Cloud tea is like life; life is learning, wisdom is cultivation.
Today, I would like to share with everyone the story behind the birth of Seven Sons Cake Tea. This name sounds very traditional in Chinese style, but its emergence was actually a matter of the 1970s.
It is said that in the early 1970s, the Yunnan Tea Import and Export Company made an important decision—changing the name of Pu-erh tea from “Round Tea” to “Cake Tea.” This change may seem like a difference of only one character, but there are deep reasons behind it. That era was a period of transformation in China’s economic system, as tea production and sales models were undergoing significant changes.
“Round Tea” was the old terminology, emphasizing the shape of the tea—round. However, the name “Cake Tea” more accurately describes the pressed form of the tea. At the same time, the word “cake” carries connotations of “completeness” and “reunion” in Chinese culture, which better aligns with Chinese aesthetic preferences. This decision to rename also reflects the cultural consciousness of the Chinese tea industry during this new era. A good name can make a product more memorable, and the name Seven Sons Cake Tea has achieved exactly this.
As for the meaning of “Seven Sons,” it refers to each unit containing seven tea cakes. Why seven cakes? The reason is very practical—convenience in transportation. In that era, tea was primarily transported by tea caravans; a weight of one unit with seven cakes was just right for mules and horses to carry. At the same time, “seven” is also an auspicious number in Chinese culture. One unit of seven cakes symbolizes abundance and prosperity, as well as reunion and perfection. This design, which perfectly combines practicality with cultural meaning, truly makes one admire the wisdom of the ancients. Furthermore, the bamboo sheath itself carries a faint bamboo fragrance, which slowly permeates the tea leaves over time, adding a unique layer of flavor to the tea.
Additionally, there is another very practical reason. The packaging method of seven cakes in one unit can effectively protect the tea cakes from damage during transportation. The bamboo sheath outer packaging provides good breathability, preventing the tea leaves from molding while also protecting against insects and dust. This seemingly simple packaging wisdom is actually the crystallization of hundreds of years of experience from our predecessors.
I find this decision to rename very interesting. A product’s name should not only accurately describe its characteristics but also consider cultural factors and market acceptance. The name Seven Sons Cake Tea has achieved both these points.
Regarding health preservation, I suggest that you pay more attention to the storage methods of Pu-erh cake tea in your daily life. A good storage environment is crucial for the aging of Pu-erh tea. The best conditions are well-ventilated and dry, avoiding direct sunlight and staying away from odors. If conditions permit, maintaining a temperature between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and humidity controlled between 60% to 70% is ideal. A good storage environment can make your Pu-erh tea “age into fragrance,” and its health preservation value will also increase accordingly. Properly stored Pu-erh tea will experience a qualitative leap in taste after ten years.
Tea has different grades, but people are not divided by status; all may enjoy it. The original intention of the design of Seven Sons Cake Tea was to make it easy for ordinary people to purchase and store. With seven cakes in one unit, each cake is not particularly expensive, making it affordable for ordinary families. This design philosophy embodies the inclusive spirit of tea.
From “Round Tea” to “Cake Tea,” a change of a single character has witnessed the modernization process of the Chinese tea industry. And since then, the name Seven Sons Cake Tea has become the most classic representative of Pu-erh tea.
Making friends through tea — please, have a cup.
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Author: Lam Sam (LamSam), the Old Tea Head
ZENTEA MANOR
Alliance Supply Chain Services Limited
www.zentea-shop.com
