Snow Mountain Buds

This distinctive white tea is known as Yabao, a rare style made not from the typical tea leaves but from the tender buds that emerge as offshoots on wild and semi-wild tea trees. These buds appear in early spring and are carefully harvested by hand while still tightly closed, preserving their delicate structure and natural sweetness. Our Yabao comes from the renowned Daxueshan (“Big Snow Mountain”) region in Mengku County, Yunnan, China, an area known for its ancient tea forests and high-elevation terroir. The cool mountain climate and biodiversity of the region allow these buds to develop slowly, contributing to their nuanced aroma and gentle flavor. The processing of Yabao is intentionally minimal. After hand-plucking, the buds are simply withered and dried, allowing the character of the plant and environment to remain intact. This restrained approach results in a tea that is pure, elegant, and reflective of its origin. In the cup, Yabao produces a light golden infusion with a soft, refreshing sweetness. Notes of honey, wildflowers, and fresh herbs often emerge, accompanied by a clean, smooth finish.  Altitude 2500m Mengku County Lincang City Yunnan China