Nan Nuo Shan Ban Po Lao Zhai 南糯山半坡老寨

Ban Po is the most sought-after village for Pu Er on Nan Nuo Shan. Our teas from this village come from the old village (Lao Zhai) where the trees are 200-600 years old. We love the bold tannins and weighty mouthfeel we get from this Pu Er.

Ban Po village is located halfway up Nan Nuo Shan, hence its translation halfway to the top of the mountain. It is the most sought-after village for Sheng Pu on Nan Nuo Shan. Our Ban Po is harvested from ancient tea trees 200-600 years old. Ancient tea trees are called Gu Shu / Lao Shu in Chinese.

Teas from the west of Lan Cang river are typically known for their more forward, robust, and substantial profile. Nan Nuo Shan is mainly known for its weighty mouthfeel and subdued aroma.

Ban Po is made of Qun Ti Da Ye Zhong (Heirloom Large Leaf) material. Pu Er making follows a typical green tea process; that's why it is academically classified as a sun-dry green tea. Pu Er picking is usually one bud with two or three leaves. The teas are generally shade wilted to lose some moisture before being wok-fried in a large batch. The large batch of Pu Er being processed each time is the "mistake" that causes the tea's enzyme not to be damaged thoroughly, providing the basis for aging Pu Er later on. The hot and moist tea leaves are then rolled and shaped quickly before being evenly spread out under the sun to dry. Aggressively intense sun is the most preferred in Pu Er making.