Snowshan Tea Buds

SnowShan Tea Buds: Vietnam’s Most Precious Highland Tea Treasure

Hidden in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, snowshan tea buds represent the pinnacle of ancient tea cultivation. These extraordinary buds, harvested from centuries-old trees, offer tea enthusiasts an unparalleled experience that connects them to Vietnam’s rich tea heritage.

What Are SnowShan Tea Buds?

Snowshan tea buds are the young shoots harvested from ancient tea trees known scientifically as Camellia sinensis var. assamica. These precious buds also go by several names including Shan Tuyet buds, Thuyet Shan buds, white silver needle buds, and ancient tree buds. The name Snow Shan, which means snow-upon-a-high-mountain, arises from the thick snow-white coat of fur that embraces each silky green tea bud.

The Vietnamese term “Thuyet Shan” translates to “Snow High Mountain,” perfectly describing both the origin and appearance of these remarkable buds. The record-breaking giant buds additionally advocate the idea that the Thuyet Shan could belong among the most ancient tea tree varieties.

Ancient Tree Origins of SnowShan Tea Buds

Magnificent Ancient Trees

This tea originate from truly ancient specimens that defy conventional tea cultivation. These trees are massive wooden-stemmed ancients, with the largest specimens reaching diameters exceeding 2.5 meters and heights of more than ten meters. The trees grow densely together, forming natural ancient tea forests that have thrived for hundreds of years.

In Ha Giang, many of the wild tea trees from which Snow Shan is harvested are over a hundred years old (some are said to be nearly a thousand) with massive trunk sizes over a meter in diameter. These giants stand as living monuments to Vietnam’s tea heritage.

Distinctive Physical Characteristics

What makes snowshan tea truly extraordinary is their unique appearance. The buds are notably large and grayish-white in color. Most remarkably, the undersides of the tea leaves feature a fine coating of white downy hairs, giving the buds their distinctive “snow” designation.

During harsh winter months, these resilient trees endure extreme cold, frost, and ice. However, when spring arrives, they burst forth with vigorous new growth, producing the precious buds that tea connoisseurs treasure worldwide.

Harvesting the Highland Treasure of SnowShan Tea Buds

Traditional Harvesting Methods

Harvesting tea buds requires specialized techniques due to the trees’ impressive height. Unlike conventional tea cultivation, harvesters must use ladders to reach the high branches where the finest buds grow. This creates a spectacular sight of Hmong women in traditional colorful costumes climbing towering ancient trees.

Our producer partner in Vietnam picks this tea every year in spring with a picking standard of 1+1 from the tea trees. This “1+1” standard means harvesting only the young bud with one attached leaf, ensuring optimal quality.

The harvesting season extends from March to October. During peak season, each ancient tree yields approximately 16 kilograms of fresh tea buds per harvest. After careful processing, this produces about 3 kilograms of finished tea. With proper care, these ancient trees can be harvested 4-5 times annually.

Traditional Processing Excellence

These ancient trees are carefully tended by the indigenous ethnic peoples of the regions in which they are grown, such as the H’mong or Dao, who carry with them many generations of Vietnamese tea tradition. The Hmong people process snowshan tea buds using traditional hand-drying methods passed down through generations.

No pesticides or chemicals are used during cultivation or processing, ensuring the buds remain completely organic and safe. This careful processing preserves the natural characteristics and complex flavor profiles that make these buds so special.

Exceptional Quality and Flavor of SnowShan Tea Buds

Complex Flavor Profile

Snowshan tea buds offer an extraordinary tasting experience that reflects their highland mountain origins. When properly brewed, they produce a golden-amber liquor with a characteristic high-altitude aroma. The initial taste presents a robust, slightly bitter flavor reminiscent of ancient mountain forests.

However, the true magic reveals itself in the complex aftertaste. After the initial slight bitterness fades, a distinctive sweetness emerges and lingers on the tongue. This unique flavor progression creates an unforgettable drinking experience that older trees enhance with increased complexity and depth.

The tea’s aroma carries subtle hints of mountain vegetation and wildflowers, creating a sensory journey that connects drinkers to the pristine highland forests where these ancient trees grow.

Superior Brewing Characteristics

They can be resteeped for over 10 times. As this is a woody bud, it is best to use a hotter water. This exceptional resteeping ability makes snowshan tea buds an excellent value despite their premium pricing. Each subsequent brewing reveals new flavor layers and aromatic compounds.

The buds maintain their natural green color even after drying and processing. When brewed, they retain beautiful golden hues that shimmer with natural oils and essence from the ancient trees.

Economic and Cultural Significance of SnowShan Tea Buds

Modern Development and Certification

Since 2019, Vietnamese tea regions have focused on developing snowshan tea buds as a key agricultural product. Local governments have implemented chain production models and supported product standardization. Many tea products have received organic certification and safe supply chain recognition.

The regions actively promote snowshan tea buds through trade fairs, media campaigns, and various marketing channels. These efforts help introduce this exceptional tea to domestic and international markets, creating opportunities for local communities while preserving ancient traditions.

Cultural Heritage Preservation

Snowshan tea buds represent more than just a premium beverage; they embody the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. The traditional harvesting and processing methods preserve ancient knowledge and sustainable practices that have been passed down through countless generations.

Why Choose SnowShan Tea Buds?

This exceptional tea offers numerous benefits for discerning tea enthusiasts. The organic cultivation ensures purity and safety. The complex flavor profile provides a unique tasting experience unavailable in commercial teas. Additionally, purchasing snowshan tea buds supports local communities and helps preserve ancient tea forests.

Ancient Snow Shan trees yield a white tea unlike any other, grown in Northeast Vietnam at 1,400 ft. The combination of altitude, ancient genetics, and traditional processing creates a truly unique product that justifies its premium positioning in the global tea market.

This tea buds stand as a testament to Vietnam’s rich tea heritage and the remarkable harmony between nature, tradition, and exceptional quality.

Quality and Supply

For premium snowshan tea buds, Dien Bien Agri stands as the leading supplier of this premium product. Their commitment to quality ensures customers receive genuine ancient tea from the highland forests of Tủa Chùa district.

Read more: What is Tua Chua snow shan tea of Dien Bien Agri

Contact us for more information:

Tel/WhatsApp: +84.973.447.926.

Email: [email protected]

Add: Thanh Minh Commune, Dien Bien City, Vietnam

Factory: Bai Dai Village, Tien Xuan Commune, Thach That District, Ha Noi City, Vietnam