What Makes Red Jade No. 18 Different?

Red Jade No. 18 Loose Tea
Choose Red Jade No.18, the black tea that defines Taiwan’s bold character. Known as Ruby 18, this cultivar thrives near Sun Moon Lake, where summer harvests create lively flavor. Expect ripe fruit sweetness, citrus clarity, and a mint finish that refreshes your day. With 75g vacuum-sealed packs, it preserves freshness and transforms ordinary tea moments into something memorable and energizing.
✅75g of whole-leaf Ruby 18 black tea
✅Distinct aroma: ripe fruit, citrus, and mint
✅Summer-harvested for bold body & fragrance
✅Naturally high caffeine (~30mg/g) for steady energy
✅Vacuum-sealed pack locks in freshness up to 3 years
✅Grown near Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
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What’s Inside
- 75g of whole-leaf Red Jade No.18 black tea in every pack
- Aroma profile: ripe fruit, citrus, mint
- Cultivar: Taiwan Tea No.18 (Ruby 18), officially registered in 1999
- Harvest: Summer leaves for bolder body and richer taste
- Flavor chart: Sweetness (4), Floral (3), Fruity (4), Fire (1), Thickness (2), Herbal (2), Nutty (1)
Eco-Friendly by Nature
- Loose tea packaged in recyclable, vacuum-sealed pouches
- Packaging reduces waste while locking in aroma for up to three years
- 100% natural tea - no additives, dyes, or artificial flavoring
- Sustainably grown near Sun Moon Lake, preserving both land and tradition
Shipping & Subscriptions
- Ships fresh from our Wilmington, DE location
- Free shipping available on qualifying U.S. orders
- Subscribe for automatic deliveries and save with every refill
- Carefully packaged for safe transit and long storage
Why Dong Po Tea?

A Cultivar of Distinction
Red Jade No.18 is a modern classic, officially registered in 1999 as Taiwan Tea Species No.18. It blends the genetics of Burmese Assam and wild Taiwanese tea, creating a bold black tea unlike any other. This unique heritage gives it both strength and elegance in one cup.

Grown in Sun Moon Lake Terroir
The warm, humid climate of Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan provides ideal conditions for bold black tea. Rich soil and summer harvests give the leaves natural body and fruity sweetness. This terroir produces flavors you won’t find in other black teas.

Bold Flavor, Complex Layers
Each infusion offers ripe fruit sweetness, bright citrus zest, and a cooling mint finish. Unlike heavily roasted teas, it carries a clean balance of power and freshness. This complexity makes Ruby 18 stand out among the world’s finest black teas.

Vacuum-Sealed Freshness
Every 75g pack is carefully vacuum-sealed, protecting the tea from moisture and oxidation. This method preserves its signature aroma for up to three years. You’ll enjoy every cup as if it was freshly harvested.
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Red Jade No.18, proudly known as Ruby 18, is one of Taiwan’s most celebrated black teas. First registered in 1999 as Taiwan Tea Species No.18, it combines the strength of Burmese Assam with the elegance of native Taiwanese cultivars. This unique heritage produces a cup that is bold, layered, and unlike any other black tea in the world.
A Bold, Layered Flavor Profile
Each infusion of Ruby 18 reveals ripe fruit sweetness, citrus brightness, and a cooling mint finish. Unlike malty or heavy black teas, it balances power with freshness, leaving a clean and lively aftertaste. With sweetness rated at four and fruitiness equally strong, the flavor lingers on the palate without ever feeling overwhelming.
Energy with Smoothness
With around 30mg of caffeine per gram, Red Jade delivers a stronger lift than oolong while remaining smooth on the stomach. It’s the perfect tea for mornings when you want focus or afternoons when you need steady energy. Unlike coffee, it provides alertness without harsh crashes, making it a refreshing choice for daily balance.
A Summer Harvest from Sun Moon Lake
Grown in the Sun Moon Lake region of central Taiwan, Red Jade thrives in fertile soil, warm air, and long summer days. These conditions create tea leaves with richer body and higher fragrance than cooler-season harvests. Every sip connects you to a terroir that is both distinctive and deeply tied to Taiwan’s modern tea identity.
Heritage with a Modern Twist
Ruby 18 stands as a symbol of Taiwan’s innovation in tea cultivation. By blending tradition with modern plant breeding, farmers created a cultivar that expresses both strength and refinement. Known worldwide as the “Taiwanese Scent,” it proudly represents Taiwan on the global stage, capturing attention for its bold aromas and smooth, refreshing taste.
Preserved Freshness, Pure Enjoyment
Each 75g vacuum-sealed pack protects the leaves from moisture and oxidation, keeping their fragrance intact for up to three years. This careful method ensures that when you open a bag, you experience the same lively aroma and vibrant character as the day it was packed. What remains in your cup is nothing but pure, whole-leaf black tea.
How to Brew Red Jade No.18
Brewing Red Jade No.18 brings out its bold layers of fruit, citrus, and mint. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, this tea adapts beautifully to the moment, offering refreshment and clarity with every cup.
Hot Brew (Classic Method)
For a strong yet smooth infusion, use 3g of loose tea for every 300ml of water.
Heat water to 90°C (195°F) and steep for 3 minutes.
The result is a deep amber liquor with bold sweetness, citrus brightness, and a refreshing mint finish.
Cold Brew (Refreshing Style)
For a lighter and naturally sweeter taste, try cold brewing.
Place 3g of loose tea into 350ml of cold water, then refrigerate at 4°C (40°F) for 18 hours.
This slow extraction highlights gentle fruitiness, orange blossom fragrance, and smooth mint undertones - perfect for warm days or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Exploring Ruby 18 often raises questions because it’s so different from typical black teas. Below you’ll find clear answers to help you appreciate its flavor and tradition.
How many times can I steep Red Jade No. 18?
How many times can I steep Red Jade No. 18?
Loose Ruby 18 can be brewed up to 5 or 6 times, with evolving layers of fruit, citrus, and mint. Each infusion feels different, ranging from bold sweetness to refreshing herbal finish. The leaves stay lively across multiple steeps.
Why is it called Ruby 18?
Why is it called Ruby 18?
Ruby 18, or Red Jade No.18, was registered in 1999 as Taiwan’s 18th official tea cultivar. Its leaves produce a deep red liquor, hence the “Ruby” name. It has since become internationally famous for its distinctive character.
Does Red Jade contain a lot of caffeine?
Does Red Jade contain a lot of caffeine?
Yes, Ruby 18 carries about 30mg per gram, higher than oolong but lower than coffee. It provides steady energy and focus, making it great for daytime drinking. The effect is smooth and refreshing rather than overwhelming.
What makes Ruby 18 special compared to other black teas?
What makes Ruby 18 special compared to other black teas?
Most black teas emphasize heaviness or maltiness, but Ruby 18 balances power with brightness. Its unique genetic lineage and Sun Moon Lake terroir create fruity sweetness, citrus zest, and mint coolness. This balance makes it a world-class black tea.
How is Red Jade packaged?
How is Red Jade packaged?
Each 75g portion comes in a vacuum-sealed bag, ensuring flavor and aroma stay intact. Stored properly, it stays fresh for up to three years. You’ll open each pack to find bold fragrance waiting.