630\" alt=\"Tea trees and mountains above a sea of clouds\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8989.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10141\"\u003e \u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"630\" alt=\"Tree in white blossom on a mountain slope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2216.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10136\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGoing Deep into Remote Areas for Reasonably Priced Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo offer high quality ripe Pu-erh tea at an affordable price, we paid particular attention to transport links in the producing region. Even within Lincang, areas with well maintained roads and easy access from nearby cities attract more visitors, which tends to drive up tea prices. Feng Wei Town, on the other hand, is about eight hours by car from the nearest airport. By sourcing tea from mountain villages even farther beyond the town, we were able to pay relatively less than we would for tea of comparable quality from other regions.\u003cbr\u003eAt the homes of ethnic minority farmers, we were served a mysterious drink instead of tea: homemade baijiu, which they had brewed and distilled themselves, then infused with mountain herbs. \u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"630\" alt=\"Rooftop of a building in the mountains above clouds\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_8982.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10142\"\u003e \u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"630\" alt=\"Concrete mountain path leading toward a sea of clouds\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_9002-3.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10139\"\u003e \u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"630\" alt=\"Hand pouring a drink from a large jar into small cups\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_2519.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10137\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMade from Tea Grown Without Pesticides or Fertilizer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZhenkang Ripe Pu-erh 2022 uses leaves from ancient trees over 100 years old, harvested in a tea garden at 2,000 m altitude in Feng Wei. It has the clarity that comes from leaves grown without fertilizer or pesticides, and a long lingering aftertaste. It was produced at a small factory in the mountains. As it ages the aroma and flavor should grow, with a sweet dried fruit note, and the taste should become gentler and more mellow. \u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"630\" alt=\"Front surface of a dark brown compressed tea cake\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5381-1.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10133\"\u003e \u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"630\" alt=\"Back of a compressed tea cake with a center dent\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5388.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10134\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more on how ripe Pu-erh is fermented, compressed, and aged, see \u003ca href=\"..\/pages\/about-ripe-pu-erh\"\u003eAbout Ripe Pu-erh Tea\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"letter-spacing: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e8e9eb; padding-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Focus on Sourcing Naturally Cultivated Tea\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"A woman in a yellow jacket reaching into a tea tree to pluck leaves\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_1207_417cac31-feef-474b-8429-501636b4b2b6.jpg?v=1727852439\" 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":45618962989232,"sku":"d154ca","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g (cake)","offer_id":45618963022000,"sku":"d154cc","price":5900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1,000g value pack (5 pieces of cake)","offer_id":45618963054768,"sku":"d154cv","price":23800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/0774\/6224\/files\/IMG_5373.jpg?v=1769752407"}],"url":"https:\/\/hojotea.com\/en\/collections\/teas-for-milk-tea.oembed","provider":"お茶の専門店HOJO \/ HOJO CO., LTD.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}