{"title":"Everyday","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is Cultivate's core collection of teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectively, these teas represent the foundation of our sourcing philosophy. They are produced in small batches, by skilled and caring artisans, who work in traditionally revered tea regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese teas strike an incredible balance between quality and value for an elevated, everyday engagement with tea.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"semi-wild-white-peony","title":"Semi Wild White Peony 2014","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Semi-Wild White Peony comes to us from one of our well-respected tea foragers, Mr. Fan, also aptly known as \"Hunter.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is made from trees planted by tea farmers in the 1970's that were abandoned as people left the villages for coastal cities. They grow amidst thousands of acres of old growth forest. Here, tea trees compete with a variety of other plants for sunlight, causing their roots to extend deep into the earth to draw nutrients. They grow slowly in the wild, accumulating these nutrients and compounds in their leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr. Fan crafts his white teas traditionally: the leaves are naturally withered and dried by sunlight, a slow and delicate process that takes between 48 and 60 hours. However simple it may sound, this method requires painstaking care and attention, along with a great deal of experience to do well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are picked early in the morning and carefully carried down the mountain in bamboo baskets to ensure that they are not damaged as they are handled. The fresh leaves are then swiftly spread out on bamboo mats, initiating the process of withering. First they are withered in the sun and their moisture level is monitored closely. When the moisture level is around 50% the leaves are moved indoors. Finally, when the moisture level reaches 10-20%, the leaves are gently roasted over charcoal at a very low temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea maintains a sense of its wildness, even after being aged since 2014. It tastes earthy, brambly and warm. The age of the harvest comes across in its settled, patient qualities: it deepens slowly, across infusions, and stays with us for a long time, both in its finish, and in the number of infusions it will take.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32103015153769,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32103015186537,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32103015219305,"sku":"","price":95.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/semiwildwhitepeony.jpg?v=1774039197"},{"product_id":"baiya-qilan-oolong","title":"Semi Wild Baiya Qilan","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe buds of Baiya Qilan trees famously give off the scent of orchids, and are such a pale green, they appear white. The varietal was named during the Ming Dynasty by Chen Yuanhe, son of the emperor, who was amazed to find these unique trees growing deep within the mountains of Fujian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBaiya Qilan's remote origin has meant that its cultivation and crafting has not been influenced by popular tastes that influence present day tea production. This one, crafted by tea veteran Chen Huoping, is a perfect example. A native to Pengxi Village, Chen once worked in the research department of the Pengxi County Tea Company, before devoting himself to crafting tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we visited Chen at his family home he wanted us to see his highest elevation tea gardens, but on account of the heavy rain that day we never made it. There are no roads for cars or motorcycles to these tea gardens, and the hills are very steep to climb on foot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea comes from semi-wild trees that grow slightly lower, at 2,200 ft elevation. Chen explained that, as he got older, he gave up on making \"uninteresting tea.\" For him this meant combining the traditional hand-picking of wild leaves, manual bruising, hand rolling, and slow roasting over lychee charcoal. When crafting tea this way the cost is much higher, and the yield is lower, but this, he says, is what makes it interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have to agree with Chen; this is a very captivating oolong. The leaves thicken the water, causing its soft, floral fragrance to spread slowly and evenly across the palate. Its very distinct orchid notes are complimented by a complex minerality that gives way to a sweet, sustained aftertaste. It slows our enjoyment of it, and offers much to consider.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":28131632742505,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":28138385703017,"sku":"","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32100907614313,"sku":"","price":90.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/20260316_Cultivate_18277_WEB_5d755f7e-3a71-4f20-bd9d-2bb0ba50f361.jpg?v=1774101053"},{"product_id":"golden-cassia","title":"Golden Cassia","description":"\u003cp\u003eTogether with Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess of Mercy), Maoxie, Meizhan, and Buddha's Hand, Golden Cassia is one of the key indigenous varietals of oolong in Southern Fujian. Anxi is a mountainous region: there are 2943 mountain peaks here that measure above over 3000 ft in elevation, and tea cultivation here dates back more than two thousand years, to the Northern Song Dynasty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnxi's subtropical marine climate brings temperate weather across all seasons and consistent precipitation, ideal for tea trees. The lateritic red soil here, formed by the weathering of the dense rocky terrain, is also very well suited for the growth of tea trees, and is extremely high in minerals like iron and aluminum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeizhuang Village in Anxi, Fujian is one of three villages where Golden Cassia originates from. Its fresh buds are tinted yellow, and the trees are known for their osmanthus-like fragrance. The Chinese name for Golden Cassia is 黄金桂. The first character means \"yellow,\" the second \"gold,\" and the third, \"osmanthus.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether or not you are familiar with this varietal will depend on where you live. It has long been most common for Golden Cassia from Meizhuang Village to be exported to Japanese and Southeast Asian markets, and is much less common elsewhere in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Golden Cassia is crafted by Master Lin Zhenwen, a generational tea farmer of Meizhuang Village. He is one of the few \"old masters\" in the village, known for having the highest skill at crafting oolong. Master Lin crafts his Golden Cassia using the traditional regional method: the tea sees 4 rounds of \"yaoqing,\" (bruising) followed by slow-fired charcoal roasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is beautiful to watch the leaves open in the gaiwan, like crumpled pages that tell the story of their making: they are marked with varying colours by the bruising process, and creased by the constriction that came from their roasting. This oolong has a deep, warm and floral fragrance while its taste is gentle and sweet. It is enveloping, while still being very light on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32103940358249,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32103940391017,"sku":"","price":40.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32103940456553,"sku":"","price":78.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/goldencassia.jpg?v=1774101329"},{"product_id":"laoshan-black","title":"Laoshan Black","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis tea is crafted by Mr. Tang, whose family are generational tea farmers in Laoshan Mountain of Qingdao, Shandong. Located along the coastline in Northeastern China, Laoshan is named after Mount Lao, a magnificent mountain range recognized by its striking elongated cliffs that run alongside the ocean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the small plots that make up Mr. Tang's tea farm are distributed along the beaches, exposed to the salty wind that blows off of the water, while others are tucked slightly up into the forested hills, protected by the pine trees and the mountain behind them. The tranquility of Mr. Tang's tea farm is resounding, and extends between its many parts. Following a path that connects the plots next to the ocean to the ones tucked away in the forest, the sound of the waves progressively gives way to the sound of forest birds and running springs and the scent of the ocean turns into the scent of red pines and green plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTeas from Laoshan have a distinct taste when compared to other teas from Southern China. The mountain minerals and the cooler temperatures give them richness, and the wet air coming off of the ocean imparts umami and an unmistakable saline taste to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis harvest brews an especially bright liquor that looks sharp and distilled. The dried, curled leaves appear like metal shavings in the gaiwan. They deliver a refreshing 'upwards energy,' reminding us of the energetics of Japanese green teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTeas from Laoshan are also known for their soothing, chocolaty undertone, and this one is no exception. These warm, rich notes provide a beautiful foundation for this tea's sencha-like qualities. We are appreciating the clearing aspects of this year's harvest, and its direct expression of its unique terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32102928416873,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32102928449641,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32102928482409,"sku":"","price":86.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/615A7177.jpg?v=1705161422"},{"product_id":"meizhan-black","title":"Meizhan Black","description":"\u003cp\u003eA long-standing tea in our Core Collection, Meizhan Black represents everything we love about black teas from Yunnan. The varietal, Meizhan, originated in the Fujian province, and is well known for its sweetness and high fragrance. Today we see most Meizhan coming out of Wuyishan, Fujian where it is crafted into exceptionally aromatic oolong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1978 The Fengqing Institute of Tea brought Meizhan trees from Wuyishan into Yunnan for research. A small-scale experiment was carried out in the area of Fengqing, investigating the effects that this terroir would have on the varietal. After nearly 40 years of continuous experimentation, the institute has made a black tea that maintains the characteristics of the Meizhan varietal, while also expressing the incredible terroir of Yunnan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always enjoy welcoming back the intoxicating, honeyed scent of Meizhan Black. The 2024 harvest exemplifies what we have come to love about this black tea: there is no sourness, no acidity, and so much sweetness in it that it is a tea enjoyed by everyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the gaiwan it smells like ripe, fuzzy fruit underlaid with dried roses. The clarity of its flavour increases through infusions, drinking like honey water infused with fruit and flowers. One can wander through its taste like they would an orchard in the summer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":28138374889577,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32744578154601,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32744578187369,"sku":"","price":80.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/615A9624.jpg?v=1697589651"},{"product_id":"laoshan-green","title":"Laoshan Green 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eMr. Tang's family are generational tea farmers in Laoshan Mountain of Qingdao, Shandong. Shandong is located in Northeastern China. It is named after Mount Lao, a magnificent mountain range recognized by its striking, slim, elongated cliffs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe many small plots that make up Mr. Tang's tea farm are scattered along the coastline at the foot of Mount Lao. Some are distributed right along the beaches, exposed to the salty wind that blows off of the water, while others are tucked slightly up into the forested hills, protected by the pine trees and the mountain behind them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mountain minerals and the constriction that comes with cooler temperatures give these teas a great richness, and the wet air coming off of the ocean gives them an unmistakable salinity. Because of the colder climate, the first harvest of Laoshan green tea is almost a month later than the first harvest of green teas from tea regions in Southern China. These leaves are hand harvested by Mr. Tang's mother and grandmother then pan fried in a charcoal-fired wok by Mr. Tang's father and uncles, all generational craftsmen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe impeccable quality of this tea is noticeable at first glance and the smell of the delicate, uniform leaves is very enjoyable, even before you add water. This harvest is very balanced in its qualities: it is as refreshing as it is rich, and as salty as it is sweet. Its champagne colour liquor has a rich, nutty aroma and a soft, oceanic taste. On the finish we find a light, uplifting astringency with a honeyed cereal undertone. This balancing act gives this tea a very satisfying fullness. It will be especially enjoyed by those who prefer a green tea that isn't too cooling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":45429601304856,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":45596074672408,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/20260714_Cultivate_0159_WEB.jpg?v=1784989076"},{"product_id":"rocky-black","title":"Rocky Black","description":"\u003cp\u003eRocky Black comes to us from one of our well-respected tea foragers, Mr. Fan, also aptly known as \"Hunter.\" Mr. Fan is a unique tea artisan in that he does not own any land himself, and does not work with a tea farm. Rather, he focuses on crafting tea from wild and semi-wild abandoned tea trees in the mountains; his wealth lies in his understanding of their location and seasonal rhythms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is made from wild tea trees that grow around the ancient Tianzhu Village. They are suspected to be around 100 years old, situated within thousands of acres of old growth forest at around 3600 feet above sea level. In the vast forest they grow to be about 8 feet tall, competing with a variety of other types of trees for precious, diffused sunlight. Thus, their roots extend deep into the earth to draw nutrients, and they grow slowly, accumulating these rich nutrients and compounds in their leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn odd feature of the trees that give us Rocky Black is that, at some point during their long lives, they have gone through a slight mutation. Now, when new leaves start to form in the spring, they do so without buds — instead of budding, two small leaves are formed simultaneously — an interesting strategy that we've never seen before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the leaves are harvested they are baked over charcoal at low temperatures for around 48 hours. The result is a round, sugary and complex black tea with fascinating woody and mineral notes. It combines very pleasurable tastes, like sweet jujubes, with intriguing ones, like sandalwood and wet stone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly special tea in our core collection. Aside from being from wild, old grove, mutant trees, it is a tea that we see people form long lasting connections to. For many, Rocky Black is a tea that, once they've tried it, they will keep returning to. We never tire of its qualities, however distinct they may be.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32102895681641,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32102895714409,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32102895747177,"sku":"","price":95.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/rocky_black_677757cb-6c9e-4f2d-ba05-2430c8b0929b.jpg?v=1782428363"},{"product_id":"wild-honeybush-black","title":"Wild Honeybush Black","description":"\u003cp\u003eWild Honeybush comes to us from one of our well-respected tea foragers, Mr. Fan, also aptly known as \"Hunter.\" Mr. Fan is a unique tea artisan in that he does not own any land himself, and does not work with a tea farm. Rather, he focuses on crafting tea from wild and semi-wild abandoned tea trees in the mountains; his wealth lies in his understanding of their location and seasonal rhythms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Honeybush is made from tea trees that are over 100 years old. They grow wild, at an elevation of 4000 ft, around the village of Zhenghe. The trees are a small-leaf varietal, native to the vast alpine forests in the area. In these old growth forests the wild tea trees compete with a variety of other types of trees, all seeking precious, diffused sunlight. At such high altitudes they are challenged by the wind and the quickly changing conditions. Thus, the roots of the tea trees must extend deep into the earth to anchor themselves and draw nutrients. They grow slowly, accumulating these rich nutrients and compounds in their leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe craftsmanship of Wild Honeybush is somewhat experimental. It integrates aspects of the traditional craftsmanship of Fujian Oolong into the process for crafting a Fujian black tea. This means that the tea is charcoal roasted in two rounds, accentuating the complexity and minerality of the tea leaves. The result is a particularly perfumed and robust black tea with mineral qualities that remind us of an oolong. Its scent is particularly intriguing: like ashes, cinnamon, and dried flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32102880215145,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32102880247913,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32102880280681,"sku":"","price":95.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/wild_honeybush_e0a9d4f9-7ccc-42c7-8d37-2828153f25be.jpg?v=1782428361"},{"product_id":"semi-wild-shou-mei-2015","title":"Semi Wild Shou Mei 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Semi-Wild White Peony comes to us from one of our well-respected tea foragers, Mr. Fan, also aptly known as \"Hunter.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is made from trees planted by tea farmers in the 1970's that were abandoned as people left the villages for coastal cities. They grow amidst thousands of acres of old growth forest. Here, tea trees compete with a variety of other plants for sunlight, causing their roots to extend deep into the earth to draw nutrients. They grow slowly in the wild, accumulating these nutrients and compounds in their leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr. Fan crafts his white teas traditionally: the leaves are naturally withered and dried by sunlight, a slow and delicate process that takes between 48 and 60 hours. However simple it may sound, this method requires painstaking care and attention, along with a great deal of experience to do well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are picked early in the morning and carefully carried down the mountain in bamboo baskets to ensure that they are not damaged as they are handled. The fresh leaves are then swiftly spread out on bamboo mats, initiating the process of withering. First they are withered in the sun and their moisture level is monitored closely. When the moisture level is around 50% the leaves are moved indoors. Finally, when the moisture level reaches 10-20%, the leaves are gently roasted over charcoal at a very low temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe picking standard for this Semi Wild Shoumei, of one-bud-three-leaves, makes its qualities particularly delicate. It is a very gentle and balancing tea, opening quickly in the gaiwan to reveal a forest floor of references. Its deeper, woody notes give it an autumnal feeling, while its sweetness conjures the concentrated sugars released into the ground by fallen leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32152310841449,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32152310874217,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32152310906985,"sku":"","price":82.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/semiwildshoumei.jpg?v=1774039138"},{"product_id":"laoshan-white","title":"Laoshan White \u0026 Tea Blossoms","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a rare white tea from Mr. Tang's small family farm in Laoshan, Qingdao. The tea blossoms come from the same tea trees that bore the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is uncommon to find white tea from Qingdao, as white teas are usually from southern China. This is where Mr. Tang learned to craft white teas, when he visited the renowned tea forager, Hunter, in Zhenghe, Fujian, which is considered to be the birthplace of white teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe semi-wild tea trees that make up Mr. Tang's farm only blossom once a year. To craft this tea their flowers are carefully harvested as they bloom, dried in the sun, and finished over charcoal. The flower's nectar makes them very attractive to bugs, however Mr. Tang remains committed to farming and producing his tea without the use of sprays or chemicals. Dried, the organic flowers look like potpourri, having all been captured at slightly different stages of their opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea leaves are handpicked in October and are processed following traditional methods of withering for white tea, before being dried in the sun. Combining them with the blossoms has resulted in a brilliant experimental white tea with a flavour that points to the mineral basin of Mount Lao, and the methodical craftsmanship of Zhenghe.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32103038451817,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32103038484585,"sku":"","price":58.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32103038517353,"sku":"","price":110.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/laoshanwhite.jpg?v=1774039106"},{"product_id":"green-peony","title":"Green Peony","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere is a small period of time in early spring, before the Qingming solar term, where the climate in Yunnan causes one side of the tree's leaves to turn a dark, intense shade of green, while the other side becomes a fuzzy silvery-white.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreen Peony is made only with first harvest leaves gathered at this moment and, as it is such a brief period of time, crafting this tea requires paying close attention to the weather. Mr. Tang is not always able to find enough hands to help him harvest before the leaves go through their next transformation, meaning Green Peony is a highly spontaneous creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen successfully set into motion, the leaves are picked according to the traditional standards of one bud and one leaf. Then the fresh leaves are spread out on bamboo trays indoors, where they gradually oxidize. Once the leaves reach 20% moisture content they are taken to a glass house that Mr. Tang built for sun-drying. The tea is left there for a few hours each day in the morning, before the sunlight is too strong. When the leaves are dry they are placed in a large ceramic jar and aged for two weeks, balancing their flavor and dispelling the grassiness that fresh tea leaves have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dried tea leaves maintain their recto-verso appearance: very dark green on one side, while the other side is covered in a silver fuzz that almost looks like suede. As its appearance would suggest, this tea is about texture. Its mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with a soft weight underlying its refreshing, floral qualities. Its taste has great clarity, with notes of honeysuckle, calla lily, plum blossoms and fresh apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":40175181529193,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":40175182119017,"sku":"","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":49740192907544,"sku":null,"price":108.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/greenpeony.jpg?v=1774036863"},{"product_id":"hibiscus","title":"Hibiscus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis stunning hibiscus is from our friend, Ms. Luo's, family farm in Yongan, Fujian. Yongan is a small village nestled in the Fujian mountains, surrounded by old growth forest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo make the flowers into tea, they are handpicked in the fall, and dried naturally in the sun for around 10 days. It is the most simple method, and also has the most delicious outcome. We were thrilled to find someone producing hibiscus this way, as it is rare to find these dried flowers so fresh and intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMs. Luo's hibiscus glows even when dry: the flowers are almost artificial looking, like red candies deformed by heat. The flowers completely reanimate in water, appearing plump and even a bit plastic. We would expect their liquor to taste like raspberry juice, but are pleasantly surprised by its refined earthy notes and gentle tartness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir liquor has a weighty mouthfeel, which offsets its refreshing tartness. Later infusions bring out more of the hibiscus' bright, jammy, ascorbic notes, still balanced by a rich mouthfeel. Rich in vitamin C and slightly constricting, this vibrant fuschia liquid feels like the perfect drink for warm weather, and can be enjoyed hot or chilled.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32103948484713,"sku":"","price":24.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32103948517481,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32103948550249,"sku":"","price":90.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/hibiscus.jpg?v=1774102062"},{"product_id":"red-rose","title":"Red Rose","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese roses come from Suqian, Jiangsu Province — a place where roses have been cultivated since the Tang Dynasty, for roughly 1300 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ones we have sourced for Cultivate are of the Pingyin varietal: they are a distinct pink colour with a blue-ish purple undertone, and are particularly rich in flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the fresh rose buds are picked, they are allowed to air dry slowly over the course of 2 weeks. Nothing else is added to them before they are finished for use as tea. This is exactly how this flower tea has been crafted for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a clear and direct encounter with the heart warming and beneficial properties of red roses. Their tea is richly aromatic, like potpourri, while soft and gentle on the palate. Drinking this tea is a beautiful experience, to say the least.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32102742098025,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32102742130793,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32102742163561,"sku":"","price":84.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/redrose.jpg?v=1774102004"},{"product_id":"lingtou-bai-ye","title":"Old Tree Baiye Red","description":"\u003cp\u003eLingtou Baiye is a highly regarded and well known varietal of Phoenix oolong. \"Lingtou\" is the name of the village where the varietal originated from, and \"Baiye\" translates to \"white leaf.\" Lingtou Village on Shuangbinniang Mountain has been cultivating the Baiye varietal since the 1960's.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe earliest classification of Phoenix oolongs only distinguished between 白叶 Baiye (white leaf) or 乌叶 Wuye (dark leaf), depending on what color of the fresh leaves were when they sprouted from the tree. Further classification of Phoenix oolongs, by their aroma, came later. After land reforms in the 1950's, tea trees in this region were assigned to individual tea farmers, and many of them gave unusual and secret names to the trees they had been assigned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Old Tree Baiye Red is a Phoenix \"Dancong\" oolong from the mountains of Raoping County in the city of Chaozhou. It comes from a small biodynamic tea farm in Lingtou village, within Raoping County. This is a well known place in these mountains: particularly charming, with a wealth of lychee, longan and pineapple trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo craft this tea freshly picked leaves are first withered indoors on woven bamboo mats for around 10 hours. The leaves are then tossed and bruised to ensure even oxidation. This process lasts about 2 days, allowing the slowly oxidizing leaves to develop complex flavour. Finally, the tea is roasted at low temperatures over lychee charcoal, evoking its innate fruitiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a delicious tea, and its sweetness is complex, like transformed fruit. In the first several infusions it has notes of lychee, roasted sweet potato and molasses. In later infusions it tastes like sakura, with lingering notes of ripe mangoes and dried longan. These discrete flavours are dynamic and ever-changing, adding to how enchanting this Old Tree Baiye is.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32103920402537,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32103920435305,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32103920468073,"sku":"","price":96.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/oldtreebaiyered.jpg?v=1774101874"},{"product_id":"black-oolong","title":"Black Oolong","description":"\u003cp\u003eTea master Lin Zhengwen made this tea based on memories of a hybrid oolong he had tried in the 1980's called \"Red Water.\" Since 2017 he has been committed to crafting a modern version of that tea, calling it Black Oolong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafting this tea follows every step for traditional Fujian oolong, but deviates slightly. The tea leaves are shaken and bruised more vigorously than usual, and are allowed to oxidize more than an oolong usually would be, leaning towards the oxidation level of a black tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLin Zhengwen makes this tea with Golden Cassia leaves harvested from his high elevation tea farm in Anxi. After the leaves are oxidized, they are roasted over charcoal. This batch underwent two rounds of charcoal roasting, with the second round taking place after the tea had been aged for 2 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the time the tea is finished the leaves are pitch black. They smell toasty and metallic in the gaiwan. Their long oxidization has brought out tannins that give the liquor impressive structure, offsetting the viscous minerality of the Golden Cassia varietal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially, its taste strikes us as a very deep and roasty oolong, but it finishes with the distinct caramelized sweetness of a black tea. This is a tasty, fascinating and very soothing tea. Its simultaneous ability to comfort and clarify is well suited to the transition from summer to autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32100918526057,"sku":"","price":26.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32100918558825,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32100918591593,"sku":"","price":96.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/20260316_Cultivate_19003_WEB.jpg?v=1774038236"},{"product_id":"tieluohan","title":"Tieluohan","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Half-Cliff Tieluohan comes from Xingcun, or \"Star Village,\" an ancient village located in the Wuyi City area, about a 20 minute drive southwest from the Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve. Xingcun has a long history, as it has been a center for the distribution of teas from the Wuyi region since ancient times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTieluohan is one of the four most prestigious varietals of Wuyi rock tea. Amongst the Wuyi Cliff oolong varietals, it is famous for its rich and smooth mouthfeel. This one comes from an area within Xingcun called Caodun, known for its ecological tea farms and regenerative farming practices. The tea farm is located at 1600 ft elevation, and due to its relatively high location, experiences more clouds, mist and also sunshine than most of the Wuyi area, (it averages around 7-8 hours of sunshine per day, which is almost double the amount of most Wuyi rock teas!).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea is crafted by a younger artisan, Fan Zhiqiang. Fan is a generational resident of Xingcun village. As a child, he watched his parents and grandparents trade and sell Wuyi Mountain teas. With this connection, he expresses a great love and passion for the landscape and the traditional teas that his hometown offers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a rich and satisfying tieluohan. It has dense, chocolate-like qualities that sit heavy and round on the palate. Through infusions its incredible mineral structure emerges, lifting this flavour upwards into the mid-palate. It remains smooth, sweet, and saliva-producing through many infusions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32103855226985,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32103855259753,"sku":"","price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32103855292521,"sku":"","price":110.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/tieluohan1.jpg?v=1774038385"},{"product_id":"semi-wild-old-bush-black","title":"Roasted Rock 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003eRoasted Rock comes to us from one of our well-respected tea foragers, Mr. Fan, also aptly known as \"Hunter.\" Mr. Fan is a unique tea artisan in that he does not own any land himself, and does not work with a tea farm. Rather, he focuses on crafting tea from wild and semi-wild abandoned tea trees in the mountains; his wealth lies in his understanding of their location and seasonal rhythms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is made from tea trees that were planted by tea farmers in the 1980's, and then abandoned as people left the villages for coastal cities. The tea trees are situated within thousands of acres of old growth forest, more than 3600 feet above sea level, where there is minimal human intervention. They grew from seeds that were washed downstream from a river that runs through the middle of the forest. In these vast, old growth forests, the wild tea trees compete with a variety of other types of trees for precious, diffused sunlight. Thus, the roots of the tea trees extend deep into the earth to draw nutrients, and they grow slowly, accumulating these rich nutrients and compounds in their leaves. We feel this richness in the tea they yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt harvest time their young leaves are hand picked and then oxidized, before being roasted to completion over charcoal. During this process Roasted Rock is oxidized slightly more than most black teas, and we taste this in the deeper qualities it foregrounds. The wet leaves are a very dark, deep purple colour — they look strong and shiny, like arame seaweed. The nose is earthy and perfumed, like aged wood. The leaves brew an auburn liquor that, despite its strong appearance and characteristics, feels very smooth and somewhat bright on the palate. This is an atmospheric tea. Like incense, it broadens the senses, bringing both peace and awareness.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32102876086377,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32102876119145,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32102876151913,"sku":"","price":84.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/roasted_rock_424bea45-801f-4741-81b3-1636950b024b.jpg?v=1782428362"},{"product_id":"organic-shui-xian-oolong","title":"Organic Shuixian","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis organic Shuixian comes from Xingcun or \"Star Village,\" an ancient village located in the Wuyi City area, about a 20 minute drive southwest from the Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXingcun has a long history, having been a center for the distribution of teas from the Wuyi region since ancient times. This Shuixian comes from a newer farm that has been practicing organic and regenerative farming methods for the past 18 years. It is crafted by Fan Zhiqiang, a generational resident of Xingcun, and a younger tea artisan who is passionate about his village's historical relationship with tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFan crafts his Shuixian traditionally, first oxidizing it, then roasting it over charcoal in 4 rounds, creating an excellent showcase, both of the Shuixian varietal and of regional techniques. The tea leaves are of very high quality, the oxidation is just right, and the roasting is not overpowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe taste of this Shuixian is clear and clean. The flavours of oxidation appear first, and give way to characteristics from the roasting. This tea offers us a very precise experience of cliff oolong. It is simple and direct, which makes it excellent for comparative or everyday drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32103878688873,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32103878721641,"sku":"","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32103878754409,"sku":"","price":98.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/organicshuixian.jpg?v=1774038345"},{"product_id":"chrysanthemum","title":"Emperor's Chrysanthemum","description":"\u003cp\u003eEmperor's Chrysanthemum are an ancient varietal of flower indigenous to Huangshan Mountain. In the Song Dynasty they were cultivated as tribute teas for the Emperor. Every November, as soon as the flowers were harvested and dried, they were sent by the fastest horses to the palace for the Emperor and his family. They are long appreciated throughout China as a restorative tea for the end of winter and early spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is our 10th year receiving these chrysanthemums from Huangshan. As the highest grade of Emperor's Chrysanthemum, they have gotten progressively harder to source. This is for several reasons: the weather in the region has become increasingly unpredictable; this indigenous varietal has a much lower yield than modern varietals; they are grown without the use of fertilizers or chemicals; and the picking standards are very high meaning any weather damage makes the chrysanthemums unsuitable for this tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever small, this is an absolutely stunning harvest. The flowers smell sweet and look perfectly orb-like when dry. They open quickly in water, expanding into incredibly fluffy blossoms that look buoyant and alive. They brew an electric yellow liquor that takes on the lemonade hue of the flower's robust inner petals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe taste the symmetry we see in these flowers in the tea they brew. Their liquor is perfectly balanced between its medicinal qualities and saccharine sweetness. Drinking it is calming, as its slightly weighty mouthfeel presses down on the palate before settling warmly into the chest. The therapeutic qualities of chrysanthemum tea are well known and immediately felt. It clears excess heat from the body, supports the liver, and refreshes our eyesight.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32102990282857,"sku":"","price":24.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32102990315625,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32102990348393,"sku":"","price":90.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/615A9047.jpg?v=1675879758"},{"product_id":"jasmine-silver-tips","title":"Jasmine Silver Tips","description":"\u003cp\u003eTea leaves have long been known for their remarkable capacity to absorb and preserve the scent of flowers. However, successfully scenting tea leaves is tedious and depends on processes perfected over centuries. The craft began in the Southern Song Dynasty, over a thousand years ago. It requires a careful understanding of the ratio of flower to tea, and several rounds of infusions to achieve a lasting transfer of the flower's otherwise fleeting scent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Jasmine Silver Tips fresh green tea buds are made into tea in April, then set aside to await the jasmine bloom in July. The fresh jasmine flowers are harvested in late July, and the scenting process lasts for 2 weeks. Traditionally, scenting is done in small batches: tiny jasmine blossoms are scattered with the tea leaves on bamboo mats and left overnight, where the tea leaves gradually absorb the delicate night-aromas of the blossoms. In the morning craftsmen separate the jasmine flowers from the tea leaves, then the tea is baked over charcoal for a few hours to seal in its new scent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour of the leaves in this year's harvest is especially luminous. When wet, the robust spindles tint an earthy sage colour and float, like golden sticks, on top of the water. The liquor has a glycerol feel, painting the inside of our mouths with the robust scent of the jasmine. It finishes with a soft, milky sweetness, without a hint of astringency.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32102777749609,"sku":"","price":26.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32102777782377,"sku":"","price":52.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32102777815145,"sku":"","price":100.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/615A2756.jpg?v=1731038116"},{"product_id":"shou-mei-2012","title":"Shou Mei 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003eAged white teas are not easy to come by, as after they have turned 5 years old they become highly sought after for both their taste and medicinal properties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Shoumei is from Fuding, Fujian, one of the two core areas for the production of white tea, and is currently the only white tea in our collection from Fuding, (all of the others are from the other core producing region, Zhenghe).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite tea trees in Fuding are of the varietal Fuding Dabai (Big White). They are unique to this region of Fujian and are well suited to its particular geography. Fuding is flanked by mountains and faces the ocean, therefore the topography is \"open\" and sees sustained exposure to sun, wind, and rain. Since ancient times, white tea crafted in Fuding has been withered in the high sun and slowly dried entirely outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is interesting to compare this to white tea from Zhenghe, which is nested within the mountains where the climate changes rapidly between sun and rain. In this region we see the traditional craftsmanship of white tea fluctuating between drying and withering indoors and outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe acquired this Shoumei in 2013 and have been aging it ourselves since. There's an old saying about white teas that goes, \"3 years a medicine, 7 years a treasure.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt its current age this tea is experienced as both a medicine and a treasure. Its taste and texture has changed dramatically over the time that we've aged it. At present it smells bright and fresh, but on the palate its taste is mellow and settled. The liquor and its synthesized flavour produces saliva instantly, before bringing a very compelling aftertaste akin to aged orange peel. This is a clearing and stabilizing tea that transforms and deepens over many infusions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32102763135081,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32102763167849,"sku":"","price":40.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32102763200617,"sku":"","price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/shoumei2012.jpg?v=1774038944"},{"product_id":"ancientspring","title":"Ancient Spring","description":"\u003cp\u003eMr. Tang left his corporate job in the city, Kunming, in 2006. He had rented a small place in rural Yunnan where his only intentions were to read, reflect, and drink tea with friends. In one of these conversations an old friend, Li, suggested that Tang grow tea in Li's hometown, Yangta Village. That July the two of them traveled to Jinggu in Yangta and leased 11 acres of forested area from Li's niece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe area they leased was wild growth, at about 6500 ft elevation. This is where they would eventually plant 70,000 Jinggu Big White tea trees. However, Tang found out, somewhat far into the process of planting, that one cannot harvest newly planted tea trees until they have stood in the ground for 3 years. Confronted with this, he leased another tea garden in the mountain; a highly regarded area that was home to ancient pu'erh trees. And so, while he waited for his Jinggu Big Whites, Tang began making pu'erh from these very old trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAncient Spring comes from an abandoned tea garden made up of less than 200 arbor trees of the Mengku varietal. The garden is located deep in the woods on the North facing side of the mountain and is only accessible by a steep trek through the dense pine forest. This is a protected area that has never been inhabited, as it is where the water source for the village is located. These Mengku trees, planted by the great-grandfather of a local villager, are now between 100 to 150 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo make Ancient Spring Mr. Tang blends the Mengku tea leaves with leaves from the ancient Jinggu Dabai varietal. The result is a very clear and approachable pu'erh for everyday drinking, and at a very good value for containing leaves from such old trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe drink Ancient Spring when we wish to connect with the balance of forests that remain undisturbed by accelerated human activities. The tea tastes very pure and has a distinct, lingering honeyed quality. The age of the trees and the energy of the forest come through clearly, and to no surprise --- it is crafted with great care, by honest people.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39555601039465,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":45750368207128,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g cake","offer_id":45750368239896,"sku":"","price":95.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/IMG_5415.jpg?v=1626206055"},{"product_id":"mountain-orchid","title":"Ancient Spring \"Orchid\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eMr. Tang left his corporate job in the city, Kunming, in 2006. He had rented a small place in rural Yunnan where his only intentions were to read, reflect, and drink tea with friends. In one of these conversations an old friend, Li, suggested that Tang grow tea in Li's hometown, Yangta Village. That July the two of them traveled to Jinggu in Yangta and leased 11 acres of forested area from Li's niece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe area they leased was wild growth, at about 6500 ft elevation. This is where they would eventually plant 70,000 Jinggu Big White tea trees. However, Tang found out, somewhat far into the process of planting, that one cannot harvest newly planted tea trees until they have stood in the ground for 3 years. Confronted with this, he leased another tea garden in the mountain; a highly regarded area that was home to ancient pu'erh trees. And so, while he waited for his Jinggu Big Whites, Tang began making pu'erh from these very old trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAncient Spring Orchid is from a very old tea garden, made up of trees that were planted by the great-grandfather of a local villager and are now between 100 and 150 years old. Fewer than 200 trees of the Mengku varietal grow together here, in a garden that sits at 6,000 ft elevation, (slightly above the grove where Tang harvests his tea for Ancient Spring). It is deep in the woods on the West facing side of the mountain, and is only accessible by a steep trek through a dense pine forest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTang crafts Ancient Spring Orchid exclusively from first harvest leaves. These trees are only harvested once a year, in the spring, so that all their energy concentrates in their first flush. The leaves of the Mengku trees are blended with leaves from the local, indigenous Jinggu Dabai varietal. The result is an outstanding pu'erh that expresses the strength and character of the trees it was made from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe would say that this tea has a strong \u003cem\u003echa qi\u003c\/em\u003e or \"tea energy.\" It is full-bodied, and the energy from the deep-rooted trees builds in you as you drink it. It has distinct floral notes, referenced in its name, and their complexity increases through infusions. We drink this tea to feel enlivened, to move energy within ourselves, and to encounter the orchid-like characteristics of old grove Mengku.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39638640754793,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":52415779012888,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g cake","offer_id":52415779045656,"sku":null,"price":116.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/615A1335.jpg?v=1688017696"},{"product_id":"infinite-mountains","title":"Mountains and Beyond","description":"\u003cp\u003eMountains and Beyond comes from old growth forests 8 kms away from Mr. Tang's tea farm in Jinggu, Yunnan. The forest here is vibrant and intact, and its ancient trees grow strong and healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese wild arbor pu'erh trees are between 150 to 200 years old. Aside from one harvest in the spring, they grow unattended. Out of respect for their longevity, their leaves are only harvested once a year, by Mr. Tang. As such, it is understood that the energy of the tree and its root system will be extra concentrated in the leaves of this single harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can detect this concentrated energy on the palate: the tea is direct and clear, with a sweet and extended aftertaste. The integrity of both the environment it comes from, and the way it was handled, result in a very smooth and intriguing tea in which we find the energy of the old growth forest evolving through many infusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pu'erh raw lifts us up and places us amongst the mountains: it is a transportive tea, that seems to offer a panoramic view of the mountain peaks, and all of the perspective that accompanies such vistas. We feel that it is aptly named.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32877453475945,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32877453508713,"sku":"","price":115.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/IMG_4276.jpg?v=1613012924"},{"product_id":"pu-erh-ripe-essence-of-lincang-2017","title":"Essence of Lincang 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Essence of Lincang is a small batch pu'erh ripe made from the leaves of 200 years old trees. It is a blend of spring and autumn harvests, giving it some added complexity. This is an unusual tea because generally leaves from such ancient trees are made into pu'erh raw, as they are considered more valuable that way. We hardly ever find them fermented to this extent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo ripen the tea, the leaves were carefully fermented on wooden pallets off the ground. The temperature and humidity of the room they rested in was strictly controlled. During fermentation, the tea developed the unique aroma of sweet rice wine. The tea was then aged for six months at room temperature, before being pressed into cakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a full bodied pu'erh that tastes very vibrant and clean. It is not as earthy or 'underground' tasting as many pu'erh ripes, offering a more nuanced flavour profile. It has notes of sweet glutinous rice, wet stone and jujube dates and a mouthfeel that is smooth and satisfying. This tea gives a sensation comparable to drinking consomme: it is rich in texture and flavor, but with clarity and purity of taste. In this way, it is both a nourishing and uplifting tea.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32955905343593,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32955905376361,"sku":"","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32955905409129,"sku":"","price":106.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"357g cake","offer_id":32955905441897,"sku":"","price":350.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/IMG_6658.jpg?v=1613012861"},{"product_id":"pu-erh-raw-wuliangshan-2013","title":"Wuliangshan 2013","description":"\u003cp\u003eWuliangshan has been with us for some time now; we acquired this pu'erh back in 2013, when we were still living in Beijing. It comes from a vast mountain range near the city of Pu'er in Yunnan. This village, called Wuliangshan, has a long history of pu'erh tea cultivation, however it remains a lesser known area amongst tea collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we tasted it back in 2013 there was a certain charm to this tea. It was bright, floral, sweet -- an uncomplicated, easy drinking pu'erh, and directly expressed the soil, elevation, and climate of the mountain it came from. The basic quality it demonstrated encouraged us to age it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat surprised us over the last 9 years, as we checked in with Wuliangshan, was how beautifully its fundamental characteristics continued to develop over time. With age the tea has developed its own very distinct fragrance. Its once very sweet and bright flavour has grown broader and deeper, and its \"greenness\" has transformed into complex fruit notes: think poached apples and pears, or prunes. Its taste still tells us very direct stories of the trees, mountain, and environment this tea comes from, but now they seem to be spoken by a low, patient voice, emerging from deep within the mountain of Wuliangshan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf there was tea to greet you at the gates of drinking pu'erh, this could be it: it demonstrates all of the classic characteristics of pu'erh, in a soft and approachable way. We drink this tea when we are seeking moments of simplicity, directness, and lightheartedness. It invites us to experience a mountain, and listen to its stories.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":32955910029417,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":32955910062185,"sku":"","price":40.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32955910094953,"sku":"","price":80.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"357g cake","offer_id":32955910127721,"sku":"","price":275.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/wuliangshan_2012_e33c3d10-a200-476d-a3c6-ce7c345aff70.jpg?v=1782428381"},{"product_id":"tuocha","title":"Tuocha 2007","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe acquired 30 cakes of this Tuocha from Xiaguan, Yunnan a few years ago, and have been patiently aging it, letting it develop over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \"Tuocha\" refers to the dome-like shape of the compressed tea cake. Tuocha pu'erh was usually exported to France, as an easy-drinking and sweet pu'erh ripe for enjoying day-to-day. It is not innately a complex tea, as it does not come from ancient trees. In the case of this Tuocha we taste for the characteristics that come with 15 years of age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven with the depth lended by time, it remains an extremely easy drinking pu'erh ripe. The mouth feel is light and almost refreshing, while still being earthy and sweet. It does not have the richness or brothy texture of pu'erh ripes made from much older tea trees, which is exactly its charm. This is an uncomplicated, high quality pu'erh ripe to enjoy at times when you are feeling a bit lighter.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":46946724938008,"sku":"","price":18.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":46946724970776,"sku":"","price":36.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g cake","offer_id":46946725003544,"sku":"","price":65.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/tuocha_36d43661-8dae-402a-b4aa-5938088bf026.jpg?v=1782428380"},{"product_id":"arbor-white","title":"Arbor White 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis tea comes to us from Mangnuo village in Shuangjiang County of Lincang. Mangnuo is one of two villages located along the incredible Lancang River; the other being Dawen. The name Mangnuo comes from the Dai dialect, meaning \"a place with pools of freshwater.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the name implies, Mangnuo is surrounded by bodies of water. Lahu ethnic tribes settled in Mangnuo around 600 years ago, planting tea trees in the village during the Ming Dynasty. One of the ancient tea trees in this village stands roughly 20 ft tall with a diameter of 5 ft!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea garden this tea comes from is situated on the sunny steep hills of Mangnuo Baha where mountains tower over it. The garden is surrounded by mist and fog from the Lancang river year round, shielding the plants from direct sun and higher temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fresh leaves are harvested between late March and early April with a picking standard of one-bud-two-leaves. They are then withered and dried naturally outdoors on bamboo mats for at least 72 hours, and pressed into mini cakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a delicious tea: smooth and delicate, with elegant floral aromatics. It feels like drinking the nectar of wild alpine flowers, as it leaves the lingering taste of honey on the palate long after the tea is swallowed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39301089525865,"sku":"","price":32.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":39301089558633,"sku":"","price":64.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/20260316_Cultivate_18693_WEB.jpg?v=1773981770"},{"product_id":"kokang","title":"Kokang 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis pu'erh comes from an unusual place for tea cultivation, which is why we consider it experimental. Kokang is a remote and mountainous region in Northeastern Myanmar, sharing a border with Yunnan Province. The entire region is surrounded by the magnificent Tibetan Plateaus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn account of its remote location and lack of modern transportation, much of Kokang remains undeveloped. It is characterized by great expanses of ancient forests, where an abundance of wild growing arbor tea trees continue to grow undisturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pu'erh is crafted from the leaves of 200 year old trees, situated at around 6000 ft above sea level. The tea is made by a young craftsman, Li Jiakuan. Li's ancestry is Dai-Chinese, however he lives with his family in Kokang. To learn the traditional craftsmanship of pu'erh tea he traveled to Menghai in Yunnan and studied intensively with a master there for 6 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApplying what he learned in Yunnan to a varietal of pu'erh trees native to Kokang has yielded something very interesting to us. The unique terroir of the Tibetan Plateaus gives this pu'erh soft and gentle notes, to the extent that the first couple infusions of it remind us of a white tea. The depth of this tea's character comes out gradually, and yet it still behaves very uniquely: the lingering floral impressions captivate the attention of our mouths in a way we wouldn't expect in a pu'erh from Yunnan, which is usually more about sensation than flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe would enjoy this tea on a sunny morning, when there is a want to be refreshed, and brought into the day gently. It will simultaneously answer a desire for nuanced, sensory experiences on one's palate, and a desire for the groundedness that comes from an ancient tree.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39678511317097,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":39678511349865,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g cake","offer_id":39678511382633,"sku":"","price":98.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/kokang_188e41c3-687a-4b31-bec6-9e6501213977.jpg?v=1782428381"},{"product_id":"plum-blossom","title":"Plum Blossom","description":"\u003cp\u003ePlum trees bloom in the depth of winter, when snow is falling around them. In Chinese culture they symbolize perseverance, as their beauty is a result of their negotiation with adverse circumstances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur plum blossoms are from the villages of the famous Huangshan Mountain. This area is significant, not only for the lineage of poets, artists, and hermits it attracts, (the entire area is an UNESCO World Heritage Site), but also for its impressive biodiversity. The dramatic peaks of this mountain range are suspended in a sea of clouds and its remote terrain protects cultural practices, plants, and animal species that are all nearing extinction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Plum Blossoms are harvested in early January from trees that are between 60 and 100 years old. The dark, metallic bark of these trees stands out against the stark winter landscape. On their bare limbs, the white blossoms hold tightly to the branches. They appear in clusters that eventually proliferate to decorate the entire crown of the tree. If it wasn't for their scent, they could be mistaken for delicately accumulated snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese old trees thrive in the mountains on their own, without human intervention. No sprays or chemicals are required in cultivating them. After the flowers are harvested they are dried naturally, in open air, on bamboo trays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlum blossoms are treasured for their poetic significance and their medicinal benefits. They are known to calm the liver and stomach, and clear heat and resolve dryness in the body. The taste of them is very soothing, with notes of green almond and toasted apricot kernel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis year's harvest is particularly bright and fresh tasting. The tea smells and tastes like marzipan, and, once in water, the little flowers open just like they would on the branch.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39299242786921,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":39299242819689,"sku":"","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/cultivate-march-2025-plum-blossom-tea-1727.jpg?v=1745081034"},{"product_id":"imperial-white-orange-peel","title":"Imperial White \u0026 Orange Peel","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Shou Mei is from Fuding, Fujian, one of the two traditional regions for white tea, the other one being Zhenghe. Fuding is flanked by mountains and faces the ocean, therefore the topography is considered \"open\" as it sees sustained exposure to sun, wind, and rain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere, tea trees are covered in mist and fog all year round, shading them from direct sun. After harvest, the tea leaves are withered and dried, first outdoors, and then indoors for at least a week, in a process that follows ancient local traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dried tea leaves are combined with the aged peel (Chen Pi) of red mandarin oranges grown in Xinhui, Guangdong, (a village famous for producing aged orange peel). Orange peels are revered as both a medicine and a deeply satisfying flavour in China. They must be aged for at least six years before being used in tea; any younger and their moisture and sugar content will compromise the tea cake. Once combined with the tea leaves, they are pressed together into small cakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNaturally aged Shoumei tends to have a subtle aftertaste of aged orange peel on its own. Combining these leaves with the orange peels themselves produces tea with an incredible depth of flavour. The spiced, medicinal qualities of both the white tea and the aged peels play off of one another, offering us something very satisfying, as well as balancing and supportive, especially suited to the winter months.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39476660797545,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":39476660830313,"sku":"","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":39476660863081,"sku":"","price":108.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/20260316_Cultivate_19128_WEB.jpg?v=1774038655"},{"product_id":"white-moonlight","title":"White Moonlight","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this tea we see pioneering craftsmanship from Mr. Tang, who has applied the Fujian method for white tea to the leaves of Jinggu Big White pu'erh trees, that he planted himself. This method took years of experimentation, an intimate understanding of the climate in Jinggu, and has produced something truly delicious — hot or cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne bud and one leaf are picked from the pu'erh trees in early fall. Then they are carefully withered indoors, being turned numerous times a day depending on the amount of sunlight, rain, and humidity in the air. Usually this process lasts between 7 to 10 days. Afterwards, the tea is slowly dried in the sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis white tea is so aromatic it reminds us of a light Darjeeling, with an enveloping fragrance of ripe apricots, grapes and wildflowers. It brews a gold-coloured liquor with rich undertones of milk chocolate and manuka honey, and a long-lingering taste of ripe orchard fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39497687761001,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":39497687793769,"sku":"","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":39497687826537,"sku":"","price":106.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/20260316_Cultivate_18893_WEB.jpg?v=1773981865"},{"product_id":"milanxiang","title":"Honey Orchid","description":"\u003cp\u003eMilanxiang, or Honey Orchid, is a Dancong, or \"single grove,\" Oolong from Dazhi Mountain, the third highest peak in the Phoenix Mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo grow Phoenix Dancong cultivars will select a wild \"mother tree\" from the ancient tea trees indigenous to the region, basing their choice on its distinct fragrance. They then graft this mother tree onto existing trees, cloning and then propagating it. After several generations of this practice, there are nearly one hundred well known varietals of Phoenix Dancong, each with a unique fragrance and taste. Most were named for their aromas — we see names like Gardenia, Magnolia, Jasmine, and, in this instance, Honey Orchid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo craft this tea freshly picked leaves are withered indoors on woven bamboo mats for 10 hours. Then the leaves are tossed and bruised to ensure even oxidation. The oxidation process lasts for more than 2 days, during which the leaves develop increasingly complex flavor profiles. Finally, the tea is roasted at a low temperature over lychee charcoal, coaxing out its natural fruity notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting tea is very pretty. Its pink-tinted liquor smells like dried roses. Beneath the flowers you find nectarines, buckwheat honey and pomegranate molasses. These notes, along with the tea's mouthfeel, culminate in a honeyed quality that evolves over many infusions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39537273634921,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":39537273667689,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":39537273700457,"sku":"","price":84.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/honeyorchid.jpg?v=1784989528"},{"product_id":"snow-rose","title":"Snow Rose","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese exquisite snow roses are from Suqian, Jiangsu Province — a place where roses have been cultivated since the Tang Dynasty, for roughly 1300 years. They are masterfully tended to and regeneratively farmed, without chemicals or fertilizers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the fresh rose buds are picked, they are allowed to air dry slowly over the course of 2 weeks. Nothing else is added to them before they are finished for use as tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea of white roses is both more subdued and more sweet than tea from a red rose. These flowers brew a muted, golden liquor that feels silky in the mouth. Their tea is extremely pretty, with undertones of clover honey and hay. While they appear more subtle than other roses, they offer just as potent benefits to the body and spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39626595500137,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":39626595532905,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/snowrose.jpg?v=1784989908"},{"product_id":"zi-ya-purple-bud-puerh-raw","title":"Zi Ya \"Purple Bud\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA unique pu'erh raw from one of our favorite tea craftsmen, Mr. Tang, in Jinggu, Yunnan who planted these Zi Ya trees 25 years ago in his personal tea garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZi Ya 紫芽 (purple bud) is a Yunnan Big Leaf varietal of pu'erh tree that has significantly higher anthocyanin in the developing buds than other pu'erh trees. The young leaves emerge purple, and then turn green as they mature. This varietal is usually used to make black tea, so we consider this an experimental gesture from Mr. Tang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe made his first batch of pu'erh with the Zi ya leaves in 2016 and has repeated it frequently ever since. To craft this tea he hand picks one-bud-two-leaves in early spring and allows them to wither naturally on bamboo mats under the morning sun. The leaves are pan-fried in charcoal-fired steel wok, then rolled and air-dried following the traditional shai qing 晒青 (sun wilted) process. The tea is aged for one month, then steamed to be pressed into individual cakes. Lastly, the tea cakes are dried naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting tea cake is stunning: the leaves are plump, defined, and have a beautiful dark blue sheen. Brewed, the tea has very unique, almost purple smelling, floral aromatics. On the palate it is gentle and smooth, with depth and a slight smokiness. This is a particularly nice pu'erh raw for gentle mornings in the fall and winter months as it brings clarity without being too stimulating.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39625349955689,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":39625349988457,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":39625350021225,"sku":"","price":98.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"250g cake","offer_id":39625350053993,"sku":"","price":220.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/IMG_8554.jpg?v=1631820020"},{"product_id":"emei-high-mountain-green-first-harvest","title":"High Mountain Green 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere is a mythical mountain in Sichuan province. For many people, it is a household name that, when spoken, evokes an air of the otherworldly. This place is called \u003cem\u003eE'Mei\u003c\/em\u003e 峨眉.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are four sacred buddhist mountains in China, E'Mei being one of them, and the highest peak. It is home to more than seventy ancient temples and is regarded by Buddhists as \u003cem\u003ethe place of enlightenment\u003c\/em\u003e. Many people will know it for the well established community of monkeys that reside amongst the temples and engage with visitors of the mountain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTea cultivation on E'Mei dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when fresh teas from its peak were delivered to the imperial palace as Tribute Teas to the Emperor. Our High Mountain Green comes from Heibao Mountain, near Haulong Village at 3200 ft above sea level. This area, central to E'Mei, is the primary area for producing tea on this mountain, and almost all the tea gardens here were planted generations ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe soil on Heibao Mountain is formed from porous volcanic ash, providing ideal minerals and drainage for tea trees. The elevation means that Haulong Village is almost always covered in rain or fog. It is a place that, while feeling quite unchanged, has some enchanting adaptations. Around 20 years ago many fruit trees were planted in and around the tea gardens here. Now the tea grows in the dappled shade of fragrant loquat and peach trees. However unusual this is, the tea benefits from their proximity, and is said to smell like flowers on account of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is made from leaves from the first picking of the season, consisting of one bud and two leaves. This results in a richer taste, which is in line with local preference. Regionally, this tea is simply referred to as 炒青 or \"pan-fried green.\" Its tiny, coiled leaves rich in mottled shades of green are unmistakable: it's as though the palate of an entire rainforest has pooled at the bottom of the gaiwan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile full bodied and rich in flavours reminiscent of flowers and seeds, this tea is remarkably refreshing. Its luminous liquor smells warm and feels both cleansing and hydrating to the body. Its clarity inducing salinity leaves a hint of saltiness at the back of the palate on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":39968756596841,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":48399873343768,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/cultivate-may-2025-tea-3-3608.jpg?v=1747585465"},{"product_id":"yellow-rose-黄玫瑰岩茶","title":"Yellow Rose","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe consider Yellow Rose an experimental tea for a few reasons. One being that this rare varietal is a relatively new cross breed of two other oolongs, Huangguanyin (yellow cassia) and Huangdan, developed in 2002. Another being that, because this varietal is so delicate, its craftsmanship deviates from other True Cliff oolongs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new varietal earned such a pretty name on behalf of its extremely gentle and sweet florality. Being so delicate, the roasting process for it requires careful attention otherwise it will be overpowered. The leaves must be roasted over a specific wood charcoal that burns at a lower temperature, and for a longer period of time. Therefore, only a very experienced artisan can craft this tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Yellow Rose was planted in the village of Wusandi 吴三地, 45km northwest of the Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve. This is a famous tea village, situated at a relatively high altitude for the region, and famous for its Shuixian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe entire community in Wusandi collectively maintains traditional and regenerative tea farming techniques. They benefit greatly from the fact that the older generations in their village did not cut down the tea trees and work to ensure this happens for generations to come. This shared understanding has meant that the Wusandi villagers have been able to preserve an incredible number of old grove tea trees — something that we rarely see in famous tea regions nowadays. Even more unusual is that, planted amongst them, is this strange new experiment, Yellow Rose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYellow Rose is fascinating for oolong drinkers, as the stronger characteristics we associate with this kind of tea are all softened. This gives way to the nuances of rock oolong's more gentle, floral characteristics. The \"cliff\" is still present, but these softened mineral notes come on the finish, after we've tasted something very sweet and intensely pretty.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":40114211389545,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g","offer_id":40114211422313,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/IMG_1891.png?v=1656960326"},{"product_id":"charcoal-roasted-oolong","title":"Charcoal Roasted Oolong","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis oolong is crafted by Lin Zhenwen, a well known tea master throughout Anxi for his skill in charcoal roasting. When done well, this technique coaxes various degrees of sweetness, fragrance and complexity from the tea leaves, becoming like a signature made on the tea. Every craftsman has a different one, and you will find Master Lin's distinct touch here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is a blend of 3 different oolong varietals that grow in Master Lin's tea garden in Meizhuang Village. His intention with this tea was to craft a delicious traditional oolong suitable for everyday drinking. It was roasted in small batches, suspended in bamboo baskets over charcoal for 4 rounds over the course of 2 months. We taste this tea both for the fragrant Anxi tea leaves, and for how delicately they have been exposed to heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a sweet and balanced year for this tea. We find fruity notes and a soft, long lasting sweetness. Its tannic structure emerges slowly, lifting the weight of the liquor into the centre of the palate. By the third infusion the dark roasted leaves have opened entirely and their charming character is fully expressed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":40114213519465,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":40114213552233,"sku":"","price":40.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":40114213585001,"sku":"","price":78.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/615A3046.jpg?v=1726705452"},{"product_id":"sun-dried-red","title":"Sun-Dried Red","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn recent years, as the world of tea drinkers have come to understand more about Yunnan's Big Leaf Varietals, Sun Dried black tea from these trees has gained popularity. We consider it an experimental tea as it takes regional methods traditionally used in making raw pu'erh – that is, using only the sun to dry the tea leaves – and applies this technique towards crafting a black tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr. Tang made this tea from the leaves of tea trees that he planted himself almost 20 years ago. The tea trees are the indigenous varietal called \"Jinggu Big White,\" and one-bud-two-leaves are harvested at the first flush of the season, (the same time as the Green Peony white tea sprouts). His small tea farm is maintained naturally, using regenerative and biodynamic methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is only the third year that Mr. Tang has made a Sun Dried Black. In crafting this tea he has experimented with making it from leaves harvested in the Spring. Usually we would expect black teas made from Spring harvest leaves to be slightly bitter and astringent. However, in his experiment with using only heat from the sun to dry the leaves, Mr. Tang was surprised to find that the tea was not bitter or astringent at all – rather, it had a very unique and pleasant taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea is a golden colour that maintains its intensity throughout many infusions. It is surprisingly light on the palate, with bright tannins. At first it has a delicate lemon flavour, followed immediately by the taste of heavy milk. This distinct acid-base sequence made us curious to shake the tea over ice and see if it would do something akin to emulsifying. And it did! – it turned opaque and frothed, like the original Boba.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter preparing Sun-Dried Red the broad wet leaves are amazing to look at: their substance is dense and even, as if they are made out of red clay.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":40240113844329,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":40240113877097,"sku":"","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":40240113909865,"sku":"","price":108.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/sundriedred.jpg?v=1774102338"},{"product_id":"purple-cloud","title":"Purple Cloud","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrafted from leaves of the Zi Ya 紫芽, or \"Purple Bud,\" a varietal of pu'erh known to contain significantly higher anthocyanin in their leaves than other varietals. This compound causes their buds to emerge a deep purple colour, before turning green as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the past it was most common for the leaves of Purple Bud to be made into black tea. It is unusual, and very captivating, to see them crafted as a white tea as they are here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees were planted by Mr. Tang in his personal tea garden. He harvests them early in the spring, when the buds and leaves are soft and rich in substance. They are spread thinly on bamboo mats and naturally withered indoors. The density of the leaves extends the withering process, causing active enzymes in the leaves to undergo gradual oxidation and hydrolysis without being damaged. When the leaves are almost dry Mr. Tang roasts them over charcoal for 6 hours. Then the tea is left to sit for 2 weeks, before being pressed into a cake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurple Cloud has all of the intense sweetness of a white tea, with the depth and downward-pull of a high quality pu'erh. If you are looking for traces of its purple origin, you'll find a violet note to this tea, floating on top of the taste of caramelized sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":40402094784617,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":40402094817385,"sku":"","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":40402094850153,"sku":"","price":105.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g cake","offer_id":40402094882921,"sku":"","price":198.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/615A8851.jpg?v=1667434869"},{"product_id":"old-grove-shuixian-2022","title":"Old Grove Shuixian 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the Southern Fujian Province there is a lesser known region, bordering Anxi in the South and Dehua in the North, called Yongchun. Yongchun has a surprising number of old grove tea trees that are now more than 60 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Shuixian comes from the White Crane Mountain Nature Reserve, located in the middle of Yongchun County. The tea trees on this mountain were planted in the 1960's, and most of them are around 60 years old. The rise in agriculture throughout the area in the 1990's, coupled with the sudden success of the Tieguanyin tea market, meant that almost all the tea farmers working with Buddha's Hand and Shuixian abandoned their trees in the mountains. The trees have since formed small groves, and have self-sustained, unattended in the wilderness, ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAside from its semi-wildness, the special thing about this Shuixian is the unusual way it has been processed. Most of the time Shuixian oolongs are roasted over charcoal for 4 rounds, however his Shuixian did not receive any charcoal roasting. Instead, it was baked at low heat very slowly, for over 30 hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis extended process has revealed qualities inherent to the Shuixian varietal we rarely experience. Without the charcoal notes colouring the tea, we see how sweet and woody this varietal is on its own. This more delicate process also emphasizes the unique terroir of White Crane Mountain, and the particular mineral quality it has imparted to the tea trees that grow there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe were very pleasantly surprised by this experimental tea, and appreciate the opportunity to encounter this varietal in a new way. We still find the grassy complexity distinct to shuixian in the glass, balanced by the warmth, texture and depth of Old Grove oolong.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":44133681332504,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":44133681365272,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/oldgroveshuixian.jpg?v=1774101449"},{"product_id":"old-grove-buddhas-hand-2022","title":"Old Grove Buddha's Hand 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the Southern Fujian Province there is a lesser known region, bordering Anxi in the South and Dehua in the North, called Yongchun. Yongchun has a surprising number of old grove tea trees that are now more than 60 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis oolong comes from the White Crane Mountain Nature Reserve, located in the middle of Yongchun County. The tea trees on this mountain were planted in the 1960's, and most of them are around 60 years old. The rise in agriculture throughout the area in the 1990's, coupled with the sudden success of the Tieguanyin tea market, meant that almost all the tea farmers working with Buddha's Hand and Shuixian abandoned their trees in the mountains. The trees have since formed small groves, and have self-sustained, unattended in the wilderness, ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Buddha's Hand has long, broad leaves and a formidable character. Its taste is immediately sweet and warm, like corn syrup, or even cotton candy. Notes of lemon and roasted nuts become gradually more distinct through infusions. Its strong, direct qualities reflect the balanced and generous ecosystem from which it comes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":44133714788632,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":44133714821400,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/oldgrovebuddhashand.jpg?v=1774101494"},{"product_id":"puerh-ripe-bulang-mountain-2021","title":"Bulang Mountain 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis pu'erh ripe is crafted with tea leaves from 2 villages: 100 year old trees from Bulang Mountain, and 200 year old trees from the ancient village of Nanben in Menghai. The cake is a custom pressing, crafted under the supervision of Taiwanese tea veteran, Zeng Zhixian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZhixian is a highly regarded tea scholar famous for his book, \u003cem\u003eThe Fate of Fangyuan: Deep exploration into Pressed Teas\u003c\/em\u003e, which has had a profound influence on today's pu'erh industry. He opened a small studio in Hangzhou with his sons in 2019 where they could put their deep knowledge and understanding of tea into practice, crafting small batches of custom pressings of pu'erh raw and pu'erh ripe. This one, Essence of Bulang, is from their limited release in 2021.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea cakes are made in small batches, with the entire fermentation process happening off the ground on wooden pallets. It was fermented for 6 months, which is on the lighter side for this style of tea, and then aged for 6 months before being pressed into cakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very satisfying pu'erh, especially considering how young it is. The liquor has a glutinous texture, coating the palate with a mellow sweetness, and its grounding notes of dates, wood, and dense earth are expressed in a refined measure. This tea offers gentle, sweet and fortifying company.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":44134804029720,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":44134804062488,"sku":null,"price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":44134804095256,"sku":null,"price":108.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g cake","offer_id":44134824935704,"sku":"","price":195.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/615A0709.jpg?v=1676418097"},{"product_id":"seeds-of-virtue-puerh-ripe","title":"Seeds of Virtue 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor Mr. Tang, crafting beautiful teas from a clean and balanced ecosystem is sacred. He is deeply dedicated to the craft of traditional tea making; this philosophy guides everything he does, and is embedded in every tea he makes. Alongside being an expression of their terroir, his teas are distinctly peaceful and feel extremely clear, just as he feels as a person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have been asking Mr. Tang for a pu'erh ripe for many years, but making this fermented tea requires a production facility where the humidity and temperature can be controlled. Mr. Tang did not have access to a facility like this until very recently. In 2017, his good friend Qing Shui invited him to bring some of his high quality pu'erh raw to ripen at the Jinggu Tea Factory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr. Tang selected the leaves of 100 year old tea trees from Jinggu and blended them with tea leaves from Bulang Mountain. His thought was to combine the roundness and sweetness of old tea trees from Jinggu with the depth and intensity of tea from Bulang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea leaves were harvested in the Spring of 2017 and fermentation started later that year, lasting for 6 months. The tea was then air-dried and aged until 2020, before being pressed into cakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr. Tang named his first pu'erh ripe \"Shu Zi,\" a phrase taken from the philosophical works of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Chuang Tzu (Zhuang Zi). Its name means, \u003cem\u003e\"with deep plowing and careful and repeated weeding of the seed, my harvests were rich and abundant.\"\u003c\/em\u003e In this way, Mr. Tang dedicated this tea to a meticulous, fastidious, and honest approach to farming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is one of our favourite pu'erh ripes. It has the rare quality of maintaining a light, almost refreshing mouthfeel, while still being earthy and soothing. It's a tea that we would drink everyday in the winter, when we want something grounding and close to the earth, but not too heavy in texture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":44540158902552,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":44540158935320,"sku":null,"price":54.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":44540158968088,"sku":null,"price":102.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/seeds_of_virtue_b79b0fa7-3ded-44b3-8daa-d422ce67bfc4.jpg?v=1782428381"},{"product_id":"ancient-tree-yellow-leaf","title":"Ancient Tree Yellow Leaf","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 2006 Tang Wang left his corporate job in the city, Kunming, and rented a small place in rural Yunnan where his only intentions were to read, reflect, and drink tea with friends. In one of these chats an old friend, Li, suggested that Tang grow tea in Li's hometown, Yangta Village. That July the two of them traveled to Jinggu in Yangta and leased 11 acres of forested area from Li's niece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe area they leased was wild growth, at about 6500 ft elevation. This is where they would eventually plant 70,000 Jinggu Big White tea trees. However, Tang found out, somewhat far into the process of planting, that one cannot harvest newly planted tea trees until they have stood in the ground for 3 years. Confronted with this long pause, Tang leased another tea garden in the mountain that locals had shown him; a highly regarded area that was home to ancient pu'erh trees. And so, while he waited for his Jinggu Big Whites, Tang began making pu'erh from these very old trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the teas Mr. Tang produces is a traditional kind of pu'erh called \"Yellow Leaf.\" \"Yellow Leaf\" does not refer to a varietal of pu'erh, but rather a grade of pu'erh raw made from any older leaves that turn slightly yellow during pan-frying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are big fans of Yellow Leaf pu'erhs for a few reasons. First, they offer great value: Yellow Leafs are an accessible way to experience pu'erh from coveted villages and ancient trees that would otherwise be inaccessible, in both availability and price. Second, Yellow Leafs are generally more gentle and sweeter on the palate, being made from leaves that were slightly older when they were harvested. They are high quality and uncomplicated pu'erhs that still offer the depth and energy that makes pu'erh so specifically enjoyable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr. Tang shared this Yellow Leaf with us last year. He crafted it from arbor trees between 200 and 300 years old. He told us that this pu'erh is what he drinks daily, and described it as very good tea, albeit slightly rustic: \"like teas that tea farmers like to drink.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe were unexpectedly charmed by this Yellow Leaf; at how much clarity and energy it had to offer, while still being very light-hearted. We would drink this tea on a bright morning, when we want something even and light hearted, while still being grounding. This tea has the gift of not being too directive or attention-occupying, making it an excellent companion tea to other tasks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":44540261400856,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":44540261433624,"sku":null,"price":32.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g brick","offer_id":44540263498008,"sku":"","price":100.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/615A1419.jpg?v=1676421235"},{"product_id":"white-shuixian","title":"White Shuixian","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe consider this an experimental tea, as it is highly unusual to see Shuixian leaves crafted into anything other than oolong. White tea processing is so minimal and gentle, with this tea it is as though we taste the Shuixian varietal undressed, without any of the characteristics imparted by roasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese semi-wild trees grow in a dense, protected forest, where they were discovered by Mei on a foraging trip. The grove was planted in the 1970's, and has been growing untended in the mountains for over 20 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first thing we notice when drinking this tea is its unique mouthfeel: it is oily and grassy from the oolong varietal, yet has the refreshing sweetness and evenness of a white tea. The weight of the liquor is persistent, carrying a heady floral quality with it. It has a vanilla flavour on the finish that, combined with its sundried sweetness, approaches tasting like birthday cake. This chance encounter with an undressed Shuixian is certainly some kind of celebration.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":44545105297688,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":44545105330456,"sku":null,"price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":44922354467096,"sku":"","price":108.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/615A0894.jpg?v=1676494438"},{"product_id":"mangfei-2018","title":"Mangfei 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eMangfei is the name of the village located in Yongde, Lincang Prefecture in Yunnan. The name of this village literally translates to \"busy lung,\" which does not seem to function descriptively, save for producing intrigue. In the language of the Dai, the ethnic minority native to Yunnan, Manfei means \"mountains between river valleys,\" drawing a far clearer picture of the region it refers to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this lesser-known and remote village, there are still large areas populated with ancient tea trees. This pu'erh cake is made from the leaves of trees that are between 200 and 300 years old, and grow at roughly 6000 ft above sea level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea it yields is spacious, in that there seems to be a negative space in what it carries across the palate. It moves this space through us, opening the chest and expanding through the body horizontally. The funk and ferment of fallen leaves intensifies progressively, as does an underlayer of confection, but this body is not imposing -- it does not lose its spaciousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a broadening tea, which stabilizes and opens us in equal measure. We would want to drink it on an overcast morning, when seeking room for contemplation. We could turn to it in order to be transported to remote places, or to the edges of our regions of understanding. Towards these journeys, it offers the support of the enlivening, whole-body sensation that comes from ancient trees.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":44559425896728,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":44559425929496,"sku":null,"price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/615A1179.jpg?v=1676650169"},{"product_id":"washan-2022","title":"Washan 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Washan\" is made up of 2 characters. \"Wa\" is the name of the minority people that are native to this part of Yunnan and \"Shan\" means \"Mountain\". The locals sometimes call it \"A Washan\". It does not refer to a specific mountain, but rather, an area that is inhabited by the Wa people. This ethnic minority have traditionally been centered around Cangyuan in Yunnan, a remote area that, as recently as the 50's and 60's, the Wa people still inhabited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBordering Myanmar, Washan is the source of the mighty Lancang River. The ancient forests here are lush and abundant with wild fruits and vegetables. The area also has many caves that serve as dwellings for wild animals, including Bengal tigers, leopards, gibbons and pythons, many of which still roam the Washan area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pu'erh is from 100 to 150 year old tea trees that grow in an abandoned tea garden deep in the jungle. The garden is home to a wide diversity of thriving plants, where even the weeds grow up to 5 feet tall. Thus, the tea trees, in order to compete for sunlight, must grow tall -- some of them reaching up to 16 feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing a young and fresh pu'erh, we appreciate this tea for being simpler and uncomplicated. It is sweet on the palette, with a bright and crisp mouthfeel, and a lingering fragrance of mountain flowers. It is well suited for mornings, as it brings simplicity and a grounding energy. It cleanses the palate and the mind, leaving us feeling refreshed and lighter in spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":44559468134680,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":44559468167448,"sku":null,"price":56.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/615A1941_7e06dc49-9ce3-4c18-ad0b-087a1f2065fc.jpg?v=1676650833"},{"product_id":"sun-dried-dragon-pearl","title":"Sun-Dried Dragon Pearl","description":"\u003cp\u003eShuangjang Mengku, in the Lincang Prefecture of Yunnan, is home to some of the oldest tea trees in the world. People have been making ancient-style black tea here for centuries. Sun dried black teas represent the oldest style of craftsmanship native to this region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSun dried black teas of Lincang are made with a very unique craftsmanship. Their method of preparation involves steps that we recognize from both the crafting of raw pu'erh and of traditional white tea. The leaves for Sun-Dried Dragon Pearls come from 200 year old trees, and their preparation includes withering, kneading, oxidation, and natural sun-drying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result of this ancient, hybrid method is a tea that may not be immediately recognizable as a black tea. The energetics of it are more akin to a pu'erh, offering a very generative and grounding feeling in the body. The liquor is malty and glutinous, with subtle notes of ferment and hay, and a mineral density which signals the age and vitality of the trees these tea leaves have come from. The slow oxidation and sun drying has preserved the active compounds in these leaves, and along with them, the delicate flower-petal notes we would associate with a naturally dried white tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSun-dried Red Dragon Pearls conjures a time when tea was less settled in its categories, and represents the shared origins of many traditional teas we love for discrete reasons today. For this, and for the nourishing effect it has on drinkers, it is a very deep tea.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"25g","offer_id":44631439671576,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":44631439704344,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":44631439737112,"sku":null,"price":116.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/files\/sundrieddragonpearl.jpg?v=1774102296"},{"product_id":"yakushima-earl-grey","title":"Yakushima \"Earl Grey\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Earl Grey,\" perhaps the most widely recognized tea in the Western world, has come to refer to any black tea scented or combined with citrus oil -- most often, that of bergamot. This tea, that the cultivars named Earl Grey, is a special and highly localized take on this popular combination of tea and citrus, and the only Earl Grey that Cultivate carries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYakushima Island is famous for the range of fascinating varieties of oranges and pomelos that grow there. When we visited in January, it was the peak season of ponkan and taikan. Completely enchanted by the qualities of these fruits, we were excited to find an Earl Grey made entirely from plants that grow on Yakushima.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea used to make it is Benifuuki black tea, and it is scented with essential oil naturally extracted from the citrus fruit, bergamot. Bergamot is originally from the Mediterranean, but grows very well in the subtropical climate of Yakushima.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result of this combination is a delicious and refreshing Earl Grey: refreshing in that it is uplifting, and also that it renews our idea of what an Earl Grey tea can be like! It brews a dark amber colour liquor with a well-balanced, full-bodied, and smooth mouthfeel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bergamot oil blends so well with the tannins of the Benifuuki tea, neither overpowers the other, and after a few sips we let go of trying to taste them apart. Together, their complementary qualities emulsify to yield a sweet, bright, and naturally creamy tea.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cultivate Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44655847080216,"sku":"","price":45.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/5737\/8153\/products\/615A4169.jpg?v=1678471033"}],"url":"https:\/\/cultivatetea.com\/collections\/everyday\/herbal.oembed","provider":"Cultivate Tea","version":"1.0","type":"link"}