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Zum Three Cranes Dark Tea
$4.99
Discover Zum Zum Three Cranes Dark Tea, 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.
Why You'll Love This Dark Tea
- Historic Authenticity: One of China's oldest preserved tea styles, still crafted using traditional fermentation methods that date back to the Tang Dynasty
- Smooth, Mature Profile: The fermentation process creates a naturally earthy, rounded character that improves with age—perfect for multiple infusions
- Trading Route Legacy: 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
- Foundation of Modern Pu-erh: 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
Dark 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Zum Zum Three Cranes Dark Tea different from pu-erh?
While 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.
How should I brew this blend?
Steep 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.
Will Zum Zum Three Cranes Dark Tea improve over time?
Yes. 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.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Single Origin Premium Loose Leaf Tea.
- Origin: Liu Bao Village, Guangxi Province, China
- Type: Dark Tea (Fermented)
- Processing: Pan-fired, rolled, dried, and aged through traditional fermentation
- Flavor Notes: Earthy, smooth, naturally sweet undertones
- Infusion Color: Deep amber to reddish-brown
High Caffeine
i
Caffeine-Free: 0 mg per cup
Decaf: most caffeine removed; a small amount remains
Low Caffeine: 1–19 mg per cup
Medium Caffeine: 20–39 mg per cup
High Caffeine: 40+ mg per cup
Ingredients
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Zum Three Cranes Dark Tea
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $4.99 | From $18.49 | $30.99 | From $12.00 |
| Price per cup | from $0.68 / cup | from $0.61 / cup | $0.78 / cup | from $0.33 / cup |
| Brand | Zum Zum Tea | Culinary Teas | Palais des Thés | Tea with Tae |
| Tea type | Pu-erh | Pu-erh | Pu-erh | Pu-erh, Black tea |
| Format | Not listed | Loose leaf | Loose leaf | Loose leaf |
| Caffeine | High | High | High | High |
| Flavor notes | Smooth, Round, Savory | Smooth, Round | Smooth, Round | Floral |
| Key ingredients | Pu-erh Tea | Pu-erh Tea | Pu-erh Tea | Pu-erh Tea |
| Origin | China | China | China | China |
| Brewing | 205°F · 3–5 min | 212°F · 3–5 min | 212°F · 3–5 min | 205°F · 3–5 min |
Characteristics come from each brand's product information. Price per cup is an estimate: one tea bag or 2.5 g of loose tea per cup.
