Pu'er Tea

History and Cultural Background
“Pu'er tea originates from Yunnan Province, China, and is named after the ancient town of Pu'er. With a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, it is known as a treasured product of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Pu'er tea's unique post-fermentation process and characteristic of ‘improving with age’ make it a jewel of tea culture and a distinct presence in the global tea world.”
Origin and Growing Conditions
“Pu'er tea is cultivated from large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, particularly from ancient arbor-type tea trees in old tea gardens. Yunnan’s high-altitude location, favorable climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for high-quality Pu'er tea. Many tea leaves are harvested from century-old or even millennia-old trees, making their natural and primitive flavors especially precious.”
Unique Craftsmanship
“Pu'er tea is divided into two main types: raw tea and ripe tea:
- Raw tea: Made from sun-dried tea leaves, it undergoes long-term natural aging, preserving the tea's original fragrance and refreshing taste.
- Ripe tea: Processed through artificial pile fermentation, it becomes smoother and more mellow, suitable for immediate consumption. The core charm of Pu'er tea lies in its ‘vitality,’ as its aroma, taste, and liquor color evolve richly over time.”
Flavor and Characteristics
“Pu'er tea offers profound flavors and rich complexity:
- Raw tea: Fresh and robust, with a slight astringency, noticeable sweetness, and herbal and floral notes.
- Ripe tea: Thick and mellow, with a smooth, sweet taste and aromas of wood, aged earth, and honey. Pu'er tea’s unique ability to age and develop adds to its unforgettable allure.”
Health Benefits
“Thanks to its unique fermentation process, Pu'er tea contains abundant probiotics and polyphenols, offering numerous health benefits:
- Helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar, aids digestion.
- Antioxidant properties to boost immunity.
- Warms the stomach and alleviates heaviness. Known as ‘drinkable antiques,’ Pu'er tea is both a healthy beverage and a refined choice for savoring life.”
Culture and Ritual
“Pu'er tea is a vital part of Chinese tea culture, often associated with the philosophy of ‘tea as meditation.’ Whether enjoying the freshness of raw tea or the smoothness of ripe tea, every cup of Pu'er tea serves as a bridge for dialogue between humans, nature, and time.”
Brewing Instructions
“To savor the essence of Pu'er tea:
1. Use 5-8 grams of tea leaves.
2. Brew with boiling water (95-100°C).
3. Rinse the tea leaves with hot water before the first brew to remove impurities and awaken the tea.
4. Steep the first infusion for 10-15 seconds, gradually increasing steeping time for subsequent brews. Pu'er tea is suitable for multiple infusions, each revealing a new depth of flavor.”