Yunnan Jingmai Ancient Tree Pu-erh Tea (Raw/Sheng) – Tea Cake (357g)

Jingmai Mountain — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of humanity’s oldest continuously cultivated tea landscapes — is home to ancient arbor tea trees whose roots reach deep into mineral-rich forest soils. This 2023 Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake is sourced exclusively from Jingmai ancient arbor trees (gu shu): old-growth trees that produce leaves of singular aromatic finesse, defined by the delicate orchid fragrance — lan xiang — that Jingmai is uniquely celebrated for.

Sun-dried, hand-sorted, and stone-pressed in 2023, this is a young sheng at the beginning of its journey — vibrant, expressive, and already showing the layered complexity that marks exceptional ancient tree material. Drink it now for its brightness and floral intensity, or cellar it for the decades of transformation ahead.

• Signature Lan Xiang — Pure Orchid Fragrance — Jingmai ancient tree sheng is prized worldwide for its lan xiang: a true orchid-like floral aroma that rises from the wet leaf, fills the gaiwan lid, and threads through every infusion from first steep to last. This is the defining characteristic of Jingmai gu shu — and it is present here in full expression.
• Ancient Arbor Leaf, Unmatched Terroir — Sourced from old-growth gu shu trees on Jingmai Mountain, the leaf material carries a mineral depth, structural complexity, and aromatic intensity that younger plantation trees cannot replicate. The deep root systems of these ancient trees draw from forest soils that have not been cultivated or fertilized.
• 2023 Harvest — Young, Vibrant, and Alive — At three years from pressing, this cake is in its expressive early phase: bright golden liquor, a lively floral top note, and a clean, refreshing character that rewards careful attention. The tannin structure is present and promising — signaling decades of aging potential ahead.
• Complex, Evolving Flavor Across the Session — Early steeps deliver orchid, fresh apricot, and high mountain floral; mid-session shifts to green melon, sweet hay, and layered mineral; the finish is long, cooling, and marked by a distinct floral huigan — a returning sweetness that lingers in the throat.
• Traditional Sun-Dry & Stone-Press Craftsmanship — Processed without artificial heat or accelerated fermentation: sun-dried to preserve volatile aromatics, hand-sorted for leaf integrity, and stone-pressed into a format designed for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging.

• Vessel: Porcelain gaiwan (recommended to preserve floral aromatics)
• Leaf-to-water ratio: 5–7g per 100ml
• Water temperature: 195–203°F / 90–95°C (slightly below boiling to protect delicate aromas)
• Rinse: 1 quick rinse (5 sec), discard
• Infusion time: 10–15 sec for early steeps; extend gradually
• Steepings: 10–15+ steeps per session

• 2–3g per 8oz (240ml)
• Water: 195°F / 90°C
• Steep: 2–3 minutes
• Can re-steep 2–3 times

• 4g per 500ml cold water
• Refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours)
• Strain and serve over ice — delicate, floral, and naturally sweet with a clean mineral finish

Q: What is gu shu (ancient arbor) tea, and why does it matter?
Gu shu refers to old-growth tea trees — typically 100 years or older — that are grown without cultivation or fertilization. Their deep root systems access a wider range of soil minerals, and their slower growth produces leaves with greater aromatic complexity and structural depth than younger plantation trees. In the cup, this translates to more nuanced fragrance, a longer finish, and greater aging potential.

Q: Is a 2023 sheng ready to drink now?
Yes — with some nuance. Young sheng from quality ancient tree material is vibrant and aromatic in its early years. If you enjoy bright, floral, high-energy teas, drink it now. If you prefer a more settled, complex expression, cellaring for 5–10+ years will reward patience with significant transformation.

Q: What is lan xiang, and will I notice it?
Lan xiang is the orchid-like floral fragrance characteristic of Jingmai mountain teas. It is most pronounced on the wet leaf aroma and gaiwan lid after each steep — delicate but unmistakable, and one of the clearest markers of genuine Jingmai gu shu material.

Q: How should I store the cake for aging?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from light, moisture, and strong odors. Avoid airtight containers — sheng pu-erh requires gentle airflow to age correctly. An unsealed ceramic vessel or breathable cotton storage in a stable environment is ideal.

Q: How many sessions does one cake yield?
At 5g per gongfu session with 10–12 steeps, a single 357g cake yields approximately 70+ brewing sessions.

ovanyu sources each Jingmai ancient tree cake with full traceability to mountain origin — selected for the integrity of its leaf, the authenticity of its lan xiang, and the aging potential that only true gu shu material carries.

1. Order Processing Time: How many business days does it take to pack and ship an order?
   Orders will be shipped within 1–3 business days of successful placement.
2. Shipping Time: What is the estimated delivery time for major destination countries/regions?
   USA: 7–12 business days; Europe: 7–12 business days.
3.  Shipping Policy: Is shipping free for orders over a certain amount (e.g., over $59), or is there a flat shipping fee?
   Free shipping on orders of $59 or more; a $15 shipping fee applies to orders under $59. Subscription items ship for free.

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