ZAO CHUN YUN WU
EARLY SPRING CLOUD AND MIST
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Jiu Yi Shan, Hunan, China
Zao Chun Yun Wu "Early Spring Cloud and Mist" is a distinguished Chinese green tea from the Jiu Yi Mountains, known for its early spring harvest and tender leaves. It features a bright, refreshing infusion with sweet floral aromas and a smooth, crisp taste that beautifully expresses the unique mountain terroir. 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 "Early Spring Cloud and Mist" is a distinguished Chinese green tea from the Jiu Yi Mountains, known for its early spring harvest and tender leaves. It features a bright, refreshing infusion with sweet floral aromas and a smooth, crisp taste that beautifully expresses the unique mountain terroir. 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
EARLY SPRING CLOUD AND MIST
ORIGIN
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.
ABOUT
The history of tea cultivation in Hunan dates back over a thousand years, with records indicating that tea was grown and consumed in the region during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). Over the centuries, tea became an integral part of Chinese culture and daily life, evolving into various forms and styles. The name reflects the skilled craftsmanship and the ideal climatic conditions that work harmoniously to produce high-quality tea. Hunan Jiu Yi Zao Chun is a relatively recent addition to the tea world, gaining recognition for its unique characteristics and esteemed flavor. Its production began to flourish in the early 20th century as local farmers sought to improve their tea quality to meet domestic and international demand. Today, Jiu Yi Zao Chun is revered not only for its taste but also for its status among connoisseurs.
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.
ORGANOLEPTIC
The dry leaf of Jiu Yi Zao Chun Yun Wu is composed of fine, curved leaves of dark emerald color with a soft, velvety texture. The aroma is fresh and vibrant, combining notes of spring herbs, pine needles, and young shoots touched by morning mist — bright, clean, and full of vitality. When placed in a preheated teapot, the fragrance deepens and softens, revealing gentle sweetness with nuances of roasted grains, chestnut, and wildflowers. The aroma feels calm and pure, evoking the quiet mountain air of Hunan’s early spring.
The infusion is clear and lightly golden-green, radiating freshness. Its aroma combines vegetal sweetness with light floral and nutty undertones, forming a balanced and elegant bouquet. In taste, Zao Chun Yun Wu is smooth and refreshing, with a pleasant balance between gentle umami and fine astringency. Notes of green bean, tender grass, and a touch of sweetness unfold gradually, creating a clean and natural flavor profile. The aftertaste is pure and long-lasting, leaving a cooling sensation and soft sweetness on the palate. Jiu Yi Zao Chun Yun Wu embodies the essence of early spring - light, bright, and harmonious, expressing both the clarity and softness of Hunan’s mountain-grown teas.
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.
ABOUT
The history of tea cultivation in Hunan dates back over a thousand years, with records indicating that tea was grown and consumed in the region during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). Over the centuries, tea became an integral part of Chinese culture and daily life, evolving into various forms and styles. The name reflects the skilled craftsmanship and the ideal climatic conditions that work harmoniously to produce high-quality tea. Hunan Jiu Yi Zao Chun is a relatively recent addition to the tea world, gaining recognition for its unique characteristics and esteemed flavor. Its production began to flourish in the early 20th century as local farmers sought to improve their tea quality to meet domestic and international demand. Today, Jiu Yi Zao Chun is revered not only for its taste but also for its status among connoisseurs.
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.
ORGANOLEPTIC
The dry leaf of Jiu Yi Zao Chun Yun Wu is composed of fine, curved leaves of dark emerald color with a soft, velvety texture. The aroma is fresh and vibrant, combining notes of spring herbs, pine needles, and young shoots touched by morning mist — bright, clean, and full of vitality. When placed in a preheated teapot, the fragrance deepens and softens, revealing gentle sweetness with nuances of roasted grains, chestnut, and wildflowers. The aroma feels calm and pure, evoking the quiet mountain air of Hunan’s early spring.
The infusion is clear and lightly golden-green, radiating freshness. Its aroma combines vegetal sweetness with light floral and nutty undertones, forming a balanced and elegant bouquet. In taste, Zao Chun Yun Wu is smooth and refreshing, with a pleasant balance between gentle umami and fine astringency. Notes of green bean, tender grass, and a touch of sweetness unfold gradually, creating a clean and natural flavor profile. The aftertaste is pure and long-lasting, leaving a cooling sensation and soft sweetness on the palate. Jiu Yi Zao Chun Yun Wu embodies the essence of early spring - light, bright, and harmonious, expressing both the clarity and softness of Hunan’s mountain-grown teas.
CHINA CLASSICS
Try one of the best Chinese classics from AN SHIM TEA COLLECTION