{"product_id":"three-cranes-dark-tea","title":"Zum Zum Three Cranes Dark Tea","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover \u003cstrong\u003eZum Zum Three Cranes Dark Tea\u003c\/strong\u003e, a rare fermented tea from Liu Bao Village in Guangxi, China. This deep, complex blend represents centuries of tea heritage—a style so prized during the Qing Dynasty that nobles drank it daily and gifted it to honored guests.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love This Dark Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistoric Authenticity:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of China's oldest preserved tea styles, still crafted using traditional fermentation methods that date back to the Tang Dynasty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmooth, Mature Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fermentation process creates a naturally earthy, rounded character that improves with age—perfect for multiple infusions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrading Route Legacy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Liu Bao (\"Six Castles\") earned its name as a cornerstone of ancient Silk Road commerce, valued for its ability to travel long distances while developing richer flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoundation of Modern Pu-erh:\u003c\/strong\u003e This blend's processing techniques directly influenced how ripe pu-erh is made today, making it essential for tea collectors exploring the dark tea category\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eDark tea sits within a larger classification that includes pu-erh—all pu-erh is dark tea, but not all dark tea is pu-erh. This distinction makes Zum Zum's Liu Bao a gateway to understanding one of tea's most overlooked categories.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes Zum Zum Three Cranes Dark Tea different from pu-erh?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile both undergo fermentation and belong to the dark tea family, this Liu Bao comes from Guangxi Province (not Yunnan, where pu-erh originates). The flavor profile is slightly lighter and more approachable, making it ideal if you're new to fermented teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should I brew this blend?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSteep this dark tea in hot water (195–205°F) for 3–5 minutes. The fermentation process means it can handle multiple infusions—many tea lovers brew the same leaves 5–7 times, with flavor deepening with each steep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Zum Zum Three Cranes Dark Tea improve over time?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Like pu-erh, this fermented tea continues to mellow and develop complexity when stored in a cool, dry place. Many collectors enjoy tasting it across several years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: Liu Bao Village, Guangxi Province, China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Dark Tea (Fermented)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProcessing: Pan-fired, rolled, dried, and aged through traditional fermentation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlavor Notes: Earthy, smooth, naturally sweet undertones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInfusion Color: Deep amber to reddish-brown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Zum Zum Tea","offers":[{"title":"Sample","offer_id":58155989696899,"sku":"sku-44502118039867","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Oz.","offer_id":58155989729667,"sku":"sku-44502118072635","price":13.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 Oz","offer_id":58155989762435,"sku":"sku-44502118105403","price":52.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0936\/3013\/6707\/files\/PXL_20230221_195315979_2.jpg?v=1780137209","url":"https:\/\/tasteoftea.com\/products\/three-cranes-dark-tea","provider":"Taste Of Tea","version":"1.0","type":"link"}