Pu-erh Tea

What Is Pu-erh Tea?

Pu-erh tea, like all true teas, is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis); its 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.

It has two main types: naturally slowly aged “raw” (sheng) pu-erh, and “ripe” (shou) pu-erh produced with accelerated fermentation. It is usually sold compressed into disks or cakes; its taste is earthy, smooth and deep, and good examples become more valuable as they age.

Nutritional Value of Pu-erh Tea

Plain brewed pu-erh tea is almost calorie-free as a drink; it mainly contains caffeine and natural plant compounds found in tea. Unless sugar or milk is added, its contribution to a meal's calories is negligible.

How Should Pu-erh Tea Be Considered?

Since pu-erh contains caffeine, caffeine-sensitive people and evening consumption may warrant caution. As part of a balanced fluid intake, it is a drink consumed for taste and enjoyment.

This information is general; pu-erh tea is a drink, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Pu-erh Tea?

Good pu-erh consists of leaves/disks that are clean, without a moldy-damp smell (not to be confused with its earthy taste), and properly compressed. The choice between raw or ripe is made according to taste.

• Leaves/disk should be clean
• There should be no moldy-damp smell
• Should be chosen according to raw/ripe preference

How to Store Pu-erh Tea?

Pu-erh is stored not in an airtight container but rather in a breathable (but odorless and moisture-free) environment; this allows it to age. It is kept away from strongly-scented products, in a cool and stable place.

Using Pu-erh Tea in Brewing

Pu-erh is brewed with hot water and drunk; a piece is broken off from the compressed disk for use. It is usually given a brief “rinse” brew first, which is discarded, then the same leaves are brewed several more times to extract different layers of flavor.

How Is Pu-erh Brewed?

A piece of pu-erh is briefly rinsed with hot water and this first water is discarded; then it is brewed repeatedly for short periods with water close to boiling point. Each brew reveals a different side of the tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is pu-erh aged?

Especially raw pu-erh matures slowly over time, softening and deepening in taste; this is why some of its varieties, much like certain wines, are considered more valuable as they age.

What does pu-erh tea taste like?

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

Are pu-erh and black tea the same?

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