Rose Cha Gao

Rose, but make it delicately sweet.

Made in China for centuries, Cha Gao is a traditional form of Pu'er tea, concentrated into a small, slowly dissolving tea resin. Drop one into hot or room-temperature water and in about ninety seconds you've got up to 800ml of tea, no leaves or strainer required.

With no leaves stewing away, it won't turn bitter if you leave it in. That makes it the perfect on-the-go tea. Drop a piece in your drink bottle and take it with you.

Rose pours a glowing garnet and smells of rosewater and Turkish delight. The clever part happens when you sip. Dried rose and cocoa lead, with toasted grain and dried fruit underneath to stop it going too floral. It's velvety and medium-bodied, with a warm, fragrant finish and a soft sweetness that lingers.

Measure: One piece per 400 to 800ml of water, to taste. Only making a small cup? Take the piece out once it's brewed to the strength you'd like, and rewrap it for your next cup.
Brew Time: 90 seconds to 3 minutes, or until it's as strong as you like
Water Temperature: Room temperature to 95°C
Best Enjoyed: Any time of day, hot or room temperature.

Available as 20 pieces in a 10g tin.