FAQs

General Information
Who is Antrilea?

Antrilea is a premium Pu-erh tea brand with over 20 years of tea-making heritage. The brand remains committed to hand-harvesting spring tea leaves from centuries-old tea trees grown in the high mountains of Yunnan, China. Each batch is traditionally handcrafted to preserve the authenticity and depth of flavor. In 2023, Antrilea achieved B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment not only to profit but also to social value and sustainable development.

Where is Antrilea?

Our tea originates from the core Pu-erh regions of Yunnan, including Bulang Mountain, Banzhang, and Mengsong in Xishuangbanna. We manage over 4,300 mu (approximately 285 hectares) of ancient tea gardens at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,100 meters. The tea trees, aged between 100 to 300 years, have withstood the test of time and continue to thrive. Their resilience infuses each tea leaf with strength, complexity, and character.

What does Antrilea’s B Corp certification (No. 50 in China/No.1 in Yunnan/No.1 in the tea industry) mean?

B Corp is a global certification for businesses that balance profit with purpose. It was started by a U.S. nonprofit called B Lab in 2006, and uses a tool called the B Impact Assessment (BIA) to evaluate how a company treats the environment, employees, community, customers, and how it’s governed.Being certified means Antrilea meets high standards for transparency, social responsibility, and sustainability. We’re proud to be the 50th company in China to receive this recognition.

Tea & Food safety
What is Raw Pu-erh?

Raw Pu-erh is made from large-leaf tea varieties grown in Yunnan. The fresh leaves undergo processes such as pan-firing (kill-green), rolling, shaping, and sun-drying to produce what’s known as “Maocha” (rough tea). This Maocha is then pressed into various shapes like cakes, bricks, tuo (nest), pearls, or squares. As a non-fermented tea, raw Pu-erh retains a fresh, astringent character that ages and transforms over time.

What is Ripe Pu-erh?

Ripe Pu-erh is a type of post-fermented tea made from large-leaf tea varieties native to Yunnan, China. It undergoes a special process known as "wet piling" and fermentation, which transforms the tea's character over time. The resulting tea has a reddish-brown liquor, a smooth, mellow taste, and distinct aromas such as aged notes, jujube fragrance, and a natural sweetness.

What’s the difference between raw and ripe Pu-erh tea?

The main difference lies in the process, taste, and tea nature:

  Process: Raw Pu-erh (Sheng Cha) goes through basic steps like pan-firing, rolling, and sun-drying. Ripe Pu-erh (Shou Cha) adds one extra step—wet piling fermentation, which gives it a darker color and mellower taste.
  Taste: Raw Pu-erh has more floral and honey-like notes, while ripe Pu-erh leans towards earthy, mellow, and slightly sweet flavors like aged wood or sticky rice.
  Tea nature: Raw Pu-erh is unfermented and more cooling—great if you tend to feel overheated or have a "hot" body type. Ripe Pu-erh is fermented and warming, making it better for those with cold hands, weak digestion, or sensitive stomachs.

You can choose based on your body type or flavor preferences—there’s a perfect Pu-erh for everyone!

How should I drink raw and ripe Pu-erh tea?

Raw Pu-erh: Best enjoyed after meals—it helps cut through grease and supports digestion. Just try not to drink it cold, as it can be a bit harsh on the stomach.

Ripe Pu-erh: Great first thing in the morning or after eating. It’s super flexible—you can drink it hot, let it cool down, or even add a few ice cubes if that’s your style.

How should I store my tea?

Pu-erh tea, especially ripe Pu-erh, continues to evolve over time. To preserve its quality—and even enhance its flavor with age—store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, strong odors, and excess humidity. Avoid sealed plastic containers that trap moisture; instead, use breathable materials like paper wrappers, clay jars, or unglazed ceramic containers. Proper storage allows Pu-erh to develop richer aromas and a smoother taste over time, making it a tea that truly gets better with age.

Why does Antrilea only use spring tea?

Spring tea is the best of the year—it’s picked after a whole winter of rest, so the tea leaves are full of nutrients. The flavor is richer, the aroma more vibrant, and it has better aging potential. Plus, spring tea only makes up about 30% of the annual harvest, making it both rare and valuable. That’s why at Antrilea, we only use spring tea—we believe it’s the purest and most powerful expression of Pu-erh.

How can I tell if my Pu-erh tea is made from spring leaves?

Just remember: Look, Taste, and Touch.

  Look: Check the dry leaves before brewing—spring tea usually has thick, glossy leaves with plenty of fine fuzz.
  Taste: When brewed, spring tea has a fresh, full aroma (often floral) and tastes smooth, rich, and satisfying.
  Touch: After drinking, feel the brewed leaves—spring leaves are soft, thick, and bounce back when gently pressed.

If your tea fits these signs, chances are, you’ve got yourself some real spring Pu-erh.

Ordering and Payment
Shipping & Delivery
Returns and Refunds
What is your return policy?

We want you to love your tea, but if something goes wrong, we’re here to help.
We accept returns or refunds only if there’s a valid issue, like quality problems (e.g., mold, spoilage) or shipping damage (e.g., broken glassware, torn packaging).
Please note: Taste preference is not a valid reason for return, as tea flavor is subjective.
If you have a problem, contact us within 7 days of receiving your order.

What if I received a wrong, defective, or damaged item?

If your order arrives damaged or you received the wrong item, we’re really sorry! Please email us at support@antrilea.com with your order number and clear photos of the issue.
We’ll assess the situation and either send a replacement or issue a refund. If the product is clearly unusable, you won’t need to return it—we’ll handle it on our end.

Can I return tea if I just changed my mind?

Unfortunately, we don’t accept returns for opened tea products unless there’s a quality issue.
We also can’t accept returns if more than 7 days have passed since delivery, or if the item is marked as “non-returnable” (usually for promotions or limited editions).

How can I return items?

First, reach out to us at support@antrilea.com with your order number, reason for return, and photos if applicable.
If we confirm it’s an issue on our end, and the product can’t be used, you won’t need to send it back.
If a return is needed and the product is still in good condition, we’ll provide return instructions—no restocking fee required.

Who pays for return shipping?

If it’s our fault (wrong item, quality issue, shipping damage), we’ll cover the return shipping cost.
If it’s a customer issue (like ordering the wrong item or changing your mind), you’ll need to cover the return shipping cost.

How long does it take to process a return or refund?

Once we receive your return—or confirm that a return isn’t needed—we’ll process your refund within 7 business days.
Refunds will be sent back to your original payment method. No delays, no store credit traps.

Support and Advice
How can I contact customer service?

Feel free to contact our customer service team via email at support@antrilea.com. We aim to respond within 24 to 48 hours.