Pinghe Yesheng Lao Chashu Hong Cha
Pinghe Wild Old Tree Red Tea
Pinghe Wild Old Tree Red Tea is an ultra-limited black tea harvested from just two or three ancient wild tea trees growing in the highlands of Pinghe County, Fujian Province. These trees, estimated to be up to 150 years old, are part of an abandoned and now wild ecosystem. While related to the broader wild red tea harvest from the region, this micro-lot was picked separately due to the exceptional maturity and vigor of the trees.
The total yield in 2025 amounted to just around 4 kilograms, making this a truly rare and collectible tea. The trees, once cultivated but left untouched for generations, now grow deep in nutrient-rich, undisturbed forest soil. Their slow, natural growth results in leaves packed with polyphenols, minerals, and complex aromatic compounds.
The tea was hand-picked in early spring (Qingming season), processed using traditional Fujian gongfu hong cha methods: withering, rolling, full oxidation, and slow drying. The result is a tea with bold, twisted dark leaves and a rich scent of forest and fruit.
When brewed, it yields a deep amber liquor with an elegant structure—bold yet smooth, with notes of dried plum, dark wood, and gentle bitterness that fades into persistent sweetness. The tea has impressive endurance across multiple steepings, reflecting the strength and age of the source trees.
For brewing, use 5–6 grams in a gaiwan or teapot with water at 95–100°C. Steep for 10–15 seconds on the first infusion, increasing time slightly with each round. This tea easily withstands 8–10 infusions.