{"product_id":"2023-da-xue-shan-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","title":"2023 Da Xue Shan Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2023 Da Xue Shan Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake from Yunnan Province, China — a region known for its mild, spring-like climate all year. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBetween the Nanbi River and Meng River in Lincang lies a 3,233-meter mountain range. Thanks to winter snowfall, it’s called Shuangjiang Da Xue Shan, also known as Mengku Da Xue Shan, widely recognized as the birthplace of the Mengku large-leaf tea varietal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDa Xue Shan (Big Snow Mountain) \u0026amp; Its Ancient Tea Forests\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\"Da Xue Shan\" literally means \"Big Snow Mountain.\" Inside its primeval forests, between 2,200 and 2,750 meters above sea level, grow over 12,000 mu (around 800 hectares or 1,980 acres) of wild ancient tea tree communities. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThese trees have grown naturally for centuries, and many are incredibly old. Among them stands the famous \"No. 1 Wild Ancient Tea Tree,\" estimated at 2,700 years old — one of the largest ancient tea trees in the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCultivated Ancient Tea Gardens\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAlong the mountain slopes between 1,400 and 2,200 meters, you’ll find cultivated ancient tea gardens, with most trees aged between 100 and 500 years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOur 2023 Da Xue Shan Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake is made from spring-harvested leaves taken from trees that are 200–250 years old, growing at elevations of 2,000 to 2,200 meters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSame Production Area as Our Limited Releases\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis is the same production area as several of our sold-out or limited-release Da Xue Shan Pu-erh teas, including the 2008 Big Snow Mountain Aged Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eProduct Format \u0026amp; Pricing Strategy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWith the growing fame of this region in recent years, Pu-erh tea prices have risen significantly. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSo for this 2023 batch, we purposely pressed the tea into 100g mini-cakes — smaller than the usual size — to bring down the price per cake and let more tea lovers enjoy high-quality raw Pu-erh tea from Mengku, Shuangjiang, Yunnan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2023 Climate Conditions \u0026amp; Leaf Characteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2023 was the year after an El Niño cycle. Spring brought drought, low rainfall, and higher-than-average temperatures. That resulted in:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003elater but denser sprouting;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003elower moisture content in the fresh leaves, with higher concentrations of polyphenols and aromatic compounds;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003estronger bitterness and astringency than typical years, but also a more assertive palate presence and a quick yet lingering sweetness (hui gan).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAging Potential \u0026amp; Drinking Value\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIn short, this batch offers better aging potential and drinking value than most previous vintages. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFor tea drinkers who like pronounced cha qi, layered complexity, or long-term aging, this tea is highly rewarding — whether you drink it now or save it for later.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRecommendation for Beginners\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIf you’re a beginner, or if you prefer soft, gentle, and sweet teas, this one may feel too intense during its first five years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIn that case, we’d recommend trying the \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2025-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-sheng-puer\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e2025 Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake (Sheng Pu'er)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e — a fresher, more approachable option.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Dry Leaves (from our physical tea house)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBased on images taken at our physical tea house, you can observe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe tea cake displays tightly twisted strips in deep dark green with a slightly bluish tone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis deep color reflects a high concentration of polyphenols, providing strong “fuel” for microbial activity and oxidation during early aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAs a result, the transformation speed during the first 3–5 years is faster than in lower-elevation or less concentrated teas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe dry leaves also carry a faint woody aroma when gently warmed or smelled closely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eComplex aroma blending pine resin and floral honey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThick, rich, full-bodied tea liquor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDeep, persistent hui gan (returning sweetness)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCooling sensation in the throat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ePronounced cha qi, often felt as warmth in the back and palms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMini Cake Format \u0026amp; Aging Potential\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe 100g mini-cake lowers the barrier to entry, allowing more tea lovers to experience the pure, powerful cha qi of high-elevation ancient tree tea. With proper storage, after 3–5 years the woody aroma will become more prominent, intertwining with honey sweetness to reach an optimal drinking stage. Given the overall rise in Pu-erh tea prices, this mini-cake offers an affordable way to explore high-end ancient tree tea. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFinal Drinking Impression\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eEven at its current stage, the 2023 Da Xue Shan Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake is ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors and layered complexity within subtle bitterness and astringency.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eExplore More Raw Pu-erh Teas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWe also offer a selection of raw \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/raw-pu-erh-tea\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003ePu-erh teas (Sheng Pu'er)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e from other core production regions for you to explore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2023-da-xue-shan-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-brewed-leaves.jpg?v=1784796099\" alt=\"2023 Da Xue Shan Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake brewed leaves after infusion\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; margin: 20px 0 6px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eGongfu Tea Brewing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; font-weight: 500; color: #555; margin: 0 0 16px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e(Traditional Method)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; color: #444; margin: 6px 0 14px 0; text-align: center; max-width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003eAlways rinse tea before the first infusion. For compressed teas, adjust the rinsing time according to the compression level, allowing the leaves to gently loosen before the first infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; width: 45%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e100°C (212°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea-to-Water Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e8g tea per 160ml water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; text-align: center; background: #f9f9f9;\" colspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteeping Time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 1–5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 4–8 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 6–10\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 9–20 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 11–15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 21–35 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 16+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 35+ sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; color: #555; margin: 8px 0 40px 0;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tea masters recommend steeping times based on each tea's unique flavor, starting the timer after pouring the water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; margin: 20px 0 6px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCommon Brewing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; font-weight: 500; color: #555; margin: 0 0 16px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e(Easy Everyday Preparation)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; width: 45%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e100°C (212°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLeaf-to-Water Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2g per 100ml\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteeping Time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAbout 1–2 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSubsequent Infusions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIncrease by 30 seconds each time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; color: #555; margin: 8px 0 24px 0;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips:\u003c\/strong\u003e You can adjust the steeping time or leaf-to-water ratio to suit your taste—shorten the infusion for a lighter brew or extend it for a stronger one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"Whole Cake (100 g)","offer_id":51570371756265,"sku":"010151-100g-2606","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2023-da-xue-shan-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-product-image.jpg?v=1784796099","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/de\/products\/2023-da-xue-shan-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}