When it comes to tea drinking, some people seek the most natural, ecological, and robust mountainous flavor from large tree tea. Others pursue the assertive aroma and strong mountainous character of ancient tree tea, while some are drawn to the unique tea characteristics and refreshing aroma of "Single Tree Ancient Tree Tea".
Clearly, pure ancient tree tea has found its way into people's hearts. While appreciating the natural health benefits and wild fragrance of ancient tree tea, what defines the best pure ancient tree tea?
Undoubtedly, it often points to "Single Tree."
Strictly speaking, a "Single Tree" refers to tea leaves harvested from the oldest tree or several trees within a tea plantation, processed separately to create tea leaves known as "Single Tree." However, due to the limited quantity of leaves from a single tree, the term also broadly refers to tea made from trees of the same higher age within the same area.
"Single Tree" can be considered an independent "one tree, one finished product," known in the industry as the "pinnacle of pure material" for ancient tree tea.
Not every tea tree is suitable for making Single Tree Tea. Trees eligible for Single Tree Tea must be old and large, generally over a hundred years old. In ancient tea gardens resembling primordial forests, only a few trees within such gardens are suitable for Single Tree Tea. Conversely, younger tea trees not only lack in flavor but also in leaf quantity.
Typically, only the first spring tea is harvested for Single Tree Tea. The processing requirements for plucking, sun-drying, and pressing are all quite demanding. In essence, Single Tree Tea represents the essence of ancient tea gardens; their leaves naturally absorb the essence of the sun and moon, imbued with vitality.
Though the quantity is small, quality is assured, and prices relatively high. Scarcity often enhances value, and due to its rarity, Single Tree Tea is highly sought after by some tea enthusiasts and those seeking high-quality products. Consequently, prices for Single Tree Tea can range from several thousand to even tens of thousands of yuan per kilogram.
At the same time, because Single Tree Tea commands high prices, some Single Tree Teas on the market, although derived from the oldest trees, might increase production by relaxing plucking standards. In other words, such teas might comprise different batches of plucked leaves. Hence, when making a purchase, it's essential to discern this distinction.
Of course, encountering true Single Tree Tea is rare, but it's not merely about how high the price is or how hard it is to find. It's about whether you truly "understand" it. This is the allure of "Single Tree Ancient Tea" in the world of tea!
