Classification and Origin
Category: Not a 唛号 recipe, but a format (形制) and export line tied to a specific purpose and manufacturer; in catalogues, it is listed as a historical-market phenomenon rather than a "numbered" benchmark.
Yunnan large-leaf variety (云南大叶种 Yúnnán dàyèzhŏng) — the large-leaf subspecies of the tea plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica.
Origin: Xiaguan (下关), a historic tea hub in the south of Yunnan Province, in the Dali (大理) city area.
Type: Shu pu-erh (熟普), fermented pu-erh in tuo form.
Botany and Raw Material
The base raw material for Yunnan pu-erh — the large-leaf subspecies of the tea plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica, the Yunnan large-leaf variety (云南大叶种 Yúnnán dàyèzhŏng). The leaf of this subspecies is rich in extractive substances and polyphenols, which gives pu-erh its dense, "thick" infusion and good potential for wet fermentation.
Historically, the tuo form primarily used material of medium tenderness grade — not the highest tips grade, but also not coarse: a compromise between the aromatics of buds, the density of the infusion, and pressing stability. This "mid-level" tenderness of the raw material is one of the reasons why Xiāofǎ tuó is perceived as a solid everyday shu of the mid-range segment, rather than a premium "palace" (宫廷) category.
Brewing
One or two short rinses to "awaken" the pressed fragment and wash away fermentation dust.
Near 100 °C — shu pu-erh appreciates boiling water.
The first ones are short (a few seconds), followed by a gradual increase in steeping time.
Teaware: A gaiwan or dense clay; clay further smooths out earthy tones.
Price and Authenticity
Xiāofǎ tuó is a tuo, not a beeng (饼), and it is identified primarily by shape and Xiaguan origin, not by 唛号.
Different factory, different format (砖 vs. 沱).
Xiāofǎ tuó is made from medium-tenderness material and belongs to the mid-range segment, whereas gōngtíng is the highest tenderness grade (buds/most tender leaf).
This is a by-product of 渥堆 — self-agglomerated lumps, not a shaped tuo.