{"product_id":"2025-yunnan-sourcing-autumn-suan-zao-shu-old-arbor-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","title":"2025 Yunnan Sourcing \"Autumn Suan Zao Shu\" Old Arbor Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"550\"\u003eSuan Zao Shu is one of the most remote villages in the Jinggu area. Reaching it takes nearly two hours from Jinggu town, and even then the road ends about five kilometers short of the village, with the remaining distance traveled on foot. At around 1,800 meters elevation, this rugged area is home to tea trees ranging from 50 to 400 years old. This autumn cake is made from leaves harvested from 200–300 year old trees in the Li family tea garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"552\" data-end=\"1075\"\u003eThis is a powerful and highly distinctive tea. Suan Zao Shu is known for strength in every dimension: flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, and cha qi. The cup carries fruit and honey sweetness, a touch of tartness, and a bitter-savory edge that adds real depth. The aroma is unusual and memorable, leaning brothy and mushroom-like rather than purely floral. The tea leaves a strong impression in the mouth and throat, with long-lasting hui gan and a cha qi that is intense, immersive, and a little stupefying in the best possible way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"10oopf9\" data-start=\"1077\" data-end=\"1096\"\u003eWhy it’s special\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1725\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xpwfan\" data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1244\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1099\" data-end=\"1136\"\u003eExtremely remote mountain origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e one of the harder-to-reach tea villages in Jinggu, helping preserve a clean and healthy growing environment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17t6ct2\" data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1377\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1247\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003eOld-arbor material (200–300 yrs):\u003c\/strong\u003e thick, sturdy leaves from mature trees give the tea exceptional depth, structure, and energy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1cmg9z1\" data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1517\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1380\" data-end=\"1417\"\u003eDistinctive Suan Zao Shu profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e fruit, honey, tartness, savory depth, and brothy aromatics combine into something highly individual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10kibdf\" data-start=\"1518\" data-end=\"1646\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1520\" data-end=\"1549\"\u003eAutumn harvest character:\u003c\/strong\u003e broader, rounder, and more settled than spring, while still carrying serious strength and cha qi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"182au44\" data-start=\"1647\" data-end=\"1725\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1674\"\u003eTraditional pressing:\u003c\/strong\u003e stone-pressed in the old manner for graceful aging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1yuwa5w\" data-start=\"1727\" data-end=\"1743\"\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1744\" data-end=\"2197\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"l5wv6b\" data-start=\"1744\" data-end=\"1822\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1746\" data-end=\"1756\"\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e brothy, mushroom-like, savory, with hints of honey and dark fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bxyeer\" data-start=\"1823\" data-end=\"1880\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1836\"\u003eLiquor:\u003c\/strong\u003e clear golden-amber with a thick, dense body\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"7qfl7q\" data-start=\"1881\" data-end=\"2015\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1883\" data-end=\"1894\"\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e fruit and honey sweetness up front, followed by a touch of sourness, layered bitterness, and a savory depth that lingers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wuw73i\" data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2097\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2018\" data-end=\"2032\"\u003eMouthfeel:\u003c\/strong\u003e strong, coating, and substantial with a deeply textured presence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"79yrse\" data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2197\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2100\" data-end=\"2118\"\u003eFinish \u0026amp; feel:\u003c\/strong\u003e persistent \u003cstrong data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2141\"\u003ehui-gan\u003c\/strong\u003e, mouthwatering return, and a powerful, immersive cha qi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"uehxuk\" data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2221\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; processing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2222\" data-end=\"2568\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1538ut4\" data-start=\"2222\" data-end=\"2280\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2224\" data-end=\"2233\"\u003eArea:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suan Zao Shu village, Jinggu area, Simao\/Pu’er\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ql7y52\" data-start=\"2281\" data-end=\"2315\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2283\" data-end=\"2297\"\u003eElevation:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~1,800 meters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1lr38dx\" data-start=\"2316\" data-end=\"2388\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2318\" data-end=\"2328\"\u003eTrees:\u003c\/strong\u003e old arbor,\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e200–300 years, from the Li family tea garden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"j8gm11\" data-start=\"2389\" data-end=\"2418\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2391\" data-end=\"2402\"\u003eSeason:\u003c\/strong\u003e Autumn 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"h5nvbk\" data-start=\"2419\" data-end=\"2514\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"2431\"\u003eCraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e hand-picked • sun-withered • hand-rolled • sun-dried • traditionally stone-pressed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1nh23gg\" data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2568\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2517\" data-end=\"2542\"\u003eWrapper illustration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cath Van\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gp7zz1\" data-start=\"2570\" data-end=\"2586\"\u003eBrewing guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2587\" data-end=\"2666\"\u003e(Great water helps. This tea rewards short early steeps and careful attention.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2694\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2692\"\u003eGongfu (recommended)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2695\" data-end=\"2963\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6go006\" data-start=\"2695\" data-end=\"2715\"\u003e6 g \/ 100 mL\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1o4dcif\" data-start=\"2716\" data-end=\"2746\"\u003e98–100 °C (208–212 °F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1haw7sg\" data-start=\"2747\" data-end=\"2838\"\u003eQuick rinse, then 5s • 8s • 10s • 12s • 15s, adding gradually for 10+ infusions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1s85q8j\" data-start=\"2839\" data-end=\"2963\"\u003eTip: If the bitter-savory edge feels too strong, shorten the first pours slightly or lower the temperature to 95–96 °C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"2978\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"2976\"\u003eWestern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2979\" data-end=\"3088\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"h6qhv7\" data-start=\"2979\" data-end=\"3009\"\u003e3–4 g \/ 300 mL (10 oz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"cjugmv\" data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3038\"\u003e95–98 °C • 2:00–2:30\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"110ipgn\" data-start=\"3039\" data-end=\"3088\"\u003e2–3 infusions, adding 20–30s each round\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3090\" data-end=\"3109\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3090\" data-end=\"3107\"\u003eGrandpa style\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3110\" data-end=\"3216\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1m3ni2n\" data-start=\"3110\" data-end=\"3134\"\u003e1–1.2 g \/ 100 mL\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gk2f0t\" data-start=\"3135\" data-end=\"3151\"\u003e90–95 °C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rbz08b\" data-start=\"3152\" data-end=\"3216\"\u003eTop up as you sip. Thick, sweet-savory, and steadily evolving.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\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 gram per 100 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2357\" data-start=\"2288\" data-section-id=\"eqqoh7\"\u003eUse 95C water and steep for 10-15 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1tm77v3\" data-start=\"3368\" data-end=\"3390\"\u003ePairing \u0026amp; occasions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3391\" data-end=\"3595\"\u003eBest enjoyed on its own or with very simple snacks like plain nuts or mild crackers. This is a tea for focused sessions where its unusual aroma, deep mouthfeel, and strong energy can be fully appreciated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"15gctsw\" data-start=\"3597\" data-end=\"3611\"\u003eAging notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3612\" data-end=\"3870\"\u003eBuilt to integrate and round out with age. Store in 50-65% RH and 70-90F, in an odor-free area, with minimal airflow. Over time, expect the tartness and bitterness to soften, while the honeyed sweetness, savory depth, and texture become even more compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"wyz46u\" data-start=\"3872\" data-end=\"3886\"\u003eIn Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3887\" data-end=\"4223\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1blsgui\" data-start=\"3887\" data-end=\"3965\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3889\" data-end=\"3898\"\u003eName:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2025 Yunnan Sourcing \"Autumn Suan Zao Shu\" Old Arbor Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xhxmyf\" data-start=\"3966\" data-end=\"4026\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3968\" data-end=\"3979\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suan Zao Shu village, Jinggu area, Simao\/Pu’er\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1df1bcz\" data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4056\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4029\" data-end=\"4043\"\u003eElevation:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~1,800 m\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"w0bh2m\" data-start=\"4057\" data-end=\"4098\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4059\" data-end=\"4069\"\u003eTrees:\u003c\/strong\u003e old arbor, 200–300 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"uevl1r\" data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4129\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4101\" data-end=\"4113\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Autumn 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1y7sn1x\" data-start=\"4130\" data-end=\"4182\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4132\" data-end=\"4144\"\u003eProcess:\u003c\/strong\u003e traditional raw pu-erh, stone-pressed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17pa41g\" data-start=\"4183\" data-end=\"4223\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4185\" data-end=\"4197\"\u003eWrapper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cath Van\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4225\" data-end=\"4458\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4225\" data-end=\"4238\"\u003eIn short:\u003c\/strong\u003e A remote-mountain autumn sheng from Suan Zao Shu with fruit, honey, tartness, savory depth, and a powerful, unforgettable mouthfeel—one of those teas that feels almost overwhelming at first, then keeps drawing you back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/yunnansourcing.com\/pages\/eu-mrl-compliance-and-yunnan-sourcing-brand-pu-erh-teas\"\u003eclick on this link\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yunnan Sourcing Brand Pu-erh","offers":[{"title":"1 Cake (357 Grams)","offer_id":46389803319495,"sku":null,"price":54.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 Grams Sample","offer_id":46389803352263,"sku":null,"price":6.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/9817\/files\/DSC_4215.jpg?v=1775706814","url":"https:\/\/yunnansourcing.com\/en-sg\/products\/2025-yunnan-sourcing-autumn-suan-zao-shu-old-arbor-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","provider":"Yunnan Sourcing Tea Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}