Type: Loose/Pu-erh Tea
Packaging: Bag
Process: Uncooked / Raw
Yabao is one of the most intriguing teas out there. Picked from compact winter buds, young Yabao is light in body but wonderfully nuanced. Unlike any other teas, the buds are picked from ancient tea trees in middle to late winter when the bud is still tightly compacted and encased in a protective shell as it awaits spring. This particular Yabao is composed of very large buds that have not begun to open yet and allowed to sun dry completely without any other processing, making this more similar to yellow or white tea than to pu’er.

It has none of the earthy qualities of pu’er. The flavor is fresh and a little fruity somewhat similiar to a good white tea but more complex flavors. The brewed liquor is whitish and clear, and there is a hint of fresh pine needles in the aroma. This harvest still maintains a fresh sparkling quality to it, with toasted marshmallow flavors coming through in later steepings. Growing so close to the wild forests of Yunnan, the tea has hints of pine or cedar in its aroma that complement the spice perfectly.                        

Brewing Guide:
Use 1 tablespoon per 6 oz cup/pot or or (3-4 grams of tea per 8 oz of water). Heat water until boiling. Let steep 3-4 minutes. Good for multiple infusions. Add a little more time for each subsequent infusion. Yabao is super forgiving in steeping, great hot or iced, and rich with aging potential to keep growing in depth and complexity.