{"product_id":"2026-yunnan-sourcing-he-kai-village-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake","title":"2026 Yunnan Sourcing \"He Kai Village\" Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003ch1 data-end=\"205\" data-start=\"145\" data-section-id=\"1oj4l4d\"\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"427\" data-start=\"207\"\u003eA single-estate ripe pu-erh made entirely from He Kai village tea leaves harvested in 2025 and wet-piled in late 2025, then pressed in 2026 into 357 gram cakes. Each cake comes in a matching gift box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"938\" data-start=\"429\"\u003eHe Kai is one of the great tea-growing areas of Menghai County, located not far from Bulang Mountain but possessing a character all its own. The area is known for its high elevation, healthy old tea gardens, and a balanced profile that often bridges strength and elegance. In raw form, He Kai teas are prized for their lively energy, sweetness, and structure; in ripe form, that same material transforms into something thick, grounding, and deeply satisfying while still retaining a clear sense of origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"959\" data-start=\"940\" data-section-id=\"10oopf9\"\u003eWhy it’s special\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1369\" data-start=\"960\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1079\" data-start=\"960\" data-section-id=\"1weezoo\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"995\" data-start=\"962\"\u003eSingle-estate He Kai material\u003c\/strong\u003e, something much less common in ripe pu-erh than blended factory-style productions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1187\" data-start=\"1080\" data-section-id=\"68jih6\"\u003eHarvested from one of Menghai’s most respected tea regions, giving the tea a distinct regional identity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1295\" data-start=\"1188\" data-section-id=\"3lc88q\"\u003eThick, rich, and substantial, but with a sweetness and clarity that keep it from feeling heavy or muddy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1369\" data-start=\"1296\" data-section-id=\"f7ol68\"\u003ePressed young, with excellent potential to settle and improve over time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1394\" data-start=\"1371\" data-section-id=\"1oqecgq\"\u003eAbout He Kai Village\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1752\" data-start=\"1395\"\u003eHe Kai sits in the greater Menghai tea-growing zone and has earned a reputation for producing teas with strong body, good cha qi, and a sweet, lingering finish. Compared with some neighboring areas, He Kai often shows a little more refinement and openness in the cup, with bitterness and strength balanced by returning sweetness and a more graceful texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2115\" data-start=\"1754\"\u003eThat is what makes a single-estate ripe from He Kai so interesting. Rather than blending away the character of the leaf, this tea allows the He Kai material to speak clearly even after fermentation. You get the dark, comforting richness of shou pu-erh, but with more personality, more structure, and a more specific sense of place than a generic ripe blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2133\" data-start=\"2117\" data-section-id=\"1yuwa5w\"\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2557\" data-start=\"2134\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2199\" data-start=\"2134\" data-section-id=\"2zfchk\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2146\" data-start=\"2136\"\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e cocoa, warm wood, dark sugar, hints of dried fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2253\" data-start=\"2200\" data-section-id=\"1kbvrcv\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2213\" data-start=\"2202\"\u003eLiquor:\u003c\/strong\u003e deep reddish-brown, glossy, and thick\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2377\" data-start=\"2254\" data-section-id=\"mg0fwl\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2267\" data-start=\"2256\"\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e rich and smooth with dark chocolate bitterness, date-like sweetness, earthy depth, and a gentle herbal edge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2460\" data-start=\"2378\" data-section-id=\"z8pxos\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2394\" data-start=\"2380\"\u003eMouthfeel:\u003c\/strong\u003e dense, coating, and substantial without becoming murky or rough\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2557\" data-start=\"2461\" data-section-id=\"1o4m6i4\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2481\" data-start=\"2463\"\u003eFinish \u0026amp; feel:\u003c\/strong\u003e quick returning sweetness, lingering mouthfeel, and a steady warming cha qi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2581\" data-start=\"2559\" data-section-id=\"uehxuk\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; processing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2828\" data-start=\"2582\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2641\" data-start=\"2582\" data-section-id=\"ap4kft\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2593\" data-start=\"2584\"\u003eArea:\u003c\/strong\u003e He Kai village, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2663\" data-start=\"2642\" data-section-id=\"49xb08\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2656\" data-start=\"2644\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2691\" data-start=\"2664\" data-section-id=\"f8bvkt\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2679\" data-start=\"2666\"\u003eWet pile:\u003c\/strong\u003e late 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2714\" data-start=\"2692\" data-section-id=\"wbbmz7\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2707\" data-start=\"2694\"\u003ePressing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2749\" data-start=\"2715\" data-section-id=\"1yggjn3\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2726\" data-start=\"2717\"\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe Pu-erh tea cake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2784\" data-start=\"2750\" data-section-id=\"cvesbm\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2763\" data-start=\"2752\"\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 357 grams per cake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2828\" data-start=\"2785\" data-section-id=\"53qkv\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2801\" data-start=\"2787\"\u003ePackaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e matching gift box included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2846\" data-start=\"2830\" data-section-id=\"gp7zz1\"\u003eBrewing guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2873\" data-start=\"2847\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2871\" data-start=\"2847\"\u003eGongfu (recommended)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3074\" data-start=\"2874\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2898\" data-start=\"2874\" data-section-id=\"114s6mf\"\u003e6–7 grams per 100 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2909\" data-start=\"2899\" data-section-id=\"1qihpey\"\u003e100 °C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2962\" data-start=\"2910\" data-section-id=\"1ob7o7s\"\u003eTwo quick rinses recommended, especially in 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3022\" data-start=\"2963\" data-section-id=\"vyxyct\"\u003eStart with 8–10 second infusions and lengthen gradually\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3074\" data-start=\"3023\" data-section-id=\"2s9uxr\"\u003eExpect 8–10 infusions with strong, even character\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3089\" data-start=\"3076\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3087\" data-start=\"3076\"\u003eWestern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3162\" data-start=\"3090\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3114\" data-start=\"3090\" data-section-id=\"w5fjut\"\u003e4–5 grams per 300 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3141\" data-start=\"3115\" data-section-id=\"1tq4lyw\"\u003e100 °C for 3–4 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3162\" data-start=\"3142\" data-section-id=\"mydnwx\"\u003eRe-steep 2–3 times\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2260\" data-start=\"2241\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2258\" data-start=\"2241\"\u003eThermos style\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2357\" data-start=\"2261\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2287\" data-start=\"2261\" data-section-id=\"wdssgt\"\u003e1–1.5 grams per 100 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2357\" data-start=\"2288\" data-section-id=\"eqqoh7\"\u003eUse boiling water and steep for 30-60 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3283\" data-start=\"3269\" data-section-id=\"15gctsw\"\u003eAging notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3609\" data-start=\"3284\"\u003eAs a very young ripe, this tea may show some fresh fermentation character during 2026, especially in the earlier part of the year. That will gradually fade, allowing the deeper sweetness, texture, and He Kai character to come more clearly into focus. Store in 50-65% RH and 70-90F, in an odor-free area, with minimal airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3625\" data-start=\"3611\" data-section-id=\"wyz46u\"\u003eIn Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3911\" data-start=\"3626\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3698\" data-start=\"3626\" data-section-id=\"7tj56m\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3637\" data-start=\"3628\"\u003eName:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2026 Yunnan Sourcing “He Kai Village” Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3745\" data-start=\"3699\" data-section-id=\"ix4o1b\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3712\" data-start=\"3701\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e He Kai village, Menghai County\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3772\" data-start=\"3746\" data-section-id=\"h8yfqv\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3765\" data-start=\"3748\"\u003eHarvest year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3800\" data-start=\"3773\" data-section-id=\"f8bvkt\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3788\" data-start=\"3775\"\u003eWet pile:\u003c\/strong\u003e late 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3828\" data-start=\"3801\" data-section-id=\"1p00ucc\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3821\" data-start=\"3803\"\u003ePressing year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3867\" data-start=\"3829\" data-section-id=\"1m44ym5\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3846\" data-start=\"3831\"\u003eNet weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 357 grams per cake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3911\" data-start=\"3868\" data-section-id=\"53qkv\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3884\" data-start=\"3870\"\u003ePackaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e matching gift box included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"4141\" data-start=\"3913\"\u003eIn short: this is a rare chance to experience a \u003cstrong data-end=\"3990\" data-start=\"3961\"\u003esingle-estate He Kai ripe,\u003c\/strong\u003e thick, chocolatey, warming, and full of regional character, with the depth to drink now and the structure to become even more compelling as it ages. Our only other He Kai ripe was pressed in 2019, so it's not often that we are able to press He Kai ripe Pu-erh!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"4141\" data-start=\"3913\"\u003eEach cake comes in a free matching gift box that features the full uncropped illustration by the artist. The matching gift box is not available for purchase separately. NOTE: If the gift box arrives with creases or cosmetic blemishes we cannot provide a free replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea has been tested in a certified laboratory for 404 pesticides, and is within the EU MRL limits set for those 404 pesticide residues. For a full list of the 404 pesticides we tested for and more information about MRL testing and the EU Food and Safety commission \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/yunnansourcing.com\/pages\/eu-mrl-compliance-and-yunnan-sourcing-brand-pu-erh-teas\"\u003eclick on this link\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yunnan Sourcing Brand Pu-erh","offers":[{"title":"1 Cake in Matching Gift Box (357 Grams)","offer_id":46376823259335,"sku":null,"price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 Grams Sample","offer_id":46376823292103,"sku":null,"price":7.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/9817\/files\/DSC_4457_ca17fbed-49c9-40b9-bcde-1b39a3eeb763.jpg?v=1775452010","url":"https:\/\/yunnansourcing.com\/en-je\/products\/2026-yunnan-sourcing-he-kai-village-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake","provider":"Yunnan Sourcing Tea Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}