Rewilding: Wild Forest Red Tea
Rewildling was the first tea offered by Tea Huntress and continues to be one of our most popular selections today. Whether steeped casually or in ceremony, Rewilding is always a crowd-pleaser, opening people to an experience and taste of tea that most have not had before. The essence of this tea embodies Tea Huntress’ ethos of rewilding as it was harvested from a wild and primitive tea forest and holds an energy that is heart-opening, joyful and free! Join us as we explore the magic of our beloved wild red tea, from the sacred tea forests where it grows to the cup where it unfurls its transformative essence!
Dian Hong, Yunnan Gold
Rewilding is a Dian Hong, which in Chinese means Yunnan Red. So, Dian Hongs are fully- oxidized teas from Yunnan, China, the homeland of tea. There are as many Dian Hong teas in Yunnan as there are rosés in Provence and while they all share a similar heritage and terroir, their expression, energy, quality and taste can vary wildly!
Part of what makes a Dian Hong unique is the land where it was grown within Yunnan. Rewilding was harvested from primitive tea trees growing in the wild tea forests of Lincang, Yunnan, China.
Lincang, A Tea Microclimate
Situated in the southwest reaches of China, and of Yunnan Province, and bordered by Myanmar, Lincang's topography of mountains, river valleys, and varied ecosystems provides an optimal setting for tea cultivation. The region’s unique microclimate is characterized by high elevations, fertile soil, and ample rainfall, which are all ideal for the growth of exceptional teas.
Tea People & Culture
The ethnic minority hill tribes here like the Wa and Bulang have sustained a legacy of honoring tea s a divine gift of the earth for millennia. As such, tea has been revered here as a plant spirit medicine, a healer and a guide as well as a healthy and delicious beverage.
In southwestern China, the native hill tribe people have preserved and passed down a culture of respect and knowledge for tea over the years to make Lincang one of the most important areas for the preservation of tea culture and agriculture in the world.
Primitive Variety
Rewilding comes from a primitive purple leaf tea variety that grows wild in the mountains west of Fengqing. This wild tree varietal, Ye Sheng, grows wild in the mountainous area near the Da Si village at an altitude of 7000 feet.
Ye Sheng 野生 varietal (Camellia sinensis Kuntze var. assamica Kitam) is a naturally occurring non-hybridized varietal that pre-dates today’s tea plant (Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica).
Potent Cha Qi
Rewilding’s potency, or cha qi (tea energy) arises from its unadulterated nature. Just as the forest pulses with life, so too does this tea carry a vibrancy that resonates with those who consume it. Most describe feeling a subtle yet profound shift in their own energy after enjoying Rewilding.
In the ancient forests, tea leaves are infused with a dynamic earth energy that sets them apart from cultivated teas. Beyond the roots of the trees reaching deep into the mineral-rich soil and drawing up nutrients that find their way into the leaves, these leaves impart an energy that must be experienced to be understood.
It is difficult to comprehend how tea can be a spirit tonic or a divine gift if you only experience cultivated teas, but teas like rewilding offer an experience of tea as a life-changing ritual due to the earth wisdom that it imparts.
Processing and flavor
Rewilding is a very lightly wilted and processed tea, which preserves the intense aroma that this style of tea is known for. The green in the leaves is still present and the tea liquor is a golden ruby color. There is a hint of baked stone fruit, chocolate, barrel aged rum and malt in the taste of the tea which is inherent to the leaves.
Rewilding: Finding Freedom in Nature
This tea was named for its cha qi (tea energy) which is that of rewilding, one of the primary ethos of Tea Huntress…
The practice of rewilding is one of connecting with our innate wisdom, power and joy by reconnecting to the elements, cycles and rhythms of the earth. We find our freedom and peace here.
Consuming wild teas like this one harvested from unadulterated, high elevation tea forests, is one way to rewind and to commune with your own true nature- your inner wild child.
Other practices of rewilding include forest bathing, swimming in wild waters, moon bathing and eating wild and foraged foods and herbs. All of these practices help to amplify your life force energy which, in turn, aligns you on your path.
Rewilding for the Body
Beyond its exquisite taste and powerful energetic properties, Rewilding is rich in antioxidants, helping combat free radicals in the body, supporting overall well-being and cellular health. The deep roots of the wild and primitive tea trees infuse the leaves with an abundance of minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols that nourish the body and mind.
Regular consumption of Rewilding has been associated with improved digestion, enhanced focus and clarity, and a strengthened immune system. The holistic harmony of this tea mirrors the balance found in the natural world, offering a moment of respite and rejuvenation in our hectic lives.
Rewilding in Ritual
Consider incorporating Rewilding into your daily ritual. Allow its energy to uplift your spirits and its frequency to attune you to the rhythms of nature.
Begin
Create a sacred space where you can sit, uninterrupted, for tea.
Gather
Gather Rewilding tea, a tea bowl and your kettle. Light some incense or a candle and queue up some soothing music (find seasonal tea playlists under Tea Huntress on Spotify)
Steep
Place 10 leaves in a tea bowl and slowly pout hot water against the inner wall of the tea bowl until the bowl is half way full.
Sip
Sip while the leaves steep… This is an act of receptivity. There is no thinking, trying or worry here. Just let go and enjoy the elemental alchemy of earth, water, wind and fire.
Resteep
When your cup is empty, simply refill it with hot water again. Sip and repeat at least 3 and up to 10 times.
Experience
The practice is a meditation and yokes you to your self and the earth. In this process, you make space for clarity to emerge. Allow the vibrant energy of Rewilding to infuse your day with a touch of magic.