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DON CHA

MONEY TEA
DARK (FERMENTED) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING

Boseong, Jeolla, South Korea

Doncha, also known as "Money Tea" or "Jeoncha," is a unique form of post-fermented tea produced in Korea. It is shaped into coin-like discs. The tea is known for its rich, earthy flavors and potential health benefits. MORE

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HARVEST: 2016

DON CHA "MONEY TEA" 2016

ABOUT
Doncha, also known as "Money Tea" or "Jeoncha," is a unique form of post-fermented tea produced in Korea. It is shaped into coin-like discs. The name "Money Tea" comes from its unique shape, which resembles coins, which historically symbolized prosperity and well-being. The tea is known for its rich, earthy flavors and potential health benefits. In the Jangheung region of South Jeolla Province, this tea has been known as cheongtae-jeon, which translates to "green moss coin." This name may refer to the appearance of the tea after fermentation when it can exhibit a greenish tint and a moss-like texture.

The tea is typically made from young tea leaves, which undergo a specific drying and fermentation process. The leaves are pressed into coin shapes and allowed to ferment. After fermentation, the tea is aged, often in controlled environments, which enhances its flavor and potential health benefits. Doncha is known for its deep, rich, and complex flavors, often described as earthy, smooth, and sometimes slightly sweet. The post-fermentation contributes to a mature taste, which can evolve over multiple brews. As with many teas, Doncha is believed to be rich in antioxidants, promoting overall health, and can support gut health due to its probiotic content, which benefits digestion. In traditional Korean medicine, the tea was believed to alleviate mild ailments like stomach aches, assist in detoxification, lower fever, prevent constipation, and help manage symptoms of colds.

PROCESSING
The leaves used for Doncha are hand-harvested in May from wild tea plants found along the southern coast of the Korean peninsula. While roasting is the predominant method of tea processing in Korea, the preparation of doncha begins with steaming the tea leaves. Within twelve hours of harvesting, the leaves are steamed in a traditional cauldron called a "gamasot". After steaming, the leaves are pounded using a "jeolgu" (a traditional mortar) or a "maetdol" (a traditional millstone). The mixture is then shaped into round lumps and left to sun-dry. Once dried, a hole is drilled in the center of each lump, giving them the characteristic shape of "yeopjeon" (coins), from which their name is derived. The tea is then fermented for a minimum of six months; however, some varieties undergo fermentation for over twenty years, allowing for the development of a rich flavor and aroma.

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