On the southern border of Yunnan, China, is the northernmost province of Laos: Phongsaly. The ancient forests that cross these human boundaries are considered to be the origin of camellia sinensis, the tea plant. Phongsaly is a mountainous region known for its indigenous tea trees. These White Pearls are made from leaves carefully harvested from such wild-grown ancient trees. Due to the unique nature of the raw materials, this tea is bright, smooth, and very soothing.

The leaves from Laos were processed across the border in Yunnan, where they were rolled and wrapped into 7 gram pearls. No measuring of tea leaves is required, simply unwrap one pearl into your teapot or teacup and add hot water. A delicious cup of tea is ready to drink in a few minutes! This easy-brewing tea is neither bitter nor astringent, and it can be re-steeped many times.

For gong fu brewing, “wake up” the tea by pouring out the first brew, allowing the pearl to start opening. Then brew 30-40 seconds each brew, using water at 90c / 195f.