Ku Ding Tea 500g Small Leaf Ilex Kudingcha Loose Herbal Tea for Daily Brewing

Ku Ding Tea, known in TCM as Ku Ding Cha (苦丁茶), is a traditional Chinese herbal tea made from the leaves of Ilex species, typically Ilex kudingcha. This 500g jar contains small-leaf kuding tea leaves, a classic bitter herbal infusion long valued in southern Chinese tea culture. In TCM theory it is considered bitter in flavor and cooling in nature. Steep a small amount in hot water and enjoy as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Key Selling Points

• Authentic small-leaf Ku Ding Cha (苦丁茶) loose herbal tea in a 500g jar
• Sourced from Ilex leaves, the traditional botanical source of kuding tea
• Cold-processed leaves that typically brew into a clear greenish-yellow liquor
• Distinctly bitter, refreshing taste traditionally favored after rich meals
• A little goes a long way, making the 500g jar a long-lasting pantry supply

Quality & Sensory

The dried leaves typically appear dark green to olive with a slender, twisted small-leaf form and a clean vegetal aroma. Brewed, the liquor is typically clear yellow-green with a pronounced bitter bite that softens into a lingering sweet aftertaste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Steep a few leaves in hot water as a standalone bitter herbal tea
• Blend a small pinch with green tea for a milder daily infusion
• Serve cooled as a refreshing summer herbal drink
• Offer to guests as a traditional southern Chinese herbal tea

Traditional Uses

In traditional Chinese practice, kuding tea has long been consumed in southern China as a daily bitter infusion, often after heavy or oily meals. Traditionally, only a few leaves are steeped per cup because of its strong flavor, and it is sometimes paired with green tea, chrysanthemum, or goji berries to round out the taste. It is also a customary hospitality tea in Guangxi and Hainan households.

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