Puer tea is one of the oldest and most interesting teas produced in the Yunnan province of China, which is known for its unique fermentation process and unique rich earthy taste. What is unique about Puer tea is that it goes through an aging process unlike other teas which makes it possible for the tea to acquire complex flavors with time. If you’re a Puer Tea aficionado, or a beginner, appreciation of Puer tea’s attributes would enable you to grasp its essence better.
What is Puer Tea?
What makes puer tea unique is that it has gone through fermentation and aging unlike other teas such as Puer tea which is from the Camellia sinensis plant. While black or green tea is made through whole oxidation or less processing respectively, Puer tea remains partially fermented. For that Matters, the taste of Puer tea is defined as earthy, woody, and sometimes, leathery.
Sheng Puer and Shou Puer are the two major types of Puer tea. Naturally fermented and aged leaves are used to produce Sheng Puer. This tea matures faster than regular tea, allowing it to achieve a smoother, richer taste. Shou Puer, on the other hand, has a forced fermentation process that allows the tea to attain a richer flavor.
The Process of Making Puer Tea
Puer tea is made through a long process of skill and craftsmanship. Once the tea leaves are plucked, certain processes take place, such as withering and rolling, and drying. These tea leaves then go through a fermentation process, with the percentage of oxidation determining the taste of the tea. Sheng Puer is normally left to ferment slowly in the fields, sometimes for years or decades, while Shou Puer is quick fermented using controlled methods.
This part of the process in particular is what sets Puer tea apart from others in the market. It allows the tea to enhance the diversity of flavors, minimize bitterness, and wellness benefits with growing age.
Health Benefits of Puer Tea
Puer tea is not only enjoyed because of its unusual flavor, but more so because of its health attributes. Boffins consider it to be an ‘ideal Chinese tea’ as it contains powerful antioxidants that help with digestion, enhance metabolism, and provide benefits to the heart. Some of the tea drinkers also use Puer for weight management as it regulates cholesterol.
On top of that, Puer tea has been regarded highly for its detoxification properties. As it mildly damages the brain, Edgar Puer regularly takes tea to decrease stress and enhance mental focus. Unlike coffee, which usually comes with jittery effects, Puer gives a gentle, smooth, and even energy sensation that lasts for 24 hours.
How to Prepare Puer Tea
The artistry of making Puer tea is dependent on a few parameters such as the temperature of the water and the time the tea is steeped. When preparing Sheng Puer, water from the kettle that is cooler than boiling, about 85-90 degrees Celsius (185-194 degrees Fahrenheit), is preferred. Shou Puer is tolerant of very hot water.
It is common practice for one to first rinse the leaves in boiling water briefly before infusing them as a means of cleaning them. For stepped tea leaves where the first infusion is softer in taste, waiting for around 30 seconds is appropriate. The steeping time should however be increased with every following brew. Puer tea can actually be enjoyed on several occasions with each spell of brewing offering something new in terms of flavor.
Why Purchase Our Puer Tea?
I am pleased to note that all our Puer teas come from the best Yunnan tea farms where we are able to procure both raw as well as ripe Puer and others depending on what the customer’s desires are. Our batches are manufactured in a manner that is consistent with internationally accepted standards while maintaining the authenticity of the products. So be it a strong aged Sheng or a rich and robust Shou you can get the best Puer tea which embodies the beauty of the entire tradition of Chinese tea.
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