Pu erh Tea

What is Pu erh Tea?

Pu erh tea, pronounced “Poo-air” and hailing from Yunnan Province in China, is a special type of black tea that sets itself apart for its unique processing. Originating in the city of Pu’erh – known as one of the primary production areas – this variety’s leaves are carefully compressed to bring out their natural flavours that sweeten with time over maturation.

Loose Leaf Pu erh Tea is known for its enhanced flavour and value. Rather than being disbursed as leaves, it sometimes comes in the form of a Tea Brick or Pu erh Tea Cake so that more potent aromas can be captured before steeping.

This distinct and luxurious beverage has been compared to some of the finest bubblies, liquor and teas in the world. This comes as no surprise considering its production is highly regulated – it can only be made in eleven cities and 639 towns within Yunnan province! A 1950s-era 357g Red Chop Puerh disc fetches an astonishing price tag of over $10,000 due to its renowned complexity, depth and smoothness when tasted.

Production in Yunnan

In 2008, China began to regulate the marketing of Pu erh tea leaves to protect its unique flavour profile. This move was met with both approvals from manufacturers who now have control over production and criticism from provinces unable to manufacture it.

It is no coincidence that these restrictions only apply within Yunnan province – a region whose climate provides ideal growing conditions for this distinctive beverage known for its earthy complexity and rich aroma.

Puerh Tea, known as ‘Sheng’ and ‘Shou’, has been revered for its age-old properties. Sheng is a variety of Green Tea sought after for its unrefined qualities, while Shou is an aged Black variant that unleashes robust flavours from the fermentation process.

Sheng Pu erh has been a part of Chinese culture for centuries, while its younger counterpart Shou only emerged in the 1970s. Despite being relatively new to the market, Shou is still undoubtedly renowned as one of – if not THE – most iconic forms of Pu erh tea today.

Pu erh Tea History

Pu-erh tea has a long and varied history, with records tracing back to the Eastern Han Dynasty of over 2000 years ago. Valued for its unique flavour, this beloved beverage reached peak popularity during the Ming and Qing Dynasties when trade in it flourished across China’s Yunnan Province – setting off one of Asia’s greatest examples of tea culture.

Carrying tea between the Chinese provinces has been a longstanding tradition for centuries, with Pu-erh being one of its most popular exports.

For years, traders would come to the markets in Pu-erh County and barter goods – such as horses or mules – for this special type of tea before taking it along their routes around China.

These paths eventually became known fondly as The Tea Horse Roads: connecting many different regions through a shared love of culture and commerce!

As traders traversed the Silk Road, they sought a beverage with a superior shelf life to accompany them on their strenuous voyages. It was then that pu-erh tea came into prominence as an ideal option for extended journeys.

Not only fending off spoilage but gaining in flavour and complexity over time! Pu-erhs popularity soared further still due to its ability to aid digestion while providing nutrients at a fraction of other food costs; thus establishing it within households across parts of Asia and beyond. Indeed, this wonder brew soon became such a highly prized commodity that merchants resorted often resorting to bartering it instead of gold or currency!

Black Tea vs Pu erh Tea

Pu-erh differs from other Chinese Black Teas in two key ways: its production and the fermentation process that occurs afterwards. In contrast to Green and White teas, which are air-dried soon after picking, Pu-erh is largely left out in the open for a few days to allow for oxidation – resulting in an intensified flavour profile.

After this, the leaves are usually compressed into bricks or cakes before being aged anywhere between 6 months to several years.

During this time, further fermentation takes place as bacteria break down certain components within the tea. This allows a new set of flavours to emerge, with deep earthy tones often coming through – sometimes likened to wine!

All these factors combine to make Pu-erh Tea an incredibly unique beverage, one that has been appreciated in China and across the world for centuries.

Pu erh Tea How to Brew

Although Pu-erh is known for its earthy characteristic, this should not be mistaken for bitterness; the right brewing technique and water temperature can ensure you get all of the complex flavour notes without any harshness.

For best results, we recommend using 4g per cup (around 1 teaspoons) of loose leaf Pu-erh. Boil water to about 90°C before pouring it over your tea leaves and allowing them to steep for around 5 minutes – or longer if desired.

Finally, enjoy your brew neat or with a small amount of milk or honey to round off the taste. You’re now ready to experience one of nature’s finest gifts!

Caffeine Level

Known to contain a moderate amount of caffeine, between 40 – 80 mg per cup. This makes it an ideal beverage for those looking for a slight pick-me-up without the jitters or other side effects associated with coffee.

Tasting Notes

Renowned for its earthy, deep aroma and flavour – often likened to wine or rich dark chocolate. As it ages over time, these notes may become more complex with hints of malt, leather, smoke, nuts and even fruit emerging. Whether you’re a fan of light teas or full-

Storage Tips

Avoid direct sunlight and store your Pu erh Tea in an airtight container away from any sources of moisture or heat. The flavour profile may change as time goes on, which is all part of the pleasure of enjoying this classic beverage!

What is Pu erh Tea Good for

Pu-erh Tea is packed with beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, minerals and antioxidants. It may also aid digestion, lower cholesterol levels and even help you lose weight – although more research is needed in this area!

All these benefits make it a great choice for those looking to switch up their caffeine intake or just explore the world of teas. Learn more about Pu erh Tea Benefits on our blog.