Why Wild Tea Tastes Exceptional
Wild tea refers to tea that grows naturally in the mountains, rather than being cultivated through human agricultural practices.
We source wild Camellia taliensis tea from the Da Xue Shan region of Lincang, where it grows naturally.
When people hear the term "wild tea," they may associate it with a rough and untamed image, imagining it to be bitter or astringent, much like the impression of wild animals.
However, wild means natural. Think of wild mushrooms, wild seafood, or mountain vegetables — wild ingredients are known for their exceptional flavor.
Wild foods share common traits: a deep, lingering aftertaste, a clean and refreshing quality, and a strong natural flavor.
Wild tea harvested in early spring embodies these characteristics, resembling mountain vegetables in its purity.
The wild tea we offer is free of bitterness or astringency, delivering a clear yet rich infusion. Its high mineral content provides a sensation that spreads throughout the body, leaving a profound and satisfying experience.
Genuine Wild Tea, Rare Even in Yunnan
Da Xue Shan Wild Tea is a raw Pu-erh tea made from wild Camellia taliensis. In Yunnan, Camellia taliensis is commonly referred to as "wild tea." However, the term "wild tea" is often used regardless of whether the tea is truly wild or cultivated, making it impossible to determine authenticity based on the name alone. In recent years, as the popularity of wild tea has grown, more farmers have started cultivating Camellia taliensis, and plantations can now be found across various regions. These cultivated teas are also marketed as wild tea. Amid such trends, we remain dedicated to sourcing only genuine wild tea with uncompromising standards.
Specialized Skill Required for Cake Tea Processing
We source mao-cha from raw Pu-erh tea producers and bring it to specialists who handle cake tea processing. While many people can produce mao-cha and process it into cake tea, years of experience with Pu-erh and white tea have shown us that the processing of mao-cha into cake tea significantly impacts the tea's quality. Critical factors include the type of metal used, the temperature and duration of steaming, and the drying method.
Between 2017 and 2019, we experimented with various companies recommended by our partners and friends. Eventually, we found our current processor, who specializes exclusively in cake tea production with a small, skilled team. Their expertise has become indispensable to us, and we cannot imagine cake tea processing without their craftsmanship.
Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea 2023 Cake
The 2023 Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea has been aged for one year in an oxygen-free environment in our Malaysian warehouse. Through this aging process, it has developed a sweet flavor reminiscent of dried grapes, sweet potatoes, and chestnuts, making it an excellent choice for the colder months.