The Misterious Name of "Duck Droppings Flavor" Phoenix Dan Cong
Ya Shi Xiang (鴨屎香, literally "Duck Droppings Aroma") is one of the most popular Phoenix Dan Cong teas not only at HOJO but also in Chaozhou city in China.
The name might sound shocking—after all, who would name a tea after duck droppings?
However, this is not a joke. In fact, Ya Shi Xiang is a well-known and widely respected tea in its origin.
But does it really smell like duck droppings?
Not at all. It is famous for its intensely fruity and floral aroma, often compared to ripe peaches and mangoes.
The name originates from a story of a farmer who discovered an exceptionally aromatic tea tree.
In the past, Phoenix Dan Cong was grown from seeds, leading to natural hybridization and occasional discoveries of unique aromas.
The farmer, fearing that others might steal his prized tea tree, deliberately gave it an unappealing name—hoping that no one would take an interest in it.
And so, the name "Duck Droppings Flavor" was born.
This tea is produced from trees growing at an elevation of 1,100 meters.
What Makes High-Quality Phoenix Dan Cong?
High-quality Phoenix Dan Cong is cultivated as "Qiao Mu" (arbor-type trees). Unlike conventional tea gardens in Japan and Taiwan, where tea bushes are pruned short for efficient harvesting, Qiao Mu trees are left to grow naturally, developing deeper roots and richer flavors.
Aged Phoenix Dan Cong Tea Tree and Myself, Akira Hojo (Back View)
Qiao Mu trees require more labor-intensive harvesting but produce superior tea.
In Phoenix Town, high-altitude areas primarily use Qiao Mu cultivation, while lower-altitude areas follow conventional tea garden practices.
High-altitude tea trees cultivated using the Qiao Mu method: Photo taken near Wudong Village
Some associate Phoenix Dan Cong with bitterness or astringency, which is often due to lowland tea gardens using excessive fertilizer and high processing temperatures. Additionally, lower-altitude gardens harvest multiple times a year, contributing to bitterness.
In contrast, high-altitude Phoenix Dan Cong maintains a smooth taste with minimal bitterness or astringency, even when brewed with boiling water.
