Saturday, July 11, 2020

Tea Beyond the Border – Yiwu Impression

 
Early 2000s age teacake

I take great pleasure in exploring Yiwu tea. Despite the diversity I can always be assured of an intrinsic softness in character that I find to be very comforting. The ease to which the brew flows down my throat is a pleasure I greatly enjoy in Yiwu tea. Considering its origins this humble teacake left me with a good impression. Sipping from my cup I took in the clean flavors, pleasant sweetness, smooth texture and darkening age characteristics. The brown tones were layered with sweet tropical nuances, wild plums, a touch of leather and light earthy minerals. I look upon this tea as an interesting and likeable aged Yiwu. My heart grows fonder for discovering that whilst famous Yiwu productions command high prices it is wonderful to know that some of the Yiwu charms can also be passed down to these more humble productions.

It should be noted that strictly speaking this teacake cannot be officially labeled as being from Yiwu. The Yiwu region has a defined geographical boundary and a puerh tea that is labeled as being from Yiwu must be harvested from within the confines of its official border. However there remains many tea tree and resources that reside outside and beyond the border, some only but a few kilometers away in proximity. These unrecognized resources as a consequence are subjected to less favorable market conditions and it is for this reason that this teacake is priced very modestly. As a result these unassuming tea leaves offer great value for puerh enthusiasts looking for economical teas to fit into their daily drinking routine.

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 Age tea leaves under natural storage
Enjoying the charms of Yiwu
Tea leaves after steeping