Yunnan, a region of China known for its organic tea gardens

As the only tropical region in China, Yunnan enjoys a year-round spring climate and an altitude conducive to the production of organic teas. Wild tea trees, puerh and other black teas have made this region famous.

The origin of black tea production in Yunnan

More than 2,000 years ago, the historic city of puerh, located on the tea and horse route between China and Tibet, was a trading place. Puerh, a red/black tea, became the drink of nomads who exchanged it for other products. For easier storage and transportation, the tea leaves were compressed into patties.
The reputation of puerh tea reached its peak during the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). The years 1926-1936 marked a period of great prosperity for tea production and sales.

Biodiversity in the tea plantations

The ethnic groups of the region pay particular attention to the rhythm of nature. Their practice of organic farming has an influence on the quality of their products.
Like wild tea gardens, large trees of various species offer a natural protective shade. They are a refuge for birds, bees or spiders that control the invasion of harmful insects. They eliminate weeds and their dead leaves produce fertilizer. They also prevent erosion on sloping land.

Drinks and other products of Yunnan tea tree

The application of traditional methods of cultivation, harvesting and processing produces organic tea with a unique taste. Picking is done directly on the trees which are not cut into bushes. Thanks to the ideal conditions, the picking is done all year round.

The quality of organic black teas produced in Yunnan

The large leaves of the Camellia Sinensis variety assamica from Yunnan are used to make a variety of organic black tea that is particularly antioxidant. Their buds are rich in essential oils and give a coppery color. They are used to prepare a deep and subtle black tea, sometimes with a hint of dried fruit.
The quality of the plucking and the size of the leaves of the tea plant determine the grades of the tea (for example, TGFOP for Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe). Appended to the names "imperial garden" or "grand garden", they are often used in the names created by each tea house in France.

Black erh or Yunnan puerh tea

Puerh is the best known of the dark teas (red in Asia, black in the West). It is made from large dried leaves compressed in the form of a wafer (Tuo Cha) or bird's nest. puerh is a green tea when it is raw, i.e. without fermentation. Like green and plain teas, it is rather bitter. The black or cooked puerh is a more modern production. It is fermented in a factory and is intended for export.

Vegetable oil: a skin care product from the tea tree

The list of virtues of the tea tree extends to the vegetable oil of camellia sinensis, or green tea oil, obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the tea tree flowers. Its nourishing and softening qualities are ideal in anti-aging creams and to protect dry skin from external aggressions. It can be used pure or mixed with essential oils.

In France, the figures for organic tea show a growing market that represents nearly 500 million euros. Two out of three French people drink tea (250 g per year) and one out of two drinks infusions. The French business is adapting and the turnover of the tea trade shows a full growth of sales and distribution methods. Tea room and store franchises are increasing rapidly. The French consumer does not hesitate to pay a higher price for organic teas or infusions. The cup of tea still has a future.