HUNAN ZAO CHUN YUN WU
EARLY SPRING CLOUD AND MIST
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Jiu Yi Shan, Hunan, China
Zao Chun Yun Wu is an early spring green tea from the mist-covered mountains of Hunan Province, where humid conditions and high elevation shape its character. The name “Early Spring Cloud and Mist” reflects both the timing of the harvest and the environment in which the tea grows. The infusion is clean and vibrant, offering fresh vegetal notes, gentle sweetness, and a soft, refreshing finish. MORE
AROMA
Herbal, floral
TASTE
Vegetal, seaweed
ALTITUDE: 850 m
CULTIVAR: Hunan Xiao Ye Qun Ti Zhong
HARVEST: Spring (Pre-Qingming), 2025
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Jiu Yi Shan, Hunan, China
Zao Chun Yun Wu is an early spring green tea from the mist-covered mountains of Hunan Province, where humid conditions and high elevation shape its character. The name “Early Spring Cloud and Mist” reflects both the timing of the harvest and the environment in which the tea grows. The infusion is clean and vibrant, offering fresh vegetal notes, gentle sweetness, and a soft, refreshing finish. MORE
AROMA
Herbal, floral
TASTE
Vegetal, seaweed
ALTITUDE: 850 m
CULTIVAR: Hunan Xiao Ye Qun Ti Zhong
HARVEST: Spring (Pre-Qingming), 2025
GREEN TEA is one of the world's most studied and revered beverages for its cultural significance and impressive range of health benefits. Green tea is rich in bioactive compounds and supports both physical and cognitive well-being when consumed regularly and mindfully. Due to the tea leaves' special cultivars, climate, and quality, green tea is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and microelements. The highest-quality green teas are made from spring young buds and leaves, traditionally processed to prevent oxidation and keep the tea leaf in its original chemical composition. Research over the past few decades has discovered that green tea reduces the risk of heart disease, cleans the circulatory system, strengthens blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, lowers blood sugar, prevents the development of cancer cells, and relieves nervous tension.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 75-85 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 20-40 sec x 5+
WESTERN (INFUSION) ★
Temperature: 75-85 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
Hunan Zao Chun Yun Wu represents a continuation of traditional mountain tea production in the cloud-covered regions of Hunan Province. The term “Yun Wu,” meaning “cloud and mist,” has long been used in Chinese tea culture to describe teas grown at higher elevations, where constant humidity and diffused sunlight create favorable conditions for slow leaf development. Such teas were historically valued for their softness, aromatic clarity, and balanced character. The “Zao Chun,” or “early spring,” designation reflects a later development in tea naming, emphasizing the importance of the first harvest of the year. With the evolution of modern tea markets, early spring teas became particularly prized for their higher concentration of amino acids and fresher, more refined profiles.
In its authentic form, this tea is rooted in small-scale, mountain-based cultivation, often using local seed-grown tea populations adapted to the regional environment. Its history is therefore less about imperial recognition and more about continuity of practice, where traditional harvesting, careful processing, and the influence of terroir define its identity within the broader context of Chinese green tea culture.
Zao Chun Yun Wu has several distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other teas. The tea is made primarily from young leaves and buds, picked during the early spring season when the tender foliage is at its peak. The careful hand-picking process ensures that only the finest leaves are selected, which significantly contributes to the quality of the final product. The flavor profile of Hunan Jiu Yi Zao Chun is a delightful combination of sweet and salty notes with a smooth, mellow texture.
TERROIR
Hunan province is located in the south-central part of China and is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include mountains, valleys, and river systems. Due to its fertile plains and abundant natural resources, the province is sometimes referred to as the “Land of Fish and Rice.” It is also home to the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its stunning karst formations that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. The geography of Hunan plays a crucial role in tea cultivation, especially Jiu Yi Zao Chun. The region's unique microclimates, rich soil, and moderate climate create ideal conditions for growing tea plants. The mountains' elevation and misty weather contribute to the tea leaves' slow growth, allowing the buds to develop rich flavors and aromas. These geographical features influence the tea’s characteristics and make the area an attractive destination for tea enthusiasts to explore.
Hunan Xiao Ye Qun Ti Zhong is a traditional tea plant population native to the mountain regions of Hunan Province, widely used for local green tea production. The term can be understood as “small-leaf group variety,” where Xiao Ye refers to relatively smaller leaves, and Qun Ti Zhong indicates a seed-grown population rather than a single cloned cultivar. Botanically, it belongs to the Camellia sinensis small-leaf group, adapted over generations to humid, misty mountain conditions. Because these plants are grown from seeds, each bush expresses slight genetic variation, resulting in a diverse and resilient tea garden ecosystem. In tea production, this material is valued for its ability to reflect terroir with greater depth and nuance. Compared to modern cultivars, Hunan Xiao Ye Qun Ti Zhong tends to produce teas with a softer texture, balanced vegetal profile, and subtle aromatic variation, emphasizing authenticity and a closer connection between plant, environment, and traditional processing.
ORGANOLEPTIC
The dry leaf appearance is natural and slightly varied, with small, gently twisted leaves in a soft green tone, reflecting the diversity of seed-grown material. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and fresh, with delicate vegetal notes, light herbal nuances, and a subtle sweet undertone. In a preheated gaiwan, the tea gradually opens, the aroma becoming warmer and more rounded, revealing notes of fresh-cut greens, young peas, and a soft creamy hint. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aromatic profile becomes more expressive and layered, combining fresh spring vegetation with gentle sweetness and a refined, slightly floral accent.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is clear and soft, with a light, airy sweetness and gentle warm tones that emphasize balance and clarity. The taste is smooth, soft, and well-integrated, with a calm and harmonious texture. From the first sips, a gentle sweetness and light umami appear, followed by fresh vegetal notes reminiscent of tender greens and young herbs, supported by a mild mineral nuance. The aftertaste is clean, refreshing, and persistent, with a delicate returning sweetness and a composed, elegant finish. In the empty cup after drinking, a light sweet-vegetal aroma remains, accompanied by subtle creamy and herbal nuances.
Hunan Zao Chun Yun Wu represents a continuation of traditional mountain tea production in the cloud-covered regions of Hunan Province. The term “Yun Wu,” meaning “cloud and mist,” has long been used in Chinese tea culture to describe teas grown at higher elevations, where constant humidity and diffused sunlight create favorable conditions for slow leaf development. Such teas were historically valued for their softness, aromatic clarity, and balanced character. The “Zao Chun,” or “early spring,” designation reflects a later development in tea naming, emphasizing the importance of the first harvest of the year. With the evolution of modern tea markets, early spring teas became particularly prized for their higher concentration of amino acids and fresher, more refined profiles.
In its authentic form, this tea is rooted in small-scale, mountain-based cultivation, often using local seed-grown tea populations adapted to the regional environment. Its history is therefore less about imperial recognition and more about continuity of practice, where traditional harvesting, careful processing, and the influence of terroir define its identity within the broader context of Chinese green tea culture.
Zao Chun Yun Wu has several distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other teas. The tea is made primarily from young leaves and buds, picked during the early spring season when the tender foliage is at its peak. The careful hand-picking process ensures that only the finest leaves are selected, which significantly contributes to the quality of the final product. The flavor profile of Hunan Jiu Yi Zao Chun is a delightful combination of sweet and salty notes with a smooth, mellow texture.
TERROIR
Hunan province is located in the south-central part of China and is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include mountains, valleys, and river systems. Due to its fertile plains and abundant natural resources, the province is sometimes referred to as the “Land of Fish and Rice.” It is also home to the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its stunning karst formations that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. The geography of Hunan plays a crucial role in tea cultivation, especially Jiu Yi Zao Chun. The region's unique microclimates, rich soil, and moderate climate create ideal conditions for growing tea plants. The mountains' elevation and misty weather contribute to the tea leaves' slow growth, allowing the buds to develop rich flavors and aromas. These geographical features influence the tea’s characteristics and make the area an attractive destination for tea enthusiasts to explore.
Hunan Xiao Ye Qun Ti Zhong is a traditional tea plant population native to the mountain regions of Hunan Province, widely used for local green tea production. The term can be understood as “small-leaf group variety,” where Xiao Ye refers to relatively smaller leaves, and Qun Ti Zhong indicates a seed-grown population rather than a single cloned cultivar. Botanically, it belongs to the Camellia sinensis small-leaf group, adapted over generations to humid, misty mountain conditions. Because these plants are grown from seeds, each bush expresses slight genetic variation, resulting in a diverse and resilient tea garden ecosystem. In tea production, this material is valued for its ability to reflect terroir with greater depth and nuance. Compared to modern cultivars, Hunan Xiao Ye Qun Ti Zhong tends to produce teas with a softer texture, balanced vegetal profile, and subtle aromatic variation, emphasizing authenticity and a closer connection between plant, environment, and traditional processing.
ORGANOLEPTIC
The dry leaf appearance is natural and slightly varied, with small, gently twisted leaves in a soft green tone, reflecting the diversity of seed-grown material. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and fresh, with delicate vegetal notes, light herbal nuances, and a subtle sweet undertone. In a preheated gaiwan, the tea gradually opens, the aroma becoming warmer and more rounded, revealing notes of fresh-cut greens, young peas, and a soft creamy hint. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aromatic profile becomes more expressive and layered, combining fresh spring vegetation with gentle sweetness and a refined, slightly floral accent.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is clear and soft, with a light, airy sweetness and gentle warm tones that emphasize balance and clarity. The taste is smooth, soft, and well-integrated, with a calm and harmonious texture. From the first sips, a gentle sweetness and light umami appear, followed by fresh vegetal notes reminiscent of tender greens and young herbs, supported by a mild mineral nuance. The aftertaste is clean, refreshing, and persistent, with a delicate returning sweetness and a composed, elegant finish. In the empty cup after drinking, a light sweet-vegetal aroma remains, accompanied by subtle creamy and herbal nuances.
GREEN TEA
Explore more Green Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.