Origin: Manzhuang Mountain, Xishuangbanna, Southern Yunnan, China.

Plucking Season: Spring, 1999

Introduction:

Old Growth Tea Forests:
Old Growth Tea Forests are self-sustaining, biodiverse ecosystem untouched by clear-cutting or mono-agriculture. Centuries old tea trees grow side by side with other indigenous trees and plants in a dense, subtropical mountain forest environment. There are few such tea forests remaining in the world and most are found in southern Yunnan, primarily in Xishuangbanna and parts of Simao and Lincang prefectures.

Manzhuang Tea Forest
Manzhuang is one of the ancient Famous Six Tea Mountains located above the Mekong River. It is one of the best preserved and is maintained and harvested by the same 200 family Han community for the last 300 years.

Local Ethnic Culture
Tea is the sustaining life force for the people of Manzhuang. The local Han community have been involved in the tea trade for over three centuries. Their village is part of the ancient Tea Road on which Puer tea was carried throughout the region and onward to distant lands and kingdoms.

Tea Brick
Freshly plucked leaves are pan-fired, rolled, and sun-dried to make Mao Cha (raw tea). Mao Cha is then steamed and pressed into a brick using a traditional mold and again carefully sun-dried. This tea was made in 1999, and is ideal for aging further. It will increase in complexity and aroma with each passing year. For aging, it is recommended to store the brick tea in a porous clay container in a cool, dark place with plenty of clean, slightly humid air circulation.

The Tao of Tea Commitment
In partnership with the TianZi Biodiversity Research & Development Centre, in Xishuangbanna, we commit to channel back $1 for every tea brick sold to fund environmental education and help protect biodiversity in the Old Growth Tea Forests.

Flavor Profile: Manzhuang tea has a very rich taste and a complex, sweet aroma.

Brewing Suggestions