Imagine a tea with a harmonious blend of wild mountain floral aroma, the freshness of morning dew, a smooth velvety mouthfeel, and a unique sweetness that lingers long after your last sip. Introducing Shan Tuyet tea—the king of all teas.
What is Shan Tuyet Tea?
Literally translating to "mountain snow," Shan Tuyet is a type of tea that has grown wildly for hundreds of years along the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range in the northwestern regions of Viet Nam. These tea trees flourish at high altitudes, ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 meters above sea level. Often shrouded in cold, misty weather, the trees grow slowly, producing larger leaves with distinctive white hairs underneath, resembling snow. These ancient tea trees can reach up to 10 meters in height, making tree climbing necessary for harvesting. Given the mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, and slippery, mossy tree trunks, harvesting Shan Tuyet is no walk in the park. The tea is handpicked exclusively by ethnic groups such as the H’Mong, Dao, and Tay. With only 3 to 4 harvests a year, the early spring harvest yields the most exquisite delicacy, making Shan Tuyet the most prized and cherished tea.
How Our Shan Tuyet Tea is Made?
Often made by ethnic groups and tea artisans using traditional methods within six hours of harvesting, Shan Tuyet teas are manually processed in small batches with utmost care and precision. This contributes to the unique and exquisite taste of our Shan Tuyet teas. Typical steps include:
1. Withering under the sun to soften the tea leaves.
2. Firing using a cast iron wok over a wood-burning open fire to prevent oxidation and preserve the natural flavor.
3. Rolling to crack the leaf surface, release the natural aroma, and shape the tea.
4. Drying to remove remaining moisture for long-term preservation.
Not only does Shan Tuyet taste phenomenal with its hallmark sweet, lingering aftertaste, but it also boasts more health benefits than other tea types: more vitamins, more antioxidants, more anti-inflammatory agents... The only thing less is the amount of tea required for your cup. It is organic, with harvesting being the only human intervention. Shan Tuyet is truly a gift from Mother Nature. By drinking Shan Tuyet, you’re not just enjoying a delicious beverage; you're supporting the lives and livelihoods of ethnic groups and tea artisans and lending a helping hand in the protection of ancient tea trees. Talk about a sense of community!
How to Drink Shan Tuyet?
Drinking Shan Tuyet tea is similar to other types of teas, but for an optimal experience, keep two things in mind:
1. The water temperature should be hotter than other tea varietals, >=185°F for green tea and >=200°F for black tea.
2. Steeping time is shorter, around 20-40 seconds—be careful not to over-steep, as Shan Tuyet is rich in flavors, which can result in a stronger, bitter-tasting cup.
Ancient Shan Tuyet tea can be an acquired taste, but once you discover your love for it, there’s no turning back. It's like finding the perfect pair of shoes—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!