Summer Harvest 2020 Reveal

hello friends! 

so summer harvest, eh? yeah, we thought it wasn't happening too.

but then we got a call from Uncle, and he was like "the summer harvest will be good this year, I'll let you have some." and well, these days we're desperate for some good surprises. 

first I'll tell you a quick bit about summer harvest.
then we'll look at the two new teas you can buy.

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pt I. where I tell you about summer harvest high mountain oolongs and if they are even good.

you tell me! you've probably drank a lot of summer harvest high mountain oolong without knowing it. think about every time you've had an oolong from a shop that doesn't share harvest or producer details, or sells an oolong tea blend. in all likelihood, those teas were from a tea producer in an off-season (summer/fall).

why is that? summer teas lack nuanced flavors that colder seasons are able to achieve and tea consumers prize. on average, summer teas are more astringent or bitter, have a lighter body, and can be steeped fewer times than their winter/spring counterparts. with their more subdued flavors, they make great bases for a tea blend or tea infused with flowers. as a result, they are generally viewed as a lower quality tea. because summer teas (and to some extent fall teas) have a long tradition of not being notable, they are inexpensive... which is phenomenal for those who do enjoy these flavors.

why is this the first year we have summer harvest? easy, the weather finally cooperated! it's not rocket science :) summer harvest is highly dependent upon the weather being a bit more mild, in order to get decent flavors. this year the weather was tolerable, so I have some really solid summer oolongs to share with you!

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pt II. the part when we look at the teas you can buy

I was going to release 4 teas this harvest, but alas DHL has lost half my shipment. I don't even want to mention what those other teas were, or you'll be super upset if they never arrive. so for now you'll have access to two delicious oolongs, both from our farm in Shanlinxi. what is that in baseball, batting 1000? go sports!

what to expect from our 2020 summer harvest oolongs:

• these teas have a light body. high humidity and high temperatures prior to harvest are going to cause the leaves to grow fast and with fewer opportunity to store up extra nutrients aka. flavor.

• these teas taste great! consider them your new daily drinkers.

• these teas aren't in the same echelon as our spring/winter oolongs. but who cares! they taste good and that's all that matters. they are straightforward, mellow, and extremely relaxing on a hot summer day (or if you're me, night).

• they are also cheaper. that's right, no qualms tellin' it like it is. so stock up because once they're gone, they're gone.

 the green oolong.  it's unroasted, it's very balanced, it's refreshing. it's not too bitter, I think it should be steeped pretty heavy, and it reminds me of the tenderest baby spinach with a light floral aroma.

 the red oolong.  it's our standard 20 hr roast that we usually make once a year in the fall. it reminds me of brown sugar boba tea with a touch of toasted hay. 🤤 drooling here. do i need to say more?

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in conclusion, don't write off summer teas entirely until you've tried these. they're quite good! if you have any questions please reach out!

can't wait to hear which oolong you like more! 🖖
<3 Sam