Mandalay Black Saphire 40g

• Type: White tea
• Producer: Phyu Thwe
• Origin: Myanmar (Mogok & Shan)
• Harvest: 2021
• Altitude: 1,100 m
• Tea plants: Camellia sinensis & Camellia assamica
• Tasting profile: Floral, sweet, honey
• Stimulation: High

This rare black tea comes from northern Myanmar, from the mountainous regions of Shan State and Mogok. Semi-wild tea bushes grow at an altitude of around 1,100 meters, where a mildly mountainous climate prevails with pronounced temperature differences between day and night. These conditions slow the growth of the tea plants and thus promote the development of complex aromatic compounds.

Harvesting and processing method

The harvest is carried out by hand, selecting only the tips and two leaves. After picking, the leaves undergo controlled withering, which reduces moisture and prepares them for rolling. During rolling, the cell walls are broken and oxidation begins. This process is carefully monitored to achieve a clean, harmonious flavor profile. Black tea is an extreme rarity in Myanmar – hence the name Black Sapphire.

Farmer’s Story – Phyu Thwe and Five Trees Estate

Phyu Thwe grew up in the mountainous Mogok region of Burma, an area famous for its ruby and sapphire mines, as well as its wild and beautiful nature. With her family’s support, she moved to London to study and subsequently build a career. During visits back home, she witnessed how people in her hometown suffered due to destructive mining, deforestation, and other hazards associated with the mines. Phyu decided to try to create a better path.

The Farmer:

With her family’s support, she founded a small plantation called Five Trees Estate, named after the ancient sacred trees standing at the estate. These trees are symbolic and, according to local tradition, connect with the protective spirits of the trees and the land. Phyu sees Myanmar tea as a way for people to live from the gifts of nature without harming it.

The farm is located at an altitude of 1,300 m, where the local climate and large temperature differences between day and night encourage slower growth of the tea plants and the development of complex aromas. The estate covers 180 hectares, of which 100 hectares are old bushes and 80 hectares are newly planted. Only 15–25 kg of carefully processed tea are produced each month, ensuring the highest quality while respecting nature.

Phyu Thwe emphasizes community and education. Villagers participate in both harvesting and processing, learning traditional methods while gaining a stable income as an alternative to dangerous mining work. For the local people, the farm is a symbol of hope and respect for nature.

Artisanal natural processing, exquisite taste, and a story of hope and respect for the land are the elements that have earned this tea recognition abroad. Five Trees Estate is a living project that connects tradition, nature, and community, demonstrating that even small local initiatives can have a big impact.

The tea’s name comes from သစ်ပင်နတ် ယိုးကဇိုး (Thit Pin Nat Yoke Ka Zoe), the guardian spirit and protector of all creatures living in harmony with nature.

Preparation

Teapot 

 150 ml / 4g        90/95/98 °C         150/160/180 sec