Ku Ding Tea Loose Leaf 500g Bulk Large Leaf Ilex Kudingcha Herbal Tea

Ku Ding Tea, known in Chinese as Ku Ding Cha (苦丁茶), is a traditional herbal tea made from the leaves of Ilex kudingcha, a holly species. These large, glossy dried leaves are prized in southern Chinese herbal practice for their intensely bitter initial taste followed by a lingering sweet aftertaste. In TCM theory, Ku Ding Tea is considered cooling in nature and is traditionally associated with clearing summer heat. Brew a small amount of leaves in hot water and enjoy as a daily herbal infusion.

Key Selling Points

• Large leaf Ku Ding Cha (苦丁茶) loose herbal tea in a 500g bulk bag
• Botanical source is Ilex kudingcha, a holly species used for generations in southern China
• Traditionally valued in TCM as a cooling tea for hot summer days
• Distinctive taste profile of strong bitterness followed by a sweet, refreshing finish
• Nitrogen-flushed packaging with a small handful of leaves brewing multiple infusions

Quality & Sensory

The dried leaves are typically long, dark green to brownish-green, and slightly twisted or rolled. They carry a faint grassy, herbal aroma. Brewed tea is typically pale yellow-green with a pronounced bitter bite that softens into a cool, sweet lingering aftertaste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Steep a few leaves in hot water for a traditional bitter herbal infusion
• Brew in a teapot or covered bowl and re-steep the leaves several times
• Serve chilled in summer as a cooling traditional beverage
• Blend a small leaf or two with green tea to soften the bitterness

Traditional Uses

In southern Chinese folk practice, Ku Ding Tea has long been consumed as a daily summer beverage, with a few leaves steeped repeatedly in a large teapot or bottle. It is traditionally associated with clearing heat and relieving summer stuffiness, and is often shared among family and coworkers after rich or greasy meals. Some households also add a single leaf to soups or congee for its traditional cooling character.

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