Green tea Wild Tea Buds Superior

Wild tea buds are the secret remnants of an age-old tradition in southwest China, nestled in the misty mountains of Yunnan. Where light struggles to filter through the forest giants, centuries-old and sometimes millennia-old tea trees survive, rooted in pristine ecosystems, far from human intervention. At altitudes of over 3,000 meters, they thrive in a world almost outside of time, where each bud seems imbued with an ancestral breath.

Their story is rooted in the primeval forests of Southeast Asia, the original home of Camellia sinensis. Long before the advent of cultivated plantations, tea was grown exclusively through wild harvesting, a humble practice repeated over centuries. In certain isolated valleys, this tradition has never died out: local communities around Nanmei, Da Xue Shan, and Baiyun continue to harvest these secret buds, once reserved for the home or confidential exchanges. Long relegated to the margins, these free-ranging tea plants are now returning to prominence, sought after for their raw purity, their primal character, and the intimate way they reveal the essence of the terroir.

Wild Tea Buds follow a unique production method, straddling the line between white and green tea, true to the untamed spirit that defines them. After harvesting, the buds undergo no rolling or shaping. They are simply withered and then dried, often in the sun or in the natural mountain breeze, according to ancestral tradition. This minimal processing gives them an exceptionally pure character, similar to white tea, while preserving a vibrant, almost primal, vegetal energy characteristic of buds harvested in the forest. Nothing is forced: each step aims to preserve the pearly texture and pristine aroma of these treasures.

At Betjeman and Barton, this philosophy truly comes to life: the company meticulously selects small batches of wild buds, veritable treasures of the tea world. Each infusion invites you on a journey into the forest, a blend of expertise and preserved biodiversity. True to its commitment, Betjeman and Barton celebrates the rarity and richness of these unique teas, supporting passionate producers and sharing with every enthusiast the magic and authenticity of tea's wild origins.

Food and tea pairings
To enhance the Wild Tea Buds, opt for a yuzu confit served on a delicate, crisp almond tuile. The aromatic vibrancy and slight bitterness of the yuzu perfectly awaken the vegetal freshness of the wild buds. On the palate, the pure acidity of the fruit blends with the floral notes and airy texture of the tea, without ever overpowering it. This simple yet refined pairing reveals the essence of the tasting experience: a harmony of fruity brightness, vegetal sweetness, and subtle length, ideal for the end of a meal.

Wild Tea Buds green tea-based cocktail
To pay homage to the origins of tea, imagine a mocktail made with cold-brewed Wild Tea Buds, accompanied by wedges of fresh longan, the iconic Yunnan fruit with its juicy and delicately sweet flesh. A good lychee would also work well. Add a touch of mint and a few lime zest shavings to enhance the freshness, then serve chilled over ice. This enchanting pairing highlights the floral sweetness of the longan and the vegetal elegance of the tea, offering an exotic harmony where terroir and indulgence come together.