Gushu
Definition
Literally 'ancient tree' - tea harvested from old-growth tea trees, typically over 100 years old, found in Yunnan's remote mountain forests. Gushu trees grow with deep root systems in biodiverse, often wild or semi-wild environments, producing leaves with distinctive mineral complexity and a thick, oily mouthfeel.
Why it matters
Gushu pu-erh sits at the apex of the tea market, with cakes from famous mountains like Lao Ban Zhang selling for thousands of dollars. The deep roots access unique mineral profiles that plantation bushes can't replicate. However, widespread fraud means understanding gushu also means learning to be skeptical of labels.