[massive snippage]

[Michael me]
>> Also, those cakes made from one single certified ancient tree -- please
>> don't run out to try to find one -- would most likely maintain their
>> quality each year, regardless of how the mixed leaf cakes fluxuate, would
>> it not?

[Mike P]
> Cakes made from "Truly" ancient trees are a bit of an exception; for one
> thing they are quite rare and very seldom make their way into public
> distribution. Chinese aristocrats get the bulk of them. When found they
> are generally VERY expensive. They will always be a good investment as
> the true aficionados will always treasure them even if the mass-market
> bubble was to burst. I am not sure that "every" ancient tree yields good
> leaf, but I have not heard of any that don't. Be very wary though as the
> terms "ancient" and "wild" are buzz words used extensively for marketing
> purposes and are often only partially true or not true at all. Many
> supposedly "wild" cakes only have 10% or less truly wild leaf in them and
> are blend with leaf from other cultivated trees. Don't expect to get an
> authentic 100% "wild" or "ancient tree" cake for $20 or less....

[me again]
Did you say, "$20 or less..."? Hehehehe. Hahahahahah.
ROTFL. Somebody pick me up. 20:20. M