Pu-Erh Maiden Tea

Organic, Fair Trade Certified

This loose leaf pu-erh tea hails from the Jing Mai Mangjing region of China's southwestern Yunnan province, made from the 1300-year-old tea trees found there - some of the world's oldest living tea trees. Organic and Fair Trade Certified, this "maiden" grade of pu-erh exhibits a smooth, well-balanced earthy flavor that is rich and sweet in its finish with the characteristic pu-erh musty aroma.

Maiden tea refers to a special grade of pu-erh that is harvested by the young women of Jing Mai Mangjing, and was traditionally offered as a special portion of their dowry. It is one of the most prized grades of pu-erh, rarely found in the United States. It has been manufactured using the Qing Cha or "raw" method. This famous and ancient method allows the tea to go through a gradual, natural aging in which its flavor and aroma improves with time.

Ingredients: organic Chinese pu-erh tea

Suggested serving size: one level teaspoon

Aubrey Says: This is a winner for coffee drinkers switching to tea û it has a similar richness and mouth feel to coffee. I prefer the loose leaf variety over the tuo cha.

Jeremy Says: Reminds me of working rich, dark earth in the garden. The unique flavors of this tea make it pair nicely with both spicy and oily foods.