Zheng Xing Long

To ensure the best quality and value, we import our teas directly from the countries in which they are grown, working closely with the farmers who tender them.

Our Roots Campaign connects our customers with the rich stories and the farmers behind some of our most popular teas.

How long have you been growing tea and what got you started?

“Yunnan is the hometown of tea. Fengqin is one the biggest tea area in Yunnan. Naturally I began to work in tea when I was 18. Now I have worked for more than 25 years.”

Can you describe a typical day out in the field?

“I get up at 6am and go out to work at 7am. The black tea season is around May and June. During that period my main job is to pick up the tea leaves. Normally I spend 8 hours for picking. Because our area is all mountains. I have to climb lots of mountains and take long walks. After picking season, my main job is weeding.”

What is your favorite part of growing tea?

“My favorite part is picking tea leaves. In early morning when I climbing the mountains, I can breathe fresh air. I like the feeling to be in the beautiful green nature.”

Conversely, what is the hardest part of your job?

“Weeding is the hardest part of my job. The weeds are growing very fast. I have to repeat the job very often. It seems that it is endless.”

What do you think makes your tea unique or better than others?

“Yunnan is a suitable place for planting black teas. We have tried to plant tie kuan yin but failed. This means that different areas can make different teas. Besides, the weather in Yunnan is suitable for growing black teas. As a result, with suitable place and weather, we can make good teas here.”

Are there any tips you can give on how to best brew your tea?

“Use good pure hot water with Yixing purple clay teapot, I am sure you can have a wonderful cup of nice black maofeng.”