Raw Pu-erh Ancient Single Tree 30g

Raw Pu-erh Ancient Single Tree is a sheng (raw) pu-erh tea made from leaves harvested from centuries-old tea trees in the Xigui area of Yunnan Province, China. "Ancient single tree" means the leaves come from individual old-growth trees rather than plantation rows — these trees have deep root systems that draw minerals from the soil differently, producing leaves with a more layered, concentrated character.

What it tastes like

The first thing you'll notice is the citrus-like brightness — unusual for a pu-erh, and one of the things that makes Xigui teas stand out. Behind that, there's an uplifting energy to each sip and a long, sweet aftertaste that builds as you continue brewing. This is a tea that changes across infusions: the early cups are bright and aromatic, the middle cups develop more body and depth, and the later cups turn soft and sweet. If you brew gongfu style, you can get up to 15 infusions from a single session.

Brewing guide

Western style: Use 1g per 250ml teapot with 90-100°C water. Steep for 3 minutes. You'll get up to 4 infusions this way.

Gongfu style (recommended): Use 6g per 150ml gaiwan or teapot. Pre-warm the vessel, then use boiling water. Start with 10-second steeps for the first 5 infusions, adding 10 seconds from the sixth onwards. Up to 15 infusions. This method gives you the full range of what these old-tree leaves can do.

Joanne's tip

This is the pu-erh I bring out when someone at our Tea Bar says they want to understand what "ancient tree" actually means in practice. The difference from plantation pu-erh is something you can taste — there's a depth and a lingering quality that stays with you. It's the kind of tea I'd recommend to someone who already enjoys raw pu-erh and wants to explore what higher-end single-origin tastes like. Spring 2022 first flush — still quite young, so it has room to develop if you want to set some aside. 

Tea profile

Taste: Citrus notes, uplifting, sweet aftertaste
Type: Post-fermented tea (raw/sheng pu-erh)
Origin: Xigui, Yunnan Province, China
Harvest: First flush, Spring 2022
Ingredients: 100% loose leaves from ancient trees
Weight: 30g
Caffeine: High
No artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Like all raw pu-erh, this tea will continue to develop and mellow with age if stored properly — many drinkers enjoy watching the flavour change year to year.