Yunnan Yiwu Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (357g)

Nestled in the mist-laden mountains of Yiwu, one of Pu-erh's most storied origins, this 2017 Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake is crafted from Menghai Da Ye Zhong — the large-leaf varietal prized for its depth, structure, and capacity to age gracefully. Pressed in 2017 and allowed to mature under careful storage conditions, each 357g cake carries the quiet complexity that only time and terroir can produce.

This is not just tea. It is a slow craft — pile-fermented through the traditional wo dui process, then stone-pressed and cellared to develop the smooth, layered character that defines a well-made shou pu-erh.

• Seven Years of Quiet Aging — Produced in 2017 from Menghai's celebrated Da Ye Zhong cultivar, this cake has had time to mellow and integrate, yielding a cup that is round, settled, and deeply satisfying.
• Rich, Grounding Flavor Profile — Expect notes of dark earth, aged wood, and dried jujube, with a velvety finish and a subtle sweetness that lingers.
• Signature Wet Storage Aroma — A gently earthy, forest-floor fragrance opens the session; the liquor deepens to warm cocoa and dried fruit as the leaves unfurl.
• Traditional Wo Dui Fermentation — Pile-fermented using the Menghai method, producing a smooth, full-bodied infusion free from astringency.
• Stone-Pressed Cake Format — Each 357g cake is hand-nested and wrapped in traditional cotton paper, designed for long-term cellaring or immediate enjoyment.

• Vessel: Yixing clay pot or porcelain gaiwan
• Leaf-to-water ratio: 5–7g per 100ml
• Water temperature: 212°F / 100°C (full rolling boil)
• Rinse: 1 quick rinse (5 sec), discard
• Infusion time: 10–15 sec for early steeps; extend gradually
• Steepings: 8–12+ steeps per session

• 3–4g per 8oz (240ml)
• Water: 212°F / 100°C
• Steep: 2–3 minutes
• Can re-steep 2–3 times

• 5g per 500ml cold water
• Refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours)
• Strain and serve over ice — smooth, subtly sweet, and low in bitterness

Q: Is this a raw (sheng) or ripe (shou) pu-erh?
This is a ripe pu-erh (shou puerh), produced through accelerated pile fermentation. It is smooth, mellow, and ready to drink now — no additional aging required, though further cellaring will continue to develop its character.

Q: Does the 2017 vintage make a noticeable difference?
Yes. Seven years of post-production aging have softened any residual fermentation notes and allowed the flavor compounds to integrate. Compared to a newly pressed cake, the 2017 vintage delivers a noticeably smoother, more rounded cup.

Q: How should I store the cake at home?
Keep it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Avoid airtight containers — pu-erh is a living tea and benefits from gentle airflow. A clay crock or unsealed ceramic jar works well.

Q: How much tea does one cake yield?
At 5g per gongfu session with 8–10 steeps, a single 357g cake yields approximately 70+ brewing sessions.

Q: Is this suitable for someone new to pu-erh?
Absolutely. Ripe pu-erh — especially an aged one like this — is one of the most approachable styles. Its smooth body and warm, earthy sweetness make it an excellent entry point for those curious about the category.

ovanyu sources each cake with traceability to origin, selecting only teas that meet our standards for craft, aging condition, and sensory integrity.

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.

We offer a 14-day return policy, meaning you can request a return within 14days of receiving your item.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it: unworn or unused, with tags attached, and in its original packaging. You will also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
For returns due to personal reasons (non-quality issues), the buyer is responsible for shipping costs; for returns due to quality issues, the seller covers the shipping costs.

To start a return, please contact us at hello@ovanyu.com. Please note that returns should be sent to the following address: [Shop 02, Building 2, China Resources Ziyunfu, Richang Road, Mawei District, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China]

If your return is accepted, we will send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return questions at hello@ovanyu.com.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, such as perishable goods (like food, flowers, or plants), custom products (like special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (like beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about a specific item.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item. EU 14-Day Cooling-Off Period
Notwithstanding the above, if the goods are being shipped to the EU, you have the right to cancel your order or return the items within 14 days without providing a reason. As previously stated, returned items must be in the same condition as when you received them—unworn or unused, with tags intact, and in their original packaging. You will also need to provide a receipt or proof of purchase.

Refunds
Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you whether your refund request has been approved. If approved, the refund will be automatically issued to your original payment method; funds typically appear in your account within 10 business days.
We will issue a full refund if the return is due to an issue on the seller's part; however, if the return is for personal reasons, the buyer is responsible for shipping costs and a 5% transaction processing fee.

Please note that it may take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we approved your return request, please contact us at hello@ovanyu.com.