Unique and meticulously crafted 150g Puerh Sheng Cha Raw Tea. Presented in a compact and convenient format, this tea is a testament to the innovation and tradition in tea processing and packaging.
The packaging is equally thoughtful, with one tube containing 15 pieces of these mini cakes. This design not only makes the tea easy to store and transport but also offers a delightful way to enjoy high-quality tea in smaller, individual servings.
In summary, the 2005 LiMing "Zhu Tong Yuan Cha" Bamboo Tube Mini Cake is a special offering in the world of Puerh Sheng Cha Raw Tea.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2005 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 150g tube · LiMing Tea Factory
Each mini cake, with a diameter of approximately 4.5cm, is tightly pressed, ensuring the preservation of the tea's quality and flavor.
The flavor profile of the "Zhu Tong Yuan Cha" is characterized by a decent level of bitterness and astringency. These elements are masterfully balanced, providing a taste that is both invigorating and satisfying. The bitterness and astringency are not overpowering but rather add depth and character to the tea.
A standout feature of this tea is its pronounced hui gan, or returning sweetness. This delightful aftertaste is a hallmark of high-quality tea, leaving a lasting impression of sweetness in the mouth. In addition, the tea is known for its significant saliva production, enhancing the drinking experience and adding to the tea's refreshing qualities.
This slower aging process has allowed the tea's flavors to develop more gradually, contributing to a well-balanced taste with interesting variations.
Its compact size, balanced bitterness and astringency, delightful hui gan, and the unique influence of Kunming natural storage make it an excellent choice for both casual tea drinkers and connoisseurs.
Best for: The mini cake format is perfect for those who appreciate the convenience and charm of enjoying tea in small, individual servings.
Brewing Guide
Water: rolling boil, 100°C (212°F).
- Rinse teaware with hot water; use roughly 5g of tea for each 100ml of vessel.
- Give the leaves one quick rinse, then cover and rest about 10 minutes to wake them up.
- Begin with 10–15 second steeps, lengthening each by about 5 seconds.
- Decant fully into a sharing pitcher each time.
- Enjoy — good sheng keeps giving for many infusions.
Use this as a starting point, not a fixed formula. Play with pour height and speed, and notice how the tea answers in different weather and seasons. Learning to brew one tea well anywhere, anytime is the real craft.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place with gentle airflow, out of direct light and away from strong smells such as cooking spices or smoke. If you plan to age it for years, breathable paper or clay storage suits puerh better than airtight plastic. Stored in Kunming.
One of the unique aspects of this tea is its storage location. It has been stored in Kunming, Yunnan province, a factor that has influenced its aging process. Kunming's natural storage conditions lead to slower aging compared to teas stored in more humid environments like Guangzhou.
A Note on Appearance
Not every tube shows these, but they can occur, especially in teas with more years of storage.
- Bamboo powder (zhu fen): a natural sign of traditional bamboo-husk packing. In Guangdong's warm, humid climate, tiny bamboo insects can make their home in the husk, nibbling the husk and cotton paper wrapper while leaving the tea itself untouched. What they leave behind is a fine powder, seen only on certain teas and more often on aged ones. It is harmless to hygiene; a few strokes with a clean toothbrush or soft brush before brewing is all it takes.
- Tea oil spots: yellowish spots may appear and can come from natural tea oils. They are not a flaw.
- Torn wrapper: small tears or holes in the cotton paper may happen during storage and handling. The tea inside is unaffected.
