Ancient Tree Teas

The Timeless Essence of Ancient Forests

Type and Botanical Origin

Category: Traditional tea, wild-grown

Plant: Camellia sinensis (varieties of wild, ancient tea trees)

Processing: Varies by region, often minimally processed to preserve ancient characteristics

Ancient tree teas are made from wild, old tea trees that have grown for hundreds or even thousands of years in remote forests of China, India, and Taiwan. These ancient trees, often referred to as “wild tea” or “ancient tea trees,” are cultivated naturally without the use of modern pesticides or fertilizers, allowing them to produce a unique and flavorful tea that has been cherished for centuries.

The wild tea trees often grow in high-altitude regions, where the soil is rich in minerals, providing the leaves with a distinct, earthy, and robust flavor profile. The leaves of these trees are used to create some of the most sought-after teas in the world, including pu-erh and certain oolongs.

Historical Significance and Cultural Roots

Ancient tree teas have been consumed in China for over 1,000 years. The oldest tea trees can be found in the Yunnan Province, where the Pu’er tea production is believed to have begun. These ancient tea trees were first documented in historical texts from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), when tea consumption became widespread throughout China.

Some of the most famous ancient tea trees are found in the Mansa and Xishuangbanna regions of southern China, where wild tea has been cultivated for centuries by local ethnic groups. These trees are considered a cultural heritage, and the teas made from their leaves are regarded as some of the finest, most flavorful, and most medicinally potent.

In addition to their long history, these tea trees represent the sustainability of traditional agricultural practices. Many ancient tea groves are wild or semi-wild, and they are harvested by hand, using techniques passed down through generations.

Processing and Varieties

Ancient tree teas are typically processed using traditional methods. Some of the most famous varieties include:

Pu-erh (Sheng and Shou) – Known for its deep, earthy flavor that evolves over time

Taiwanese High Mountain Oolong – Made from ancient, high-altitude tea trees with a smooth, floral flavor

Gao Shan Oolong – Another high-altitude tea with a delicate, sweet profile

Unlike modern teas, which are often processed with machinery, the leaves from ancient trees are usually picked by hand, sometimes with a combination of hand-rolling, pan-firing, or steaming, depending on the type of tea being made.

Flavor Profile and Brewing

Teas from ancient trees tend to have a deeper, more complex flavor than those from younger, cultivated tea plants. They are full-bodied, with layers of earthy, woody, and even slightly floral notes, depending on the region. The flavor can be described as rich, robust, and smooth, with a long-lasting aftertaste.

Color: Dark amber or reddish-brown for pu-erh; light amber for oolongs

Aroma: Earthy, sweet, slightly woodsy, with hints of honey or floral notes

Taste: Rich, complex, earthy, with smooth, mellow characteristics and a lingering sweetness

The leaves from ancient trees are typically brewed several times in gong fu style, with each steep revealing new layers of flavor. To brew ancient tree teas:

Water temp: 200–212°F (93–100°C)

Steep time: 4–5 minutes for the first infusion, with subsequent shorter infusions (30 seconds to 1 minute)

Ratio: 1 tsp per 8 oz / 240 mL for loose-leaf

Health Benefits

Teas made from ancient trees are considered superior in terms of both taste and health benefits. They contain high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which help to:

Boost the immune system

Support digestion

Aid in weight loss

Promote heart health

Reduce stress and promote relaxation

Additionally, aged pu-erh tea, made from leaves of ancient trees, is often consumed for its detoxifying properties, improving metabolism, and providing gut health benefits.

Summary

Ancient tree teas are among the oldest and most revered in the world of tea. Their long-growing history and the ancient trees they come from imbue the teas with a unique, rich flavor and profound healing qualities. With their connection to ancient traditions and sustainable practices, these teas continue to be a living legacy in the world of tea.