{"title":"Tea: Special Interest","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore teas curated for unique tastes, moments, and rituals. Our Special Interest collection brings together rare, aged, small-batch, and purpose-driven teas—from bold choices for coffee lovers to calming evening blends and collectible treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you seek deeper flavor, daily wellness, mindful brewing, or something truly uncommon, this collection highlights exceptional loose leaf teas chosen for character, craftsmanship, and experience beyond the everyday cup.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ancient-writing","title":"WRITING OF THE ANCIENTS | 2013 SHENG LINCANG PU ER","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMind-boggling, insanely smooth raw Pu Er.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e   Crafted with leaves from ancient trees, it has the energy and 'gan' of ancient tree Yunnan teas.  It has, however, an almost fruity nature that is reminiscent of old tree Phoenix Dan Cong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrainchild of Gao Feng and Fan Xiu Li, two of the coolest, most talented people that we know in Yunnan (well versed in calligraphy, brush painting, Chinese ancient music, incense and... tea!), this tea is one of our team's all time favourites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've ever wondered about the concept of 'tea drunk', please try this!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_0948_480x480.jpg?v=1597987122\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_0952_480x480.jpg?v=1597987046\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":7798732718108,"sku":"","price":80.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g cake","offer_id":7798732783644,"sku":"","price":390.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/products\/writing-of-the-ancients-2013-raw-lincang-pu-er-501776.jpg?v=1617148265"},{"product_id":"2006-yiwu","title":"TEA HORSE ROAD YIWU 2006 SHOU PU ER – GONG FU TEA","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe colour is rich and dark (like French press coffee), but there is barely any bitterness in the brew.  The tea’s energy is grounding and warming, making it ideal for afternoon drinking during the PNW’s rainy season.  Having been stored in an ideal environment, the flavour has developed elegantly; the cakes are loosely pressed (by stone), also helping the tea to mature.  This is a beautiful yet very affordable introduction to the world of aged tea!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003eTea Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eTYPE\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePu Er\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eORIGIN\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYiwu, Yunnan, China \n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eLEAVES\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e ~ 150 y\/o Pu Er tree\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ePRESSED AND CELLARED BY\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFan Xiuli and Gao Feng\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e  16 years of storage in Menghai has left a mark on the traditional paper wrapper on many of these cakes.  You may find parts of the wrapper torn or slightly stained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBrewing Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 99.8353%;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 1.64062px; background-color: #d8cfc1;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%; height: 1.64062px;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"color: grey; font-size: 2rem; text-align: center;\"\u003eTEA HORSE ROAD | YIWU 2006\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"background-color: #d8cfc1;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 37.5185%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWATER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 56.4815%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e100º | 212º F    240ml | 8oz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 37.5185%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTEA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 56.4815%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e5 - 8g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 37.5185%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTEEP STYLE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 56.4815%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e15 seconds | multiple steeps | Gong Fu Style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 37.5185%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEQUIPMENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 56.4815%; padding: 10px;\"\u003eGaiwan or Yixing Teapot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eABOUT THE GROWER\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGao Feng and Fan Xiuli are tea producers and ambassadors of Chinese culture (tea, painting, music…).  Originally from Northeast China, they currently live and work in Menghai.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eDisclaimer: Due to the age of the cakes, the packaging may be slightly torn.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":39376325541976,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"357g (Whole Cake)","offer_id":12378049740900,"sku":"O5-527","price":143.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/products\/tea-horse-road-yiwu-2006-shou-pu-er-773978.jpg?v=1763326101"},{"product_id":"tsuji-k-ceremonial-matcha-uji-shirakawa-heritage-collection","title":"TSUJI K. MATCHA | Uji Shirakawa Heritage Collection","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 105, 254);\"\u003eUnbelievable single-cultivar and blended matcha from Japan's most decorated matcha grower — proudly shared at O5.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe pinnacle of craftsmanship and farming skills. Based in Uji (Shirakawa),  the beating heart of Japan's tea scene Tsuji San life is devoted to the question: \u003cem\u003ehow much more can a bowl of matcha become?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eHis answer, fortunately, is some of the most exeptional matcha we can drink! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWho Is Tsuji Kiyoharu?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTsuji Kiyoharu is one of Japan's most accomplished masters of \u003cstrong\u003eUji matcha\u003c\/strong\u003e, renowned for producing some of the highest-grade tea of the 21st century. A fifth-generation tencha farmer from the historic \u003cstrong\u003eShirakawa district of Uji, Kyoto\u003c\/strong\u003e, he blends time-honoured cultivation methods with meticulous scientific precision — earning him repeated recognition at Japan's national tea competitions, including multiple editions of the prestigious \u003cstrong\u003ePrime Minister's Award\u003c\/strong\u003eand honours from the \u003cstrong\u003eMinistry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_2914_480x480.jpg?v=1776283738\" alt=\"Tsuji Kiyoharu, Tamura Kei, Villalon Pedro. Uji Matcha\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTsuji San (right)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eHis pursuit of extraordinary umami began at just 20 years old. When he sought guidance from Japan's leading tea experts, the counsel was always the same: \u003cem\u003e\"Start by learning in the fields.\"\u003c\/em\u003e He took this to heart. Tea fields, as Tsuji came to understand them, are a universe of constantly shifting variables. Soil chemistry, canopy density, rainfall, the precise timing of harvest — each season is its own conversation, and he has spent decades learning to listen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe results of that listening are measurable. Tsuji's fields are shaded up to \u003cstrong\u003e95%\u003c\/strong\u003e — far beyond conventional practice — and his organic fertilisation programme delivers roughly \u003cstrong\u003edouble the nutrients\u003c\/strong\u003e of standard farms, deliberately saturating the leaves with the amino acids that define umami, sweetness, and depth. His tencha leaves are \u003cstrong\u003ehand-picked just once per year\u003c\/strong\u003e, preserving a single, fleeting moment of optimal composition. Bushes are replanted once they pass their peak amino acid years, prioritising flavour over agricultural efficiency. And in an era where blending across farms and harvests is standard — even celebrated — Tsuji rejects it entirely. His matcha is \u003cstrong\u003esingle-origin in the most literal sense\u003c\/strong\u003e: one producer, one field, one harvest, one season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_0077_480x480.jpg?v=1765324253\" alt=\"Tsuji San's tea field - Uji Shirakawa\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTsuji San's tea field - Uji Shirakawa\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eThe Tsuji K. Uji Shirakawa Heritage Collection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWe are proud to offer four single-cultivar and blended matchas from Tsuji-san, each grown in a \u003cstrong\u003eShizen-Shitate (自然仕立て)\u003c\/strong\u003e field — meaning the tea trees are allowed to grow freely, then strictly pruned and harvested entirely by hand. All four are freshly stone-milled and packed by Tsuji-san at origin, and offered in \u003cstrong\u003e20g refill packs\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eAsahi Shirakawa — The Crown Jewel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Monster umami. Natural sweetness. Almost no bitterness. A creamy, velvety mouthfeel with a long, lingering finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe cultivar \u003cstrong\u003eAsahi (朝日)\u003c\/strong\u003e — meaning \"morning sun\" — is arguably the most coveted in Japan for competition-grade matcha. It is notoriously difficult to work with and yields relatively little, but the intensity and complexity it produces are unrivalled. This is not a tea that eases you in — it overwhelms, in the best possible way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTsuji-san's mastery of organic fertilisation and traditional hay-canopy shading elevates the Asahi's already formidable character into something that feels almost sculptural: layered, architectural, and dense with amino acid richness. An umami bomb of the first order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Koicha (thick tea) to fully experience its depth, or an extra-loaded usucha. If you have ever wanted to understand what competition-grade matcha tastes like, start here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(9, 104, 246); text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSamidori Shirakawa — The Gateway\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth and buttery. Effortless on the palate. Gentle umami warmth, with a distinctive chlorophyll finish that lingers pleasantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe cultivar \u003cstrong\u003eSamidori (さみどり)\u003c\/strong\u003e — meaning \"early green\" — is a cornerstone of top-quality Uji matcha, and for good reason. Where some cultivars demand patience and familiarity, Samidori welcomes you with open arms. If Asahi is the crown jewel for the devoted connoisseur, Samidori is the open door — an invitation into the world of single-cultivar matcha at its most accessible and joyful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThink of it as matcha in dessert form: the kind of cup that makes you stop mid-sip and simply appreciate it. Buttery texture, warmth without weight, and that clean green finish that is the hallmark of Uji's best shade-grown teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Loaded usucha or koicha. An ideal entry point for those new to single-cultivar matcha — and endlessly satisfying for those who already know the path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 105, 254); text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eUji Hikari Shirakawa — Clarity in a Bowl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright, grassy freshness. A clean vegetal clarity. Just enough umami warmth to keep you coming back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe cultivar \u003cstrong\u003eUji Hikari (宇治光)\u003c\/strong\u003e — meaning \"Uji light\" — is something of a quiet specialist. Largely unregistered and little-known outside the Kansai region, it has long earned its place as a trusted component in some of Japan's finest shade-grown teas: kabuse, gyokuro, and matcha alike. Blenders reach for Uji Hikari when they want a crisp, luminous green edge to lift and sharpen a cup — and as a single cultivar, that character takes full centre stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWhere Asahi overwhelms with depth and Samidori seduces with softness, Uji Hikari distinguishes itself with \u003cstrong\u003eprecision\u003c\/strong\u003e. Vivid, almost radiant greenness. A focused clarity of flavour. A brightness that feels genuinely alive. This is a cup for those who love the green in green tea — the clean, uncluttered expression of what a perfectly shaded tencha leaf can become.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Loaded usucha or koicha. Particularly rewarding for those who appreciate gyokuro or kabusecha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(4, 101, 246); text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eS29 Shirakawa | Samidori + Yabukita — The Daily Treat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e A walk in the forest. Notes of pine leaves, pine nuts, and steamed fiddleheads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eS29\u003c\/strong\u003e is Tsuji-san's artful blend of two cultivars: \u003cstrong\u003eSamidori (さみどり)\u003c\/strong\u003e, which provides the core structure, body, and richness, and \u003cstrong\u003eYabukita (やぶきた)\u003c\/strong\u003e — Japan's most popular and versatile cultivar — which contributes bright aromatic accents and a refined clarity that lifts the overall flavour. Together, they form a balanced and deeply expressive matcha that showcases Tsuji-san's precision and his intimate understanding of Uji's traditional tea-crafting heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf the single cultivars are each a solo performance, the S29 is the ensemble — where Tsuji-san's judgment as a blender comes to the fore, and the result is a tea that is both grounded and lively. The forest floor notes make it distinctive and memorable, while the balance keeps it eminently drinkable, every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Koicha (at least once — you'll be glad you did), or a generously loaded usucha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eA Note on Freshness \u0026amp; Packaging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAll four matchas are offered in \u003cstrong\u003e20g refill packs\u003c\/strong\u003e, freshly stone-milled and packed by Tsuji-san at origin in Japan. For those who want the full experience, we recommend pairing with our \u003cstrong\u003erefillable Japanese airtight matcha tin\u003c\/strong\u003e — both collectible and practical, designed to preserve freshness between sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg height=\"228\" width=\"228\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/Matcha_Tin_-_Refillable_1_480x480.jpg?v=1615937997\" alt=\"\"\u003e      \u003cimg height=\"228\" width=\"228\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/Matcha_Tin_-_Top_480x480.jpg?v=1615938014\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"Asahi | 20g * 1 refill pack","offer_id":19570107777112,"sku":"O5-215","price":101.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Samidori | 20g * 1 refill pack","offer_id":51945623814455,"sku":null,"price":93.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Uji Hikari | 20g * 1 refill pack","offer_id":51960784126263,"sku":null,"price":96.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"S29 | 20g * 1 refill pack","offer_id":51448015618359,"sku":"O5-215","price":46.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/tsuji-k-matcha-uji-shirakawa-heritage-collection-1495266.jpg?v=1776347948"},{"product_id":"wild-blueberry-leaf-tea","title":"WILD BLUEBERRY LEAF TEA- Caffeine Free Herbal Infusion","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🫐 A naturally sweet, caffeine-free infusion with the deep body of black tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll the aromatics of wild blueberries — without sugar or artificial flavor. Smooth, rounded, and incredibly easy to drink, with virtually no astringency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we opened a sample bag labeled ‘blueberry tea,’ we were skeptical… scented black tea has never been on top of our ‘to drink’ list.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe tea looked very much like orthodox black tea… and the aroma seemed naturally sweet, unlike the candy-like characteristics of most scented tea.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt turned out:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe brew is delicious!\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eIt tasted like a blueberry plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere is no ‘tea’ (i.e. Camelia sinensis), in this tea; these beautiful leaves are from wild blueberry plants, processed very much like black tea.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild forager \u0026amp; craftsman:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Tenieshvili\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eMay 2022\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcess: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eoxidizing, rolling and firing just like Mr. Tenieshvili’s black (Camelia sinensis) tea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eBakhvi, Guria, Georgia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e42.0 N, 42.1 E\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Grower:\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMr. Teniesvili farms 10 hectares of beautiful land in Western Georgia, close to the Black Sea.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eSince he started, 20 years, he has practiced ONLY organic agriculture and sustainable foraging (the valleys and hills have many wild tea plants, some 3m high and 100 years old).\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/190563915_492135138504605_5961084346703705735_n_480x480.jpg?v=1625770196\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/191042486_788316645412929_5165266133159992451_n_480x480.jpg?v=1625770157\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBrewing Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWATER\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100º C | 240ml \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTEA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4g \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSUGGESTIONS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100\" (first steep) | 4-5 steeps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":39492743364696,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":39492743430232,"sku":"","price":41.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g","offer_id":39492743463000,"sku":"","price":110.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"454g \/ 1lb","offer_id":39492743495768,"sku":"","price":195.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":50865518248247,"sku":null,"price":408.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/products\/wild-blueberry-leaf-tea-874883.jpg?v=1625797034"},{"product_id":"georgian-wild-white-tea","title":"GEORGIAN WILD WHITE","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0735f4;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting experience:\u003c\/strong\u003e  wildflowers, honey, and a hint of spice (reminiscent of Himalayan white tea).  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild!\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eGeorgia (the country) has almost two centuries of tea-growing traditions, and it’s barely on the radar screen of tea drinkers in North America.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt should be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the early 19\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, demand for Chinese tea was at a record high in the Russian Empire.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eAs boatloads of (legally and illegally) traded tea reached Russian ports, a few visionary entrepreneurs decided to take a shot at growing tea plants in some of the (arguably few) suitable locations within the Empire.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack then, Georgia was part of the Russian Empire; with access to the Black Sea, relatively mild weather and fertile soil, it became ‘home’ for the 200 tea bushes in the Caucasus, in 1847.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild forager \u0026amp; craftsman:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Tenieshvili\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eMay 2021\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcess: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eoxidizing, rolling, and firing just like Mr. Tenieshvili’s black (Camelia sinensis) tea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eBakhvi, Guria, Georgia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e42.0 N, 42.1 E\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Grower:\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMr. Teniesvili farms 10 hectares of beautiful land in Western Georgia, close to the Black Sea.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eSince he started, 20 years, he has practiced ONLY organic agriculture and sustainable foraging (the valleys and hills have may wild tea plants, some 3m high and 100 years old).\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/190563915_492135138504605_5961084346703705735_n_480x480.jpg?v=1625770196\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/191042486_788316645412929_5165266133159992451_n_480x480.jpg?v=1625770157\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\" itemprop=\"text\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\" itemprop=\"text\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\" itemprop=\"text\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\" itemprop=\"text\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBrewing Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWATER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100º C | 240ml \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTEA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4g \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cb\u003eSUGGESTIONS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100\" (first steep) | 4-5 steeps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":39492777738328,"sku":"","price":31.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":39492777771096,"sku":"","price":58.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g","offer_id":39492777803864,"sku":"","price":125.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"454g \/ 1lb","offer_id":39492777836632,"sku":"","price":210.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/products\/georgian-wild-white-tea-664163.jpg?v=1625797092"},{"product_id":"continents-collide-georgian-wild-black","title":"CONTINENTS COLLIDE | GEORGIAN WILD BLACK","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting experience:\u003c\/strong\u003e  notes of ripe plum, coffee cherry, mildly fermented dark chocolate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e------------------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Tea:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorgia (the country) has almost two centuries of tea growing traditions, and it’s barely in the radar screen of tea drinkers in North America.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt should be.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the early 19\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, demand for Chinese tea was at a record high in the Russian Empire.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eAs boatloads of (legally and illegally) traded tea reached Russian ports, a few visionary entrepreneurs decided to take a shot at growing tea plants in some of the (arguably few) suitable locations within the Empire.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack then, Georgia was part of the Russian Empire; with access to the Black Sea, relatively mild weather and fertile soil, it became ‘home’ for the 200 tea bushes in the Caucasus, in 1847.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic grower and craftsman:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Tenieshvili\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eMay 2021\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcess: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eoxidizing, rolling and firing \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eBakhvi, Guria, Georgia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e42.0 N, 42.1 E\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Grower:\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMr. Teniesvili farms 10 hectares of beautiful land in Western Georgia, close to the Black Sea.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eSince he started, 20 years, he has practiced ONLY organic agriculture and sustainable foraging (the valleys and hills have may wild tea plants, some 3m high and 100 years old).\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/190563915_492135138504605_5961084346703705735_n_480x480.jpg?v=1625770196\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/191042486_788316645412929_5165266133159992451_n_480x480.jpg?v=1625770157\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBrewing Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWATER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100º C | 240ml \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTEA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4g \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cb\u003eSUGGESTIONS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90\" (first steep) | 3-4 steeps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":39820504694872,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":39820504727640,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g","offer_id":39820510593112,"sku":"","price":154.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"454g \/ 1lb","offer_id":39995178418264,"sku":"","price":265.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":51396554359095,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/products\/continents-collide-wild-black-tea-736766.jpg?v=1643604026"},{"product_id":"dragon-claws-eau-de-dragon-by-tvl","title":"DRAGON CLAWS  |  Eau de Dragon, by TVL","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe latest version (12.24 \/ 01.25) version of Lau's super  fragrant, ancient tree Dragon Claws.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrà Móng Rồng (Dragon Claw Tea) is known as 芽苞 (Ya Bao, literally translated as 'bud') in Yunnan. \u003c\/strong\u003e Needless to say, the Vietnamese get the award for the cooler name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMad scientist \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLầu has been experimenting with significantly slower drying of white tea; this resulted in significantly darker tea buds that somehow burst with notes of fresh herbs, flowers and fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeoff Sugiyama (our tea bar manager) spent some time last year in Ha Giang with \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLầu learning about the process.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience: \u003c\/strong\u003e this tea reminds us of a crisp, spring morning in the highlands of Northwest Vietnam.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Vi Xuyen, Ha Giang, Vietnam\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e  22.8°N 104.8°E\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecember 2024 \/ January 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree type:\u003c\/strong\u003e  wild, old\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBud type: \u003c\/strong\u003e green \u0026amp; purple, sweet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea Artisan:  \u003c\/strong\u003eLầu TV  (pronounced 'Lo')\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eLầu was born and raised in the highlands of Ha Giang.\u003c\/span\u003e   Beyond the ancestral tea knowledge of the local Dao people, \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eLầu learned tea handcrafting skills from his uncle, who lived and worked both in Yunnan and Fujian.  Rooted in tradition but not bound by it, \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eLầu strives to create tea that will fascinate the drinker.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_1339_480x480.jpg?v=1656465594\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of those old tea trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_1318_480x480.jpg?v=1656465582\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo fancy equipment, simply delicious 'mountain' tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_1260_480x480.jpg?v=1656465572\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe next generation:  she who enjoys delicious tea, made at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBrewing Suggestions:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epour 200ml of boiling water on 2g (about 1 flat spoonful); the first steep will take about 3 minutes.  Subsequent steeps will be ready in 30 seconds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Lầu TV","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":39979889786968,"sku":"","price":37.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"80g","offer_id":39979889819736,"sku":"","price":70.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"240g","offer_id":39979889852504,"sku":"","price":180.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/dragon-claws-eau-de-dragon-by-tvl-7840150.jpg?v=1758929063"},{"product_id":"tundra-tea-rankin-inlet-nunavut","title":"TUNDRA TEA | RANKIN INLET, NUNAVUT","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0877f7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0273f5;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fragrant, relaxing and incredibly complex brew.  Notes of menthol, lemon zest and hints of rosemary.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful brew is known as \u003cspan\u003eᒪᐃᑐᖁᑎ\u003c\/span\u003e (Ma Ma I Tu Qu Ti) in Inuktitut and is an important part of Inuit culture.  It is also known as tundra tea or northern labrador tea. Every year, It is respectfully gathered in late summer and early autumn and sun-dried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Fall 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Ranking Inlet, Nunavut, Canada\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e  62.8°N, 92.1°W\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrewing suggestion: \u003c\/strong\u003e brew 2g of tea in 240ml of hot (off boiling point) water for 120\".  Steep 3-4 times.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:  \u003c\/strong\u003elocal people do not recommend this tea during pregnancy or nursing periods.  They also recommend limiting consumption to 1-2 cups per day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRespectfully gathered and dried by Rebecca Osborne and family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_5552_480x480.jpg?v=1667432426\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_5725_480x480.jpg?v=1667432419\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_1042_480x480.jpg?v=1667432412\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cblockquote style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-version=\"12\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/tv\/B-vVhdKguny\/?utm_source=ig_embed\u0026amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-captioned=\"\" class=\"instagram-media\"\u003e\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":40161467236440,"sku":"","price":33.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"80g","offer_id":40161467269208,"sku":"","price":59.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"240g","offer_id":40161467301976,"sku":"","price":180.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/products\/tundra-tea-rankin-inlet-nunavut-210961.jpg?v=1667443657"},{"product_id":"silver-fairy-vietnamese-wild-white-ya-bao","title":"SILVER FAIRY |  Wild Tea Buds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(69, 109, 237);\"\u003eWild white tea!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThese beautiful white, wild tea buds 芽苞 (Ya Bao in Chinese) are locally called 'Silver Fairy' in Nam Pien.   \u003c\/strong\u003e Lighter an airier than the region's also wonderful 'Dragon Claws', these wild buds have tasting notes of Pomelo rind, hawthorne berries \u0026amp; magnolia blossoms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Nậm Piên, Nậm Ty, Hoàng Su Phì, Hà Giang\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e  22.6°N 104.8°E\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e November 2022\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree type:\u003c\/strong\u003e  wild, ancient\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBud type: \u003c\/strong\u003e plump, green with hints of purple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBrewing Suggestions:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epour 200ml of boiling water on 5-6 tea leaves; steep for 4-5 minutes.  You may steep these leaves about 5 times.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea Artisans: Trieu Quy Menh \u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cstrong\u003e Hoang Chai, \u003c\/strong\u003ehusband and wife, started a small tea production business after years of working for a local tea cooperative.   Being both native people of Nam Ty, they are extremely well familiar with the wild tea plants in the rainforest. Also importantly, they are aware of the importance of these ancient trees and harvest them sustainably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhoto credit:  Nguyễn Lam  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/319675153_716524863279317_1147979705727151091_n_480x480.jpg?v=1675894985\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/319301574_1519903378535061_179864575296007736_n_480x480.jpg?v=1675896649\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/320619747_3324834634448186_4922368972108155335_n_480x480.jpg?v=1675896680\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/321229395_714175147091412_3883394710242994660_n_480x480.jpg?v=1675896689\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"O5 Tea","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":44555699585335,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":44555699618103,"sku":"","price":67.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g","offer_id":44555699650871,"sku":"","price":182.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"454g","offer_id":49126447415607,"sku":"","price":300.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":50865523261751,"sku":null,"price":630.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/products\/silver-fairy-vietnamese-wild-white-ya-bao-420870.jpg?v=1675986416"},{"product_id":"divine-madmans-oak-ash-fermented-dark-tea-for-bhutanese-tea-with-butter","title":"DIVINE MADMAN'S OAK ASH FERMENTED DARK TEA | for Bhutanese Tea with Butter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #b3b3b3;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting experience:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  usually served blended with butter and pinch of salt (as 'Suja'), but also brewed in water (as 'Ja Tang'), this stunning tea is reminiscent of a rustic, very soothing yet rich cooked pu er.  Expect notes of aged wood and ripe dates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENTER BHUTAN!  A most unusual tea origin.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHome of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world (\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGangkhar Puensum) and 19 peaks that tower over 7000m above sea level, the stunning Kingdom of Bhutan had been in our team's bucket list for many years.  Known as the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', Bhutan stands out for many reasons:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eNo stoplights.\u003c\/span\u003e Thimpu is the only capital city (that we know of) that has not one single stoplight.  With a population of just over 100,000, Thimpu's happy citizens have little trouble commuting without electronic traffic signals.  They do, however, make road stops when happy cows block a road - which happens fairly often.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGross National Happiness:\u003c\/span\u003e. this is the 1972 brainchild of HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th King of Bhutan.  He recognized that well-being is composed of many factors beyond (but including) economic development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eThe Divine Madman and Phallic Paintings:\u003c\/span\u003e  Drukpa Kunley was a 15th century Buddhist monk, poet and saint of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage.  He was known to tame the wildest demons and guide people to enlightenment with arguably unorthodox methods.  Drukpa Kunley is particularly famous for using his penis (referred to as 'the Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom) during his saintly duties; you will find paintings and statues depicting Drukpa Kunley's member all over Bhutan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_5537_480x480.jpg?v=1689118777\" alt=\"Divine Madman - Drukpa Kunley Bhutan\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA mesmerizing, probably millenary tea tradition that is barely known outside of Bhutan!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTEA FACTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  April 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcess: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e aerobic fermentation with oak ash (see below)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  Samcholing, Trongsa, Bhutan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  27.4°N  90.5°E, ~1950m\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_4669_480x480.jpg?v=1689119486\" alt=\"Bhutan fermented tea process\" style=\"float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_4675_480x480.jpg?v=1689119493\" alt=\"Bhutan fermented tea process with oak ash\" style=\"float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_4678_480x480.jpg?v=1689119500\" alt=\"Bhutan fermented tea process, Samcholing, Trongsa\" style=\"float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGROWERS:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMs. D. Pelden (below, left) leads Samcholing's Tea Growers' Cooperative.  With roughly three dozen members, they grow and handcraft tea in stunning, relatively un-groomed gardens that date back to the 1970's.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"float: none;\" alt=\"Bhutanese tea growers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_5605_480x480.jpg?v=1689118839\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"float: none;\" alt=\"Bhutanese tea growers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_5589_480x480.jpg?v=1689118892\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBREWING:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Ja Tang:\u003c\/strong\u003e  this is the easiest way to enjoy Bhutanese fermented tea.  Literally translated as 'Tea Soup', you can steep 3g of tea in 240g of boiling water for 75\".  The leaves are fairly heavy and sink to the bottom.  You may decant or strain your tea.  The leaves can be steeped 3-4 times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Suja ('soo-jah'):\u003c\/strong\u003e  traditionally, Bhutanese and other Tibetan peoples drink tea with butter and a pinch of salt.  Whereas every singly granny has a different family recipe, we find that you may boil 6g - 8g of tea in one litre of water over 5 minutes; strain the tea into a saucepan and add 2 (non heaped) tablespoons of butter or ghee.  Modern Bhutanse often use a food processor or electric blender to incorporate the butter and tea; we prefer to use a Ja Tu ('jah-too') as demonstrated in the video below.  You can easily make a Ja-Tu with a branch from any locally available tree in your neighbourhood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Oja (Uh-Jah):  \u003c\/strong\u003ethis tea may also be enjoyed with milk and a touch of honey or brown sugar.  In this case, you may brew Ja Tang and add your preferred amount of milk and honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":45827165815095,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":45827165847863,"sku":"","price":38.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g","offer_id":45827165880631,"sku":"","price":103.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"454g \/ 1lb","offer_id":45827165913399,"sku":"","price":150.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":50865500815671,"sku":null,"price":314.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/products\/divine-madmans-ja-aum-oak-ash-fermented-dark-732442.jpg?v=1689361391"},{"product_id":"dragon-claws-l5-classic-dragon","title":"DRAGON CLAWS L5 |  Classic Dragon","description":"\u003cp\u003eMinimally processed, wild tea buds from northwest Vietnam's mountains brew a mind-blowing cup.  This lot, bright green and vibrant, is an accurate copy of the tea that we first tried in Vietnam in 2022 - and have sourced since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrà Móng Rồng (Dragon Claw Tea) is known as 芽苞 (Ya Bao, literally translated as 'bud') in Yunnan.  Needless to say, the Vietnamese get the award for the cooler name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e green apricots, retsina (wine), and wooden spice cabinets from Provence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Nậm Piên, Nậm Ty, Hoàng Su Phì, Hà Giang\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e  22.6°N 104.8°E\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree type:\u003c\/strong\u003e  wild, ancient\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBud type: \u003c\/strong\u003e plump, green with hints of purple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBrewing Suggestions:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epour 200ml of boiling water on 5-6 tea leaves; steep for 4-5 minutes.  You may steep these leaves about 5 times.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea Artisans: Trieu Quy Menh \u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cstrong\u003e Hoang Chai, \u003c\/strong\u003ehusband and wife, started a small tea production business after years of working for a local tea cooperative.   Being both native people of Nam Ty, they are extremely well familiar with the wild tea plants in the rainforest. Also importantly, they are aware of the importance of these ancient trees and harvest them sustainably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhoto credit:  Nguyễn Lam  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/319675153_716524863279317_1147979705727151091_n_480x480.jpg?v=1675894985\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/319301574_1519903378535061_179864575296007736_n_480x480.jpg?v=1675896649\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/320619747_3324834634448186_4922368972108155335_n_480x480.jpg?v=1675896680\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/321229395_714175147091412_3883394710242994660_n_480x480.jpg?v=1675896689\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":49523413319991,"sku":null,"price":33.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":49523413352759,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g","offer_id":49523413385527,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"454g","offer_id":49523413418295,"sku":null,"price":290.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 KG","offer_id":51442425725239,"sku":null,"price":618.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/dragon-claws-l5-classic-dragon-251053.jpg?v=1724987938"},{"product_id":"nectar-jjws-2025-ali-shan","title":"NECTAR | JJW'S 2025 ALI SHAN","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAli Shan (阿里山) is arguably the most celebrated origin for high mountain oolongs in Taiwan.  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: #0974e9;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0974e9;\"\u003eEXPERIENCE:  ground cherries (physalis), steamed basil, chanterelles, enoki, fruity olive oil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor over a decade we've treasured every single cup of tea from 簡嘉文 (JJW).  This year, we received a fantastic 4kg micro-lot that is (as usual) unlike anything else.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003eThis tea is crafted in old school, pre-1980's style.  Instead of the highly rolled pearls that are common in modern Taiwanese and Fujian oolongs, JJW offers elegant, beautifully crafted, chunky leaves.  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0577f5;\"\u003eGROWER:  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJian Jia Wen | 簡嘉文\u003c\/strong\u003e is an old friend and one of the most talented tea grower \/ producers that we've ever met.  Unlike other growers in the regions, JJW is not concerned with conventions, standards or even awards; his focus is on creating a delicious tea that will bring a smile to the drinker, and that he would be proud to share with his family.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003eHis tea trees are scattered all over the mountain, growing among all sorts of flora and fauna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_7282_480x480.jpg?v=1655326186\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"863\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0974e9;\"\u003eORIGIN\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"863\" data-start=\"0\"\u003eThe tea gardens of Alishan (阿里山) unfold along the high ridges of Chiayi County, barely above the Tropic of Cancer. The Alishan Range forms a 90-kilometre spine of rugged terrain rising west of Taiwan’s towering Yushan massif, with peaks such as Datashan reaching 2,663 metres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"863\" data-start=\"0\"\u003eTea cultivation occurs primarily along terraced slopes between 1,000 and 1,600 metres, in villages such as Shizhuo, Ruili, and Taihe where mountain ridges catch the Pacific monsoon winds. Here clouds sweep through the forested highlands, veiling ancient cypress stands and steep valleys carved by tributaries of the Qishan River. The resulting landscape—cool, fog-bound, and dramatically elevated—creates one of the most celebrated high-mountain tea terroirs in the world. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1781\" data-start=\"865\"\u003eThe ecology of Alishan’s tea gardens reflects a delicate alpine–subtropical balance. Temperatures are moderate for the latitude, often averaging around 10 °C annually at higher elevations, with heavy rainfall delivered by the East Asian monsoon and occasional typhoons that saturate the mountains with moisture. Persistent mists limit direct sunlight and slow the growth of tea plants, allowing leaves to thicken and accumulate aromatic compounds. Soils in many cultivation zones are well-drained gravelly or reddish mountain soils rich in organic minerals, derived from weathered sandstone and shale uplifted by Taiwan’s active tectonics. These porous, nutrient-rich soils combined with cool diurnal temperature shifts create conditions in which tea bushes grow slowly but intensely, producing leaves known for their remarkable concentration of flavour and fragrance. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2842\" data-start=\"1783\"\u003eTea cultivation in Alishan is relatively recent compared with the island’s older tea districts. Although tea plants were first introduced to Taiwan by migrants from China’s Fujian province in the nineteenth century, large-scale high-mountain cultivation in the Alishan region developed mainly in the late twentieth century, when new roads opened previously remote slopes to agriculture. Today the region is renowned for lightly oxidized Alishan High Mountain Oolong, typically crafted from cultivars such as Qingxin (青心) and Jinxuan or “Golden Lily” (金萱). \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2842\" data-start=\"1783\"\u003eThe mountain also has a few wild native tea plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: #0c78ef;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0c78ef;\"\u003eBrewing Guide:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 560px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; width: 141.953125px;\"\u003eTYPE\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 403.046875px;\"\u003eOolong\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; width: 141.953125px;\"\u003eORIGIN\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 403.046875px;\"\u003eZhangshu Lake, Ali Shan, Taiwan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; width: 141.953125px;\"\u003eGPS\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 403.046875px;\"\u003e23ºN 121ºE ALT 1450M\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"background-color: #d8cfc1; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 37.5185%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWATER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 56.4815%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e110ml @ 90º C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 37.5185%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTEA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 56.4815%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e5g\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 37.5185%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTIME\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 56.4815%; padding: 10px;\"\u003e20\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_7139.CR2_480x480.jpg?v=1655326143\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_7134.CR2_480x480.jpg?v=1655326155\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Brian and the tea farmer sorting Alishan oolong tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_7072_large.jpg?v=1498954634\" style=\"float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrower on the map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d15043162.088743964!2d112.03515641630862!3d23.000004922941685!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMjPCsDAwJzAwLjAiTiAxMjHCsDAwJzAwLjAiRQ!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1498653456016\" width=\"100%\" height=\"300\" style=\"border: 0;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"O5 TEA","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":50739419906359,"sku":"O5-403","price":58.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":50739419939127,"sku":"O5-403","price":105.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"240g","offer_id":50739419971895,"sku":"O5-403","price":290.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/nectar-jjws-2025-ali-shan-86666016.jpg?v=1751143497"},{"product_id":"whisky-bonbon-whisky-cask-smoked-black-tea","title":"WHISKY BONBON | Whisky Cask Smoked Black Tea","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience: \u003c\/strong\u003esmoke leads, gently —more toasted oak than bonfire—gently intertwined with notes of red fruit and the charred caramel on crème brûlée. The amber liquor unfolds with layered complexity: dark maple, stewed plums, and a whispers of Islay whisky. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"63\" data-end=\"268\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcess:\u003c\/strong\u003e  smoking with oak barrel chips from old whisky casks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:  \u003c\/strong\u003eTokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e  35.8ºN 139.5ºE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultivar: \u003c\/strong\u003e Harumidori (はるみどり \/ 春みどり) is a Japanese tea cultivar commonly used to craft mellow, sweet sencha (steamed green tea).   The name literally translates as \"spring green\".  This cultivar is a cross between Yabukita and Saitama #9 cultivars. Hiraoka San proved that this cultivar can also make exceptional black tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrower:  \u003c\/strong\u003eHiraoka Tadahito San's family has grown and handcrafted tea since the Edo period in the Sayama region. During the past decade Hiraoka San has worked tirelessly to create top notch Japanese black tea, including some micro-lot productions of leaves elegantely smoked with wood from old Japanese whisky barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Very) Brief History of Japanese Black Tea:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Meiji and Taisho periods, Japan produced high-quality black tea for export to Western countries.  A World War and the rise of the British Empire’s Eastern colonies as the preferred origin for black tea spelled disaster for Japan’s exports.  Today, a very small percentage of Japanese tea is produced as ‘black’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_8123.jpg?v=1750983401\" alt=\"Hiraoka, Sayama Tea Grower, Japanese Smoked Black Tea\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"O5 TEA","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":50757954961719,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":50757954994487,"sku":null,"price":47.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g","offer_id":50757955027255,"sku":null,"price":127.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"454g (1lb)","offer_id":50757955060023,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/whisky-bonbon-whisky-cask-smoked-black-tea-5075448.jpg?v=1752054724"},{"product_id":"competition-grade-matcha-seasonal-selection","title":"COMPETITION GRADE MATCHA | Seasonal Selection","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 105, 253);\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 105, 253);\"\u003eTop quality, exceptionally crafted matcha, designed for (but not limited to) koicha. Expect complex tasting notes, outstanding mouthfeel and loads of umami. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003eThe teas in this collection is grown in the traditional style, known as 'shizen shitate' (自然仕立て); the tea plants are allowed to grow in a natural, spreading canopy shape, rather than being tightly pruned into low hedges (a common practice in modern mechanized tea farming). They are shaded several weeks, picked by hand and handcrafted with utmost care by true tea shokunin.  Some teas in this collection may be micro-milled in Vancouver.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb class=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/Straw_Canopy_480x480.jpg?v=1628650604\" width=\"307\" height=\"404\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cb class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 101, 244);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYoshida's Gen Ryu (Asahi + Samidori):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eOrigin:  Ogura Cho (Uji), Kyoto, Japan\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- GPS:  34.9°N 135.8°E\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Experience:  \u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003erich, umami intense, clean finish. Verdant aroma and flavour.  Notes of chard, dandelion greens, watercress. \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Whisking recommendations: try a thicker usucha or koicha @ 65°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e- Cultivars:  50% Asahi, 50% Samidori\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsahi (朝日)\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most finicky yet rewarding tea cultivars; producing plump, juicy leaves with monster umami, it is highly valued in the Kanzai region for shaded tea.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt is, for a reason that escapes our knowledge, not a registered cultivar at the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSamidori (さみどり)\u003c\/strong\u003e is an unregistered cultivar, originally from the Uji region, that is very popular for shade grown tea (like matcha and gyokuro).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 101, 244);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurukawa Masaaki's Samidori:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eOrigin:  Joyo, Kyoto, Japan\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- GPS:  34.8°N 135.8°E\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Micromilled on 02.06.2026 in Vancouver, BC\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Cultivar:  samidori(さみどり)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Experience:  \u003cspan\u003eGreek oregano, wild strawberries, telicherry peppercorns\u003c\/span\u003e, HK egg tart\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Whisking recommendations: try a thicker usucha or koicha @ 65°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 101, 244);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTanaka Kyohei's Asahi:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eOrigin:  Wazuka, Kyoto, Japan\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- GPS:  34.8°N 135.9°E\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Micromilled on 02.06.2026 in Vancouver, BC\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Cultivar:  asahi (\u003cstrong\u003e朝日\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Experience:  minori watercress, edamame, green pear\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Whisking recommendations: try a thicker usucha or koicha @ 65°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cb class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT:\u003c\/strong\u003e  we offer this tea in 20g re-fill packs. If you wish to add a Japanese airtight (collectible, re-usable) tin, please do so \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.o5tea.com\/products\/tin-for-matcha-re-fillable-airtight?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=f66a5013c\u0026amp;_ss=r\" title=\"Re-fillable Japanese Matcha Tin\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ehere.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e      \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/Matcha_Tin_-_Top_480x480.jpg?v=1615938014\" alt=\"\" width=\"228\" height=\"228\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"Furukawa TZ - Samidori 20g 09.25","offer_id":50918835028279,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Tanaka TZ - Asahi 30g 09.25 - Summer Inventory Sale","offer_id":51136410255671,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Yoshida's Gen Ryu 20g","offer_id":51204831084855,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/competition-grade-matcha-seasonal-selection-5028634.jpg?v=1754706341"},{"product_id":"daily-ceremony-matcha-seasonal-selection","title":"DAILY CEREMONY MATCHA | Seasonal Selection","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 105, 253);\"\u003eThe Daily Tea Ceremony is a selection of smooth matchas that offer a balance of bitterness, sweetness and floral notes - making this matcha ideal for a traditional bowl, every morning.  Some of these teas will come from producers whose families have been in the business over a few hundred years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003eSome teas in this collection may be micro-milled in Vancouver.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 101, 244);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYoshida's Un Ryu (Single Cultivar, Uji Hikari):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eOrigin:  Ogura Cho (Uji), Kyoto, Japan\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- GPS:  34.9°N 135.8°E\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Cultivar:  Uji Hikari\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Experience:  雲龍 is a superb, crisp and bright matcha. \u0026amp;nbsp;It was designed as an everyday treat; its smoothness, however, makes it also a pretty good choice for koicha.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Whisking recommendations: try a thicker usucha or koicha @ 65°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 101, 244);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 101, 244);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYoshida's San Ryu (Single Cultivar, Gokou):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eOrigin:  Ogura Cho (Uji), Kyoto, Japan\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- GPS:  34.9°N 135.8°E\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Cultivar:  gokou (\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"99\" data-start=\"92\"\u003eごこう\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"109\" data-start=\"103\"\u003e御幸\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Experience:  wonderfully creamy with notes of arugula and cashews, with hints of rosemary.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Whisking recommendations: try a thicker usucha or koicha @ 65°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003eGokō（御幸）has a vibrancy and umami that make it ideal forhigh grade matcha and gyokuro.  Harvested mid-season, it thrives under Uji's traditional shading conditions.\u003cbr\u003eSurprisingly, it is not a registered cultivar.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(6, 101, 244);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurukawa Masaaki's Okumidori (New Lot Milled 02.26):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eOrigin:  Joyo, Kyoto, Japan\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- GPS:  34.8°N 135.8°E\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Micromilled on 10.09.25 in Vancouver, BC\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Cultivar:  okumidori (さみどり)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Experience:  textbook expression of the terroir and handcrafting style of Uji, balancing florals, creaminess and mouthfeel\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e- Whisking recommendations: try a thicker usucha or koicha @ 65°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOkumidori (おくみどり \/ 奥緑) is one of our favourite cultivars for matcha; it was  registered in 1974, bred from Yabukita and Shizuoka Zairai #16.  It buds later than Yabukita, making it more resistant to spring frost and producing leaves of deep green color. The tea is smooth, sweet, and umami-rich.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT:\u003c\/strong\u003e  we offer this tea in 20g re-fill packs. If you wish to add a Japanese airtight (collectible, re-usable) tin, please do so \u003ca title=\"Re-fillable Japanese Matcha Tin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.o5tea.com\/products\/tin-for-matcha-re-fillable-airtight?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=f66a5013c\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ehere.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e      \u003cimg height=\"228\" width=\"228\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/Matcha_Tin_-_Top_480x480.jpg?v=1615938014\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"Furukawa CG 2025 - Okumidori 20g (New Lot Milled 02.26)","offer_id":50964426817847,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yoshida San's San Ryu (Gokou), 20g","offer_id":51203981148471,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yoshida San's Un Ryu - Uji Hikari 20g","offer_id":51347512525111,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/daily-ceremony-matcha-seasonal-selection-7290840.jpg?v=1755534931"},{"product_id":"cobblers-of-kolchis-roasted-georgian-black-tea","title":"COBBLERS OF COLCHIS - ROASTED GEORGIAN BLACK TEA","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting experience:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  notes of Georgian cobblers, straight out of the oven, followed by a rich mouthfeel reminiscent of dried red fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGeorgia (the country) has almost two centuries of tea growing traditions, and it’s barely on North America's radar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the early 19\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, demand for Chinese tea was at a record high in the Russian Empire.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eAs boatloads of (legally and illegally) traded tea reached Russian ports, a few visionary entrepreneurs decided to take a shot at growing tea plants in some of the (arguably few) suitable locations within the Empire.\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack then, Georgia was part of the Russian Empire; with access to the Black Sea, relatively mild weather and fertile soil, it became ‘home’ for the 200 tea bushes in the Caucasus, in 1847.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic grower and craftsman:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Tenieshvili\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eMay 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcess: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eoxidizing, rolling, firing, roasting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eBakhvi, Guria, Georgia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e42.0 N, 42.1 E\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Grower:\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Davit Tenieshvili is a living example of a Rennaissance man.  With few resources after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Mr. Tenieshvili built himself a hydro-power plant, a tea steamer (that looked like a tank) and all the equipment required to handcraft tea.  He was also the force behind the restoration of 10 hectares of abandoned tea gardens, pruning the old trees (some almost 100 years old) and helping them to be productive again.  Since he started, he has practiced ONLY organic agriculture and sustainable foraging (the valleys and hills have may wild tea plants, some 3m high and 100 years old).\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_8266_480x480.jpg?v=1764183006\" alt=\"Georgian Tea Grower Davit T.\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_9915_480x480.jpg?v=1764183071\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBrewing Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWATER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100º C | 240ml \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTEA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4g \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cb\u003eSUGGESTIONS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90\" (first steep) | 4-5 steeps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":51396458381623,"sku":null,"price":26.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":51396458414391,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g","offer_id":51396458447159,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"454g \/ 1lb","offer_id":51396458479927,"sku":null,"price":235.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":51396458512695,"sku":null,"price":490.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/cobblers-of-colchis-roasted-georgian-black-tea-8009725.jpg?v=1764244868"},{"product_id":"fuji-o-25-cafe-experience-matcha","title":"FUJI O-25 | CAFE EXPERIENCE MATCHA","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-stringify-type=\"bold\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 98, 244);\"\u003eGreen, frothy, bowl of joy.  Single cultivar matcha (two choices) to brighten up your daily matcha cortado, latte or light usucha experience.  The floral notes and chlorophyll punch are quintessential Shizuoka; old school stone milling gives the tea excellent texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-stringify-type=\"bold\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cb style=\"font-size: 1.4em;\" data-stringify-type=\"bold\"\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1.4em;\"\u003eTenryu, Hamamtsu, Shizuoka\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1.4em;\"\u003eGPS:  34.97°N 137.9°E\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cb data-stringify-type=\"bold\"\u003eMatcha Producer:\u003c\/b\u003e Osada Natsumi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb data-stringify-type=\"bold\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cb data-stringify-type=\"bold\"\u003eCultivar Choices:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e - Yabukita:  choose this if you are looking for an extra crisp tea that will cut through milk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e - Yamanoibuki:  choose this cultivar if you want a nuttier finish.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e  May 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStone-milling:\u003c\/strong\u003e  December 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cb class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"O5 RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"100g Yabukita","offer_id":51564103074103,"sku":null,"price":66.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g Yamanoibuki","offer_id":51568596255031,"sku":null,"price":66.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500g Yabukita","offer_id":51568596287799,"sku":null,"price":310.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"500g Yamanoibuki","offer_id":51568596320567,"sku":null,"price":315.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1000g (Special Order) Yabukita","offer_id":51568596353335,"sku":null,"price":610.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1000g (Special Order) Yamanoibuki","offer_id":51568596386103,"sku":null,"price":610.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_2526.jpg?v=1768429775"},{"product_id":"bai-mudan-mei-x-intangible-cultural-heritage","title":"2011 BAI MUDAN | Mei Xianjing, Intangible Cultural Heritage","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eA beautifully aged Bai Mudan (white peony) crafted by one of the most celebrated white tea artisans in Fuding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e Bailiu Village, Fuding, Fujian\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Experience: \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:  \u003c\/strong\u003espring 2011\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:  \u003c\/strong\u003e27.2°N, 120.1°E\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Experience:  \u003c\/strong\u003efloral top notes followed by dandelion honey water; lingering sweet sensation in the palate.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(15, 107, 245);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTEA GROWER MEI XIANJING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(15, 107, 245);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntangible Cultural Heritage of China\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"221\" data-end=\"594\"\u003eWe met Mr. Mei Xiangjing thanks to the generous introduction of a mutual friend, Mr. Zhang Tao, who has been a student of tea for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr. 梅相靖 (Mei Xiangjing) is one of the most important figures in Fujian's tea scene, formally recognized in 2013 as a \u003cstrong\u003eNational-Level Representative Inheritor of the Fuding white tea traditional production technique under China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage System.  \u003c\/strong\u003eBorn in Bailiu Village, Fuding, Mei has spent more than half a century refining his art. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mei family’s contribution traces further back to his grandfather, Mei Bozhen (梅伯珍), a pioneering tea merchant in the late Qing and Republic periods.  He was instrumental to bring Fuding white tea into domestic and international markets. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven more importantly, Mr. Mei is a most generous host who loves sharing both knowledge and tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_8639_480x480.jpg?v=1765310654\" alt=\"Mei Xianjing, Fuding Tea, China Intangible Cultural Heritage\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eMei Family.  Intangilble Cultural Heritage.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTea Style:  白牡丹 (Bái Mǔdān)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBai Mudan (白牡丹), commonly known in English as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhite Peony\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, is one of the classic \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhite tea styles \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efrom China. The picking standard required one young bud flanked by one or two young leaves, giving it the distinctive “peony-like” appearance that inspires its name. This This results in a very complex brew, with delicate floral notes deriving from the buds and sweet, fruitier aromas from the leaves.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhereas similar white tea was most likely produced in Fujian much earlier, the oldest records that we have found of systematized Bai Mudan production trace back to the early \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e20th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. According to Chinese tea chronicles, tea farmers in the Nanping region — particularly around Shuiji (水吉), Jianyang (建阳), and later Zhenghe (政和) and Fuding (福鼎) — developed the style now known as Bai Mudan. Mei Xianjing’s family plaid a very important role at this time. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe handcrafting technique of Bai Mudan emphasises ‘gentleness’. After careful hand-plucking under the “一芽二叶 (one bud and two leaves)” criterion, the fresh leaves undergo natural withering in the sun or indoors until they lose a significant portion of moisture. No rolling or heavy processing is applied, preserves the integrity of the leaf structure and allowing a controlled oxidation process to occur slowly. The leaves are then slowly dried at ambient temperature. This minimal-intervention approach accentuates the tea’s sweet, floral character and ensures clarity in the brewed liquor. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Old tea trees in Fuding, Fujian, White Tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_8690_480x480.jpg?v=1765310702\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eOld tea trees in Fujian.  They are tall and thin\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eBrewing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea:\u003c\/strong\u003e  5g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e  100g @ 85°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime:\u003c\/strong\u003e  35\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReferences:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ihchina.cn\/ccr_detail\/3296\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003e中国非物质文化遗产网·中国非物质文化遗产数字博物馆：《梅相靖》人物条目（国家级代表性传承人信息与技艺概述）。\u003c\/a\u003e (ihchina.cn)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/zwgk.mct.gov.cn\/zfxxgkml\/fwzwhyc\/202012\/t20201206_916820.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003e文化和旅游部（原文化部）政府信息公开：2012年《文化部办公厅关于公示第四批国家级非物质文化遗产项目代表性传承人推荐名单的公告》。\u003c\/a\u003e (zwgk.mct.gov.cn)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.fao.org\/giahs\/around-the-world\/detail\/china-fuding-tea-cultivation\/zh?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eFAO（联合国粮农组织）GIAHS 页面：《中国福建福鼎白茶文化系统》。\u003c\/a\u003e (FAOHome)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.fujian.gov.cn\/zwgk\/ztzl\/sxzygwzxsgzx\/sdjj\/lsjj\/202505\/t20250521_6916392.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003e福建省人民政府门户网站：福建福鼎白茶文化系统入选全球重要农业文化遗产相关报道（转引农业农村部信息）\u003c\/a\u003e。 (fujian.gov.cn)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/meibozhency.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003e5.（家族\/品牌叙事来源，用于理解“梅伯珍”事迹的传播文本）\u003c\/a\u003emeibozhency.com：《梅伯珍，不只是梅伯珍》（含生平与贡献概述、提及《筱溪陈情书》）。 (Meibozhency)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e6.（\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.taiwan-reports.com\/archives\/697412?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003e补充性媒体叙事来源）臺灣導報相关报道：提及福鼎白茶“梅山派”第一代梅伯珍的外销与商号活动描述。 (臺灣導報-臺灣導報.)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\" class=\"iconbox_content_container\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e梅相靖个人简介及传承信息（福鼎梅相靖白茶有限公司） (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.meixiangjing.com\/a\/webbase\/html\/meixiangjingjianjie\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" title=\"福鼎梅相靖白茶有限公司 - meixiangjing.com\"\u003emeixiangjing.com\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e梅相靖为白茶非遗传承人及其家族背景（本地茶文化报道） (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichtea.com\/blogs\/tea-making\/meixiangjing?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" title=\"Mei Xiangjing, inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Fuding\"\u003eChinaICH\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e家族历史与传承名单（饮茶人网关于福鼎白茶十大传承人） (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.yinchar.com\/chaye\/baicha\/3704.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" title=\"白茶非遗传承人都有谁，福鼎白茶十大传承人 - 饮茶人网\"\u003eyinchar.com\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e福鼎白茶制作技艺为国家级非遗项目（福建省政府英文文化报道） (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.fujian.gov.cn\/english\/cultureandtravel\/cultureandarts\/202508\/t20250807_6988976.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" title=\"National ICH: Fuding white tea production technique_ Culture and Arts ...\"\u003efujian.gov.cn\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"50g","offer_id":51680735232311,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500g","offer_id":51680735265079,"sku":null,"price":215.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":51680738640183,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_2733.jpg?v=1770932296"},{"product_id":"echoes-of-the-elders-2013-raw-mengku-pu-er","title":"ECHOES OF THE ELDERS | 2013 Raw Mengku Pu Er","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(9, 104, 246);\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(9, 104, 246);\"\u003ePOWER AND GRACE.  These ancient tree leaves have strong energy and 'gan' expected from an old tree forest; at the same time, they display and elegance and fragrant nature that is reminiscent of traditional oolong.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommissioned by our old friend Zhang Tao in 2013, stone pressed and carefully wrapped in traditional (Dai nation) handcrafted paper, these beautiful tea cakes have been aging in Vancouver since 2014.  He very kindly shared a few sets of these cakes to our tea bar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is reminiscent of our bar favourite Writing of the Ancients.  If you've ever wondered about the concept of 'tea drunk', please try this!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e Ba Nuo Village, Mengku, Yunnan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteward of the ancient trees:  \u003c\/strong\u003eTang Yongtao\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMENGKU (勐库) - OUTSTANDING TERROIR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1220\" data-start=\"191\"\u003eNestled in the subtropical mountains of Shuangjiang County (home of Lahu, Va, Bulang and Dai nations), Mengku is located at approximately 23.75° N, 99.90° E. The terrain is carved by tributaries of the Lancang River (also known as Mekong in Southeast Asia), rising toward the slopes of Da Xue Shan (Great Snow Mountain).  Most of the tea forest lives between 1,150m and 2,500m above sea level. The region experiences a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with annual precipitation commonly reported between 1,700 and 1,900 millimetres, frequent cloud cover, and mild winters that permit year-round vegetative growth. The soils are primarily lateritic red and yellow loams developed from granite and purple shale parent material, well drained yet rich in weathered mineral content. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2293\" data-start=\"1222\"\u003eIf you are a science geek, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1186\/s12870-022-03633-6\"\u003ewe recommend digging into this peer-reviewed article, comparing Mengku's ancient and modern tea plantations.\u003c\/a\u003e  It turns out that  older gardens exhibit significantly higher soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK). These soils support diverse fungal and bacterial communities that enhance nutrient cycling and root uptake efficiency. The study further identified correlations between soil fertility and elevated concentrations of free amino acids, gallic acid, and catechins in fresh tea leaves, compounds central to sweetness, structure, and astringency balance in finished Pu Er. The deep humus layers characteristic of ancient groves moderate moisture retention during the dry season while permitting sufficient drainage during monsoon rains, contributing to steady physiological development rather than rapid, dilute growth. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3301\" data-start=\"3298\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3317\" data-start=\"3303\"\u003eReferences\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3607\" data-start=\"3319\"\u003eYang, Guangrong, et al. 2022. “HPLC and High-Throughput Sequencing Revealed Higher Tea-Leaves Quality, Soil Fertility and Microbial Community Diversity in Ancient Tea Plantations.” \u003cem data-end=\"3519\" data-start=\"3500\"\u003eBMC Plant Biology\u003c\/em\u003e 22: 313. BioMed Central (Springer Nature). \u003ca class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"3605\" data-start=\"3563\"\u003ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12870-022-03633-6\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-5iu26a3k.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3792\" data-start=\"3609\"\u003e中国大百科全书 (China Encyclopedia Editorial Board). 2023. “勐库大叶种茶.” \u003cem data-end=\"3719\" data-start=\"3671\"\u003e中国大百科全书 (Encyclopedia of China Online Edition)\u003c\/em\u003e. Beijing: Encyclopedia of China Publishing House. \u003ca class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"3790\" data-start=\"3770\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.zgbk.com\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-5iu26a3k.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4038\" data-start=\"3794\"\u003e双江拉祜佤布朗傣族自治县人民政府 (Shuangjiang Lahu, Va, Bulang and Dai Autonomous County People’s Government). Various statistical and geographic reports on regional climate, elevation, and agricultural conditions. Shuangjiang County Government Publications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4038\" data-start=\"3794\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/ae98ebc99cd13bfa0e794027ae29bb82.jpg?v=1771101149\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4038\" data-start=\"3794\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTea teacher Zhang Tao in Mengku\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4038\" data-start=\"3794\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/46a8297a7cf1027576fead60ce840579.jpg?v=1771101183\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4038\" data-start=\"3794\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAncient tea tree harvest in Mengku, 2013\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_1104.jpg?v=1771021701\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_1385.jpg?v=1771021702\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_1101.jpg?v=1771021701\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g Sample","offer_id":51681265320247,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"357g Cake","offer_id":51681265353015,"sku":null,"price":155.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Tong, 7 X 357g Cake","offer_id":51681311359287,"sku":null,"price":888.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/echoes-of-the-elders-2013-raw-mengku-pu-er-4360006.jpg?v=1771044669"},{"product_id":"pu-er-nuggets-2015-copy","title":"DATE DRIFT | Bamboo \"Little Tea Heads\"  (Cooked)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(8, 104, 247);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA super rich, syrupy pu er with notes of Turkish dates, red jujube and brown sugar.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea was pressed, steamed and dried in bamboo, imparting a silky smooth nature to the leaves.  Please note that every piece of bamboo has a different diameter; empirically, we estimate that each piece may contain +\/- 5% of the declared content of 300g.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Xiao Cha Tou (\"Little Tea Heads\")?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"632\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"22\"\u003eIf you love cooked pu er, you must try Xiao Cha Tou (小茶头)! \u003c\/strong\u003e These are dense little  nuggets that are formed during wet-piling fermentation. In this process, some leaves naturally knit together into small clusters; those compact pieces are later sorted out and appreciated on their own for the way they brew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"632\"\u003eRather than behaving like a loose ripe pu err from the first pour, Xiao Cha Tou tends to open gradually, releasing a darker, thicker liquor with a rounded texture and a calm, steady sweetness. They tea have gained cult following in some circles because the compressed nuggets undergo a unique micro-fermentation environment; their interior of\u003cbr\u003etraps moisture and ferments anaerobically, producing distinctive dried-fruit and jujube\u003cbr\u003earomas not found in standard cooked pu er.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"632\"\u003eTea heads are fairly rare, accounting for only 0.8-1.5% of total production!\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"632\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e   Huazhu Liangzi (Yunnan)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"632\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction:  \u003c\/strong\u003e2024 (using 2023 leaves)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"632\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrewing recommendation:  \u003c\/strong\u003e8g tea \/ 110g water, 15\", \u0026gt;15 steeps\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"632\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"632\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReferences: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2109\" data-end=\"2176\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"632\"\u003e\u003csup data-start=\"628\" data-end=\"632\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-lbtco6v1.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"9hg9v\" data-start=\"1282\" data-end=\"1562\"\u003eFan Xiuli and Gao Feng - in person tea class.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"9hg9v\" id=\"user-content-fn-1\" data-start=\"1282\" data-end=\"1562\"\u003e\n\u003cem data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1349\"\u003e地理标志产品 普洱茶 \/ Product of Geographical Indication - Pu’er Tea\u003c\/em\u003e; Standardization Administration of China platform; 2008 standard, status page updated 2025. \u003ca class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1522\"\u003ehttps:\/\/std.samr.gov.cn\/gb\/search\/gbDetailed?id=71F772D77589D3A7E05397BE0A0AB82A\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca data-footnote-backref=\"\" aria-label=\"Back to reference 1-2\" class=\"decorated-link data-footnote-backref cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-lbtco6v1.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1anuhlx\" id=\"user-content-fn-2\" data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1671\"\u003e\n\u003cem data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1582\"\u003e从“渥堆”认识普洱熟茶\u003c\/em\u003e; 云南网 (Yunnan.cn); 8 May 2021. \u003ca class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1613\" data-end=\"1669\"\u003ehttps:\/\/txpe.yunnan.cn\/system\/2021\/05\/08\/031437086.shtml\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-lbtco6v1.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca data-footnote-backref=\"\" aria-label=\"Back to reference 2-2\" class=\"decorated-link data-footnote-backref cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-lbtco6v1.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1v0hg0a\" id=\"user-content-fn-3\" data-start=\"1672\" data-end=\"1840\"\u003e\n\u003cem data-start=\"1678\" data-end=\"1689\"\u003e【茶与健康】老茶头\u003c\/em\u003e; 上海中医药大学博物馆 (Museum, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine); 5 November 2025. \u003ca class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"1838\"\u003ehttps:\/\/bwg.shutcm.edu.cn\/2025\/1105\/c889a169907\/page.htm\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-lbtco6v1.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca data-footnote-backref=\"\" aria-label=\"Back to reference 3\" class=\"decorated-link data-footnote-backref cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-lbtco6v1.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"uspeha\" id=\"user-content-fn-4\" data-start=\"1841\" data-end=\"1969\"\u003e\n\u003cem data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"1861\"\u003e云南大叶种茶树叶有多大？\u003c\/em\u003e; 中国科普博览 (kepu.gov.cn); 9 May 2021. \u003ca class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1897\" data-end=\"1967\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.kepu.gov.cn\/expert\/tongyun\/2021-05\/09\/content_1740268.html\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-lbtco6v1.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca data-footnote-backref=\"\" aria-label=\"Back to reference 4\" class=\"decorated-link data-footnote-backref cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-lbtco6v1.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1veicvt\" id=\"user-content-fn-5\" data-start=\"1970\" data-end=\"2176\"\u003e\n\u003cem data-start=\"1976\" data-end=\"2101\"\u003ePile-fermentation mechanism of ripened Pu-erh tea: Omics approach for quality formation and targeted directional regulation\u003c\/em\u003e; 2024. \u003ca class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2109\" data-end=\"2176\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0924224424000554\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"634\" data-end=\"1280\"\u003e\u003csup data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1280\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-lbtco6v1.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection data-footnotes=\"true\" class=\"footnotes\"\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"iconbox_content_container\" itemprop=\"text\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis video was made a few years ago for a 2015 vintage of 'tea heads' by Fan \u0026amp; Gao.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jIeURTlxsZ8\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(18, 108, 243);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(18, 108, 243);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea Authors:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFan Xiuli and Gao Feng are featured often in our newsletters. They are Manchu people from Liaoning who moved to Yunnan because they love tea; it is also a most beautiful place to live and raise a family. Not only do they create some of O5’s favourite teas; they are also very well versed in painting, calligraphy, incense appreciation, ceramics, and culinary arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_1454.jpg?v=1774668105\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_1467.jpg?v=1774668105\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_4245_480x480.jpg?v=1604446815\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_3751_480x480.jpg?v=1604446834\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"30g","offer_id":51828057211191,"sku":"O5-527","price":33.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300g","offer_id":51828057276727,"sku":"O5-527","price":150.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/date-drift-bamboo-little-tea-heads-cooked-1658348.jpg?v=1774690511"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/collections\/tea-special-interest-8240504.png?v=1777424816","url":"https:\/\/www.o5tea.com\/collections\/tea-special-interest.oembed","provider":"O5 RARE TEA BAR","version":"1.0","type":"link"}