Ku Ding Tea Loose Leaf 500g Yunnan Large Leaf Bitter Tea Traditional Herbal Infusion

Ku Ding Tea, known in TCM as Ku Ding Cha (苦丁茶), is a traditional Chinese herbal tea made from the dried leaves of Ilex kudingcha, a large-leaf holly species. The leaves are harvested, sun-dried, and rolled into loose twisted strands with a naturally intense bitter taste. In TCM theory, Ku Ding tea is considered cooling in nature and is traditionally associated with clearing internal heat. It is commonly brewed as a strong herbal infusion and enjoyed in small amounts, often after meals or during warm seasons.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional Chinese herbal tea made from large-leaf Ku Ding holly leaves
• Botanical source Ilex kudingcha, a distinctive bitter tea species
• Sun-dried and rolled into loose twisted leaf strands
• Naturally intense bitter flavor with a lingering sweet aftertaste
• 2024 new harvest loose tea supplied in a 500g bulk pack

Quality & Sensory

The dried leaves typically appear dark green to brownish-black, tightly rolled and twisted. They carry a faint grassy-herbal aroma. Brewed, the liquor is typically pale yellow-green with a pronounced sharp bitterness that softens into a mild sweet aftertaste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Brew a small amount of leaves as a strong hot herbal infusion
• Steep briefly for a lighter daily bitter tea
• Serve chilled as a cooling summer herbal drink
• Re-steep the same leaves several times as is customary for Ku Ding tea

Traditional Uses

In TCM theory, Ku Ding tea is regarded as cooling and bitter, traditionally associated with clearing heat and supporting the body's natural balance. It has long been consumed in southern China as a daily herbal infusion, often brewed strong in small cups and shared after meals. Traditionally it is also prepared during warm seasons or after rich foods, and it may be steeped together with other mild herbs according to personal preference.

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