Pu-erh Tea

What Is Pu-erh Tea?

Like all true teas, pu-erh tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis); the difference is that it undergoes a microbial fermentation (aging) process after production. It takes its name from the city of Pu’er in China’s Yunnan region.

There are two main types: “raw” (sheng) pu-erh, which ages slowly on its own, and “ripe” (shou) pu-erh, made through accelerated fermentation. It is usually sold in compressed discs or blocks; its flavor is earthy, mellow, and deep, and good examples become more valuable as they age.

Pu-erh Tea Nutrition

Plain brewed pu-erh tea is nearly calorie-free as a beverage; it contains primarily caffeine and natural plant compounds found in tea. Unless sugar or milk is added, its calorie contribution to a meal is negligible.

How to Enjoy Pu-erh Tea

Because pu-erh contains caffeine, people who are sensitive to caffeine and those drinking it in the evening may want to be mindful of their intake. It is a beverage enjoyed for its flavor and as part of balanced fluid intake.

This information is general; pu-erh tea is a beverage, not a medical treatment.

How to Choose Pu-erh Tea

Good pu-erh has clean leaves or a clean disc, no musty or damp smell (earthy flavor should not be confused with a moldy smell), and is compressed evenly. Choose raw or ripe pu-erh according to your taste.

• Leaves or discs should be clean
• There should be no moldy or damp smell
• Choose raw or ripe according to preference

How to Store Pu-erh Tea

Rather than in a completely airtight container, store pu-erh in a breathable environment that is free of odors and moisture; this allows it to age. Keep it in a cool, stable place away from strongly scented products.

How to Brew Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh is brewed with hot water; break off a piece from the compressed disc for use. It is often given a brief “rinsing” infusion that is poured off first, after which the same leaves are steeped several more times to reveal different layers of flavor.

How to Brew Pu-erh

Briefly rinse a piece of pu-erh with hot water and pour off this first water; then steep it repeatedly for short periods in water close to boiling. Each infusion brings out a different aspect of the tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is pu-erh aged?

Raw pu-erh in particular matures slowly over time, becoming smoother and deeper in flavor; for this reason, some varieties are considered more valuable as they age, much like some wines.

What does pu-erh tea taste like?

It has an earthy, mellow, deep flavor; ripe pu-erh may be darker and rounder, while raw pu-erh can be livelier and sharper.

Is pu-erh the same as black tea?

Both come from the same tea plant but are processed differently; unlike black tea, pu-erh is aged through microbial fermentation.