Dan Zhu pu-erh tea is unique because it is harvested exclusively from a single tea tree, unlike regular pu-erh tea, which is typically made from leaves collected from multiple trees.
In Yunnan, tea gardens are quite diverse in terms of the age and condition of the tea trees, unlike the more uniform plantations found in places like Japan, India, or Taiwan. These gardens may contain a mix of ancient tea trees and younger ones, some growing in shaded areas while others are exposed to direct sunlight. Certain trees may grow faster, while others develop more slowly. When tea leaves are harvested from the entire garden, the quality, flavor, and taste tend to balance out, averaging the characteristics of the different trees.
In contrast, Dan Zhu tea offers the pure essence of a single tree, reflecting its unique environment, age, and growth conditions, which can result in a more distinctive and concentrated flavor.
Dan Zhu tea stands apart from regular raw pu-erh tea as it is crafted exclusively from a single, carefully selected tea bush. We collect leaves only from ancient tea trees, some of which are several hundred years old. The yield from these large, mature trees can be as much as 7-8kg. Unsurprisingly, Dan Zhu pu-erh tea delivers a highly distinctive taste and character, making it truly unique.
Ye Fang Dan Zhu Pu-erh Tea
During spring, we embarked on a journey across the mountains of southwestern Yunnan, near the Myanmar border, spending considerable time searching for tea bushes grown without the use of fertilizers or pesticides. These remote areas are home to many villages situated at altitudes ranging from 1,900 to 2,200 meters. We specifically sought out tea trees that had been left to grow wild for a long time, referred to in Chinese as "Ye Fang Dan Zhu Pu-erh" (野放单株茶). The term "Ye Fang" means "left in the wild."
These Ye Fang Dan Zhu pu-erh teas are remarkable for their exceptionally long-lasting aftertaste. The finish of the flavor is extraordinarily prolonged, and the taste profile is notably deep, offering a profound tea-drinking experience that lingers well beyond the final sip.
Every Dan Zhu Pu-erh tea has different genetic trait
In Yunnan, the ancient tea trees are all grown from seed, which means that each tree follows Mendelian inheritance patterns, resulting in diverse genetic traits. As a result, each tea tree exhibits distinct characteristics in terms of leaf shape, color, size, and most importantly, flavor and taste. This diversity is not found in tea plants propagated through cuttings, which tend to be more uniform.
Some of these old tea trees have also undergone natural mutations over time, further enhancing their individuality. These mutations can result in particularly unique and intriguing flavors, adding to the depth and variety of the tea. This genetic diversity gives each Dan Zhu Pu-erh tea a distinctive taste profile, making it a truly rare and special tea.
A trusted relationship leads to successful outcomes.
To produce high-quality Dan Zhu Raw Pu-erh tea, three key factors must be considered:
- Locating tea trees that are old enough and growing in the ideal environment.
- Finding a tea garden owner who is willing to sell us their fresh tea leaves.
- Ensuring strict processing management to prevent cross-contamination with other teas.
Our success in obtaining the perfect tea comes from working with a skilled tea producer who excels in both processing and production management. Over the past eight years, we have visited Yunnan every early spring, staying for a month each time to ensure everything is done properly. Our repeated visits have given us a deep understanding of the best tea production areas, and we have built strong, trust-based relationships with local tea manufacturers through years of collaboration.
This trust has allowed us to carefully select the optimal harvesting date after a stretch of consistently good weather. Several farmers were then involved in picking the fresh tea leaves, which were processed on the same day to create a specific batch of Dan Zhu Raw Pu-erh mao cha. This attention to detail and strong relationship-building has resulted in the exceptional quality we strive for in every batch.
Dan Zhu Pu-erh tea is usually introduced in its loose-leaf form.
We present Dan Zhu tea in loose form, as it is traditionally sold this way in China. Dan Zhu Pu-erh tea is often preferred in loose leaf because it allows tea enthusiasts to visually inspect the leaves, ensuring consistency and authenticity. Since each batch is harvested from a single tea tree, tea lovers in China value the opportunity to observe the leaves' uniformity and verify the unique characteristics of the tea.
However, when a batch yields a larger quantity of tea leaves, it is possible to press the tea into cakes. Compressed tea cakes offer convenience for storage and aging, but loose-leaf Dan Zhu tea remains the favored choice for those who prioritize observing the tea's natural quality and heritage.
The tea leaves of Dan Zhu gives very identical characteristic in terms of the shape, the color and size. None of them are exactly the same.
The more quantity you order, more types of tea you will get
For orders of 100g of Dan Zhu Raw Pu-erh tea, we will provide one type of Dan Zhu tea. However, if you order 200g, we will include two different varieties of Dan Zhu tea. Similarly, an order of 300g will consist of three different Dan Zhu teas. This means you will have the opportunity to experience all three different types of Dan Zhu teas, each with its own distinct flavor and character, offering a broader exploration of this exceptional tea.
