In southwest China, in the Xishuangbanna prefecture, there are six mountains — famous mountains, in fact. For a variety of reasons, tea cultivation has decreased dramatically or even ceased completely in some parts of these mountains. The tea trees here are old and wild. Camphor trees have grown among them, affecting their flavor. Like many nations, the natural forests of China are diminishing, and the trees that make up these old forests are a treasured gem — a gem that is perhaps most highly treasured by tea connoisseurs of a certain ilk: those that drink pu-erh tea.

Pu-erh tea is a unique, rare tea that grows from old, wild trees of a certain large-leaf variety. When bought, date and region of cultivation are noted, much like wine, because pu-erh, unlike other teas, can be aged. While many will sell pu-erh that has grown on a plantation, the authentic variety comes from the old, wizened trees of the forest. Due to economies, nature, and culture, the major tea growing plantations have changed numerous times throughout the history of China, and what were once known as the six famous mountains have since lost that honorary title; however, for the pu-erh connoisseur, these mountains are still of high esteem. Their names are:

• Gedeng — “leather stirrup”
• Mansa — “seed sowing bag”
• Mangzhi — “copper cauldron”
• Manzhuan — “iron brick”
• Yibang — “wooden clapper”
• Youle — “copper gong”

Image via tellytom

Situated on the southeast coast of China, the Fujian province is an ancient land with a rich history. Fujian is a mountainous country, but due to it’s coastal proximity it’s also a country overflowing with lush vegetation (i.e. tea). In fact, the English word for tea is borrowed from the Min Nang language, a Chinese dialect spoken in Fujian.

The mountains in the northwest have historically served to isolate Fujian — lowering the population density and slowing the economic growth of the province. However, it would appear that the slow growth gave Fujians the opportunity to do more thinking and tea-growing than most. In the Chinese Academy of Science and the Chinese Academy of Engineering there are more students from Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian, than from any other city, and a number of noteworthy Chinese scholars and philosophers called Fujian home including: Zhen Qiao, Lin Zexu, Yan Fu, Lin Yutang, Zheng Zhendou, and Go Seigen — reputed to be the best Go player of all time.

In addition to birthing these legends, Fujian is also the origin of Oolong tea and was a leading pioneer in all other varities, except green. Notable Fujian specialties include Lapsang Souchong and white tea.

Where does your tea come from? There are many things that go into a good cup of tea, but being grown and harvested in Fujian is a good start. When you buy Fujian tea from Teaflection you can enjoy your cup knowing that it’s been steeped in the rich history of this amazing province.

image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/fonzhou/3852618428/