Yunnan Province in China has become a popular origin for white tea in recent years. Its most distinct feature is the local wild ancient tea trees. The resulting Yunnan ancient tree white tea boasts prominent pekoe and sweet aromas with robust tea buds in appearance, leading many to believe it holds greater collection value than Fuding white tea.
Advantages of Yunnan Ancient Tree White Tea
The raw material for Yunnan ancient tree white tea comes from large-leaf ancient tea trees. These ancient trees feature deep root systems and do not require artificial watering, fertilization, or weeding, relying entirely on their roots to absorb all necessary moisture and nutrients. As a result, the tea leaves contain relatively high minerals and offer a natural, pollution-free quality. It is generally believed that ancient tree white tea has a more mellow taste and can withstand more infusions compared to conventionally farmed tea.
Flavor Profile of Ancient Tree White Tea
In terms of flavor, Yunnan large-leaf ancient tree white tea features a charming floral and fruity aroma with a unique hint of mint. Its rich aroma is something ordinary white teas simply don’t have. The aroma of ancient tree tea is deep, heavy, long-lasting, and offers layered complexity.
On the palate, ancient tree white tea is rich and characterized by “strong bitterness and mild astringency.” The astringency quickly dissipates, followed by a lingering, sweet aftertaste that occasionally carries floral notes. While its bitterness is heavier than that of Fuding white tea, the sweet aftertaste is also more pronounced. Furthermore, with aging, this bitterness transforms into a mellow, sweet flavor—qualities that have made Yunnan ancient tree white tea increasingly popular among collectors in recent years.
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