Bamboo Packed

• Yunnan Province, China

• Sheng 'raw' pu-erh

• Pressed in 2005

• Earthy, herbaceous flavor

• Medium liquor

The region south of Xishuangbanna, in Yunnan Province, China, brings one very close to the border with Vietnam. Here, Dai villagers use ancient methods of aging and preserving tea that yield interesting variations of pu-erh tea. This pu-erh is from that region.

Bamboo has been used for centuries in Yunnan, Burma, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to contain and store food, including tea. Not only is the bamboo a renewable, local source of a container, but it is also the perfect medium. Allowing for limited air circulation but offering protection from humidity, the bamboo keeps the pu-erh leaf in optimal conditions while it ages. After the leaf has been packed into the bamboo, the tea is usually given a light drying and smoking over charcoal hardwood.

Ready to drink now or able to be kept for many years, this excellent pu-erh is just the right gift for the tea enthusiast.

Infuse many times with very hot water.