At Tuxiui, sourcing begins with a simple principle: understand where a product comes from, how it is made, and why it is worth drinking or using.
We focus on Chinese loose-leaf tea and traditional teaware with identifiable origins, careful craftsmanship, and a clear connection to the traditions of Chinese tea.
How We Source Tea
We seek out teas from established tea-growing regions across China and work with farmers, producers, and trusted tea specialists who understand their local terroir, cultivars, harvests, and processing methods.
Whenever possible, we source tea directly from farmers and producers. In other cases, we work with trusted regional partners who can provide reliable information about the tea’s origin and production.
We look beyond appearance or price alone. Before selecting a tea, we consider its origin, cultivar, harvest season, processing method, aroma, flavor, body, balance, and how it performs across multiple infusions.
What We Look for in Tea
We look for teas with character, clarity, and a strong sense of origin.
Depending on the tea, this may include floral aromatics, mineral structure, sweetness, depth, freshness, aging potential, or the distinctive qualities associated with a particular cultivar or region.
Our goal is not to make every tea taste the same. It is to select teas that express what makes their style, origin, and craftsmanship distinctive.
Origin and Transparency
We believe customers should be able to understand what they are buying.
Whenever information is available, we aim to provide details such as tea type, origin, cultivar, harvest year, harvest season, processing method, roast or oxidation level, flavor profile, and recommended brewing approach.
We continue to improve this information as we build closer relationships with producers and learn more about each tea we offer.
How We Select Teaware
Our sourcing approach also extends to traditional Chinese teaware.
We select gaiwan, teapots, teacups, and tea accessories based on material, capacity, craftsmanship, usability, and suitability for different styles of tea and Gongfu brewing.
We pay particular attention to how a piece feels in the hand, how it pours, how easy it is to use, and whether its design supports the way tea is actually brewed and enjoyed.
Working with Producers and Makers
We value long-term relationships with farmers, tea producers, workshops, and makers who care about their craft.
These relationships help us better understand the products we offer and allow us to share clearer information about origin, production, materials, and use.
Our Sourcing Philosophy
For us, sourcing is not about finding the largest number of products. It is about selecting products that we can understand, explain, and confidently offer to our customers.
We believe better information leads to better choices, better brewing, and a deeper appreciation of Chinese tea and teaware.
Careful sourcing, clear information, and products chosen for how they are actually enjoyed.