Spring 2025 Light Charcoal roast Lugu Dong Ding- 30 grams

Grown by the same 7th generation family on Dong Ding Mountain that produced the 2017 Heavy Roasted Dong Ding.

This family has been producing Dong Ding in the traditional way using Longan charcoal for over 50 years. Traditionally, Dong Ding was more heavily roasted, but in recent years the market has developed more of a taste for lighter roasts. This is their latest version, made to be enjoyed now or put away to age.

Lightly roasted, this Dong Ding offers a smooth, balanced cup at a very reasonable price. It’s an excellent everyday Dong Ding Oolong with that classic character I look for in this style of tea.

It also has a really nice smooth, warming energy that can be enjoyed anytime of year, but I especially appreciate teas like this during the cooler fall and winter months here in North America.

This tea truly shines when prepared in a gaiwan or small clay pot. I like to fill the gaiwan generously with leaves by feel, though 2–3 grams in a small to medium-sized gaiwan is a great place to start. With Dong Ding teas I was taught to use boiling water, and steep the first infusion for about 45 seconds. Increase each subsequent infusion by 20–30 seconds, and you'll be rewarded with five or more flavorful steepings, each revealing a little more of the tea's character.

If you prefer brewing in a mug, use about 2 grams of tea in a strainer for an 8-ounce cup. Steep for about one minute, or longer if you enjoy a stronger brew, then simply re-steep the leaves several more times. While the experience won't be quite the same as Gong Fu brewing, you'll still enjoy a rich, satisfying cup with plenty of life left in the leaves.

If you're new to Gong Fu Cha, I've put together a free guide that walks you through the process of brewing tea in small pots over multiple infusions. You can download it here:

https://ojasnaturals.myshopify.com/products/gong-fu-tea-guide