Pu'er tea enthusiasts who understand the nuances of Pu'er tea often prefer ancient tree tea, but why is that so? After all, tea is meant to be enjoyed, and those who appreciate its flavor naturally gravitate towards it. The primary reason so many aficionados favor ancient tree tea is simply because of how enjoyable it is. But what exactly are we savoring when we drink ancient tree tea? Let's explore this topic in this article.
One: Drinking Ecology and Health
① Large Age, Optimal Growth Environment, and Rich Internal Substances
Ancient tea trees, due to their great age (commonly considered over 100 years old, although some say 70 years or more), have deep-rooted systems that absorb a greater variety of minerals and nutrients compared to regular plantation teas or younger trees.
In general, Yunnan Province boasts an excellent ecological environment with low pollution levels and high vegetation coverage, which has helped preserve biodiversity. The fresh leaves used to make ancient tree tea come from the deep mountains where various ethnic minorities reside, areas that are even more ecologically pristine, some of which could be described as true hidden paradises.
Thus, every leaf of processed ancient tree tea captures the essence and spirit of these majestic mountains, with each cup reflecting the grandeur of Yunnan's landscapes.
② No Fertilizers or Pesticides, Naturally Managed, and Green & Healthy
Moreover, ancient tea trees, through long-term growth, have developed strong self-regulatory capabilities and can effectively resist pests, diseases, and natural disasters without human intervention. They grow naturally without any assistance. As a result, the ancient tree tea made from fresh leaves picked under these natural conditions is completely free from pollutants and is suitable for long-term consumption by people.
Two: Traditional Processing, Drinking Craftsmanship, and Nature
The resources of ancient tea trees are scarce, accounting for less than 7% of Yunnan's total tea garden area. Therefore, every leaf of ancient tree tea that reaches our hands is particularly precious.
The quantity of ancient tree tea that each large, medium, and small tea company receives annually is limited. Given the high acquisition costs associated with such precious tea, companies naturally opt for traditional handcrafted methods to preserve the authentic taste of ancient tree tea and highlight its value. Ancient tree tea processed using traditional handcrafted techniques is, to a certain extent, more natural and smoother on the palate compared to mechanically produced teas.
Three: Drinking Sweetness, Aftertaste, and Mood
Drinking tea is both an aesthetic experience and a pleasure, and drinking ancient tree Pu'er is even more so.
① Appreciating the Beauty of the Tea Leaves
Ancient tree tea, with its abundant internal substances, grows in a superior and natural environment. The leaves are typically thick and plump, with white down covering the buds.
② Experiencing the Aroma
High-quality ancient tree Pu'er has a particularly pure, lasting aroma that changes subtly and distinctly. Some teas have a rich and vibrant fragrance, while others are more restrained and reserved; some are fresh and invigorating…
③ Sipping, Enjoying the Smoothness and Lingering Sweetness
High-quality ancient tree Pu'er, when sipped, is smooth and full-bodied with a gel-like texture.
④ Deep Complexity and Strong Bodily Sensation
Sipping tea brewed from ancient tree tea leaves offers not just a delightful oral experience characterized by sweetness, smoothness, moisture, and aroma. It also broadens the mouth and throat, leaving a smooth and cool sensation. The tea's energy gradually manifests, warming the palms, the back of the neck, and the abdomen. For example, the ancient tree tea “Chang Ge” produced by Nanming Jia Ren reveals a noticeable sense of spaciousness in the mouth after the fifth infusion, with the tea's energy becoming evident by the sixth and seventh infusions.
Some exceptionally high-quality Pu'er teas, especially those known for their aroma, release an inner fragrance when brewed with care. Experienced tea drinkers with sensitive perceptions can feel this inner fragrance.
⑤ Lingering Aftertaste
Another charm of ancient tree tea lies in the lingering aftertaste following the sip. This can be broken down into two aspects: the residual aroma, sweetness, and saliva generation in the mouth, and the lingering bodily sensations, such as a clear and relaxed chest and an overall feeling of comfort and ease throughout the body.
In summary, when we drink a cup of ancient tree tea, what are we truly savoring? We are drinking the greenness and health, the sunshine and dew of Yunnan's mountains, the unique sweetness, smoothness, moisture, and aroma of the large-leaf tea, and the overall sense of well-being!