Puerh Tea

What is Puer Tea?

You’ve probably heard of the true teas such as green, white and oolong teas that are made from the Camellia sinensis plant, but you may not have heard of pu-erh tea. Pu’er tea or pu-erh tea, known as “black tea” in the Far East part of the world, is a variety of fermented tea produced in the Yunnan and is named after the market town (now Pu’er City) in which it was first developed. Puer tea is made from the broad leaf variety (camellia sinensis var. assamica) of the tea plant camellia sinensis which are ancient trees with mature leaves that are said to be between 500 and 1000 years old. These trees are usually grown the Southwest region of Yunnan China, believed to be the birthplace of tea. Over 1200 years ago, the people of the area began cultivating “tea gardens,” open areas, mostly in the high mountains, where tea trees are grown, coexisting with the native plants and ecology. Although they can be harvested year-round, the opportune time to harvest is in mid-spring. Various conditions and environmental factors can impact the flavor profile of puer, resulting in a rich experience for the tea drinker’s palate of this bold tea that can be smooth, fruity, peaty, grassy, musky, herbal and earthy.

While most teas, by and large, are best consumed soon after production to retain both their flavor and antioxidant value, Puer can be aged and refined like wine. It is post-fermented, which means that the tea leaves go through a microbial fermentation process after they have been dried and rolled, causing the leaves to darken and change in flavor. This process allows the teas to not only improve with age like a fine wine, but many pu-erhs are able to retain their freshness for up to fifty years!  Depending on the conditions and environment of aging, the taste can transform through various stages of being fruity, nutty, grassy, herbal and earthy.

Pu-erh tea, a prestigious and traditional Chinese tea, originates from the lush and mountainous Yunnan Province in southwestern China. Renowned for its unique fermentation process and remarkable aging potential, Pu-erh tea is not only a beverage but also a cultural and historical artifact. Yunnan’s diverse climates, rich soils, and ancient tea trees provide an ideal environment for cultivating this exceptional tea.

Historical and Cultural Background

Pu-erh tea’s history dates back over a thousand years to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). Initially, it was consumed by locals and later became a valuable trade commodity along the ancient Tea Horse Road, which connected China to Tibet, India, and beyond. This trade route was crucial in spreading Pu-erh tea’s popularity across Asia.

Named after Pu’er County, a key trading hub where teas from various regions were collected and distributed, Pu-erh tea has significant cultural importance. In Yunnan, it is a staple of social gatherings, traditional ceremonies, and daily life, symbolizing hospitality, respect, and tradition.

Unique Production Process

The production of Pu-erh tea involves several intricate steps that significantly influence its flavor and quality. These steps include:

1. Harvesting: Leaves are picked from ancient tea trees, some of which are hundreds or even thousands of years old. These trees, native to the subtropical forests of Yunnan, contribute to the distinctive characteristics of Pu-erh tea.
2. Withering: Freshly picked leaves are spread out to wither, reducing their moisture content and preparing them for further processing.
3. Kill-Green (Shaqing): Leaves are pan-fired to halt the natural oxidation process, preserving their green color and fresh flavors.
4. Rolling: The withered leaves are rolled to break down cell walls, releasing essential oils and initiating the fermentation process.
5. Fermentation:
   • Sheng (Raw) Pu-erh: Leaves undergo natural fermentation over time. This aging process can last from a few years to several decades, gradually developing complex and rich flavors.
   • Shou (Ripe) Pu-erh: To accelerate fermentation, a controlled process similar to composting is used. This involves piling the leaves, adding moisture, and turning them regularly. The result is a darker, richer tea that can be enjoyed sooner than sheng Pu-erh.
6. Drying: The fermented leaves are sun-dried or oven-dried to reduce moisture content and halt further fermentation.
7. Pressing: The dried leaves are often compressed into various shapes, such as cakes (bing), bricks (zhuan), and nests (tuo), which makes them easier to store and transport.
8. Aging: Proper storage is crucial for aging Pu-erh tea. It should be kept in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Over time, the tea continues to mature, developing deeper and more intricate flavors.

Types of Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh tea is broadly classified into two categories:

• Sheng (Raw) Pu-erh: Known for its fresh, astringent taste when young, sheng Pu-erh mellows with age, acquiring a richer, smoother profile. It often has a lighter color and can range from sweet and floral to vegetal and earthy, depending on its age.
• Shou (Ripe) Pu-erh: This type has a rich, dark color and a smooth, earthy flavor from the start, thanks to the accelerated fermentation process. It is often described as having notes of chocolate, wood, and dried fruits.

Health Benefits

Pu-erh tea is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, including:

• Digestive Aid: The fermentation process creates probiotics and enzymes that can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.
• Weight Management: Some studies suggest that Pu-erh tea can help reduce body fat and assist in weight management.
• Heart Health: Regular consumption of Pu-erh tea is associated with lower cholesterol levels and improved cardiovascular health.
• Antioxidant Properties: The tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Aging and Storage

One of the most distinctive aspects of Pu-erh te a is its ability to age well. Proper storage is essential for the aging process, which can enhance the tea’s flavor and complexity. Ideal conditions for storing Pu-erh tea include:

• Temperature: A consistent, cool environment.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity levels to prevent mold growth while allowing slow fermentation.
• Air Circulation: Good ventilation to avoid stale air and odors.

Cultural Significance

In Yunnan, Pu-erh tea is more than just a beverage; it is an integral part of local culture and heritage. Tea-making and tea-drinking practices are passed down through generations, reflecting the region’s rich history and traditions. Pu-erh tea ceremonies are common, emphasizing the social and ceremonial importance of tea in Chinese culture.

History of Puer Tea

Puer tea has a recorded history of more than 1,700 years. Trade in Pu-erh tea began in the Tang Dynasty, became famous during the Ming Dynasty and was popularized in the Qing Dynasty. As the fame of the tea spread through trade and traveling merchants, its popularity increased in neighboring regions as well as distant kingdoms. Puer was transported by mules and horses in long caravans along established routes that became known as the Tea Horse Roads. By the end of the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) and early part of the Qing dynasty (1644 to 1911) the production and export of Puer tea had reached a historical peak. Cakes and bricks from the Six Famous Tea Mountains of Xishuangbanna and Simao were being transported throughout China, Japan, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and on to the west along common trade routes.

More about The History of Puer Tea

Puer Tea Today

After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, renewed efforts were made to revive Puer tea production by exploring new areas for tea cultivation, opening new factories, and establishing special tea-research institutes. Today, pu-erh continues to be regarded as a highly prized commodity. Even in modern society, a well preserved pu-erh still maintains its value and remains a household treat.

Puer Tea Plantation Areas in Yunnan

Yunnan, renowned for their climates and environments, which not only provide excellent growing conditions for Puer tea, but also produce unique taste profiles in the produced Puer tea. Pu’er tea is produced in almost every county and prefecture in the province. The best known Puer tea areas are the Six Famous Tea Mountains, a group of mountains in Xishuangbanna. Many other areas of Yunnan also produce Puer tea. Yunnan prefectures that are major producers of Puer tea include Lincang, Dehong, Simao, Xishuangbanna, and Wenshan. Region is one factor in assessing a Puer tea, and Puer from any region of Yunnan is as prized as any from the Six Famous Tea Mountains if it meets other criteria, such as being wild growth, hand-processed tea.

More about Tea plantations in Yunnan

Processing Methods of Puer Tea

What separates pu-erh from the other tea types is its processing–it’s not important which tea plant cultivar produces the leaves. Puer tea is typically made through the following steps:

• Green/raw 熟普: sun fixation杀青 – rolling 揉捻 – sun drying 晒干
• Dark/ripe 熟普: sun fixation 杀青 – rolling 揉捻 – Wo Dui (piling) 渥堆 -sun drying 晒干
• Aging: green and dark pu-erh can be compressed/shaped into cakes and aged. Both sheng and ripe pu’er can be shaped into cakes or bricks and aged with time.

More about Aged Pu-erh Tea

Varieties of Puer Tea

Varieties of Puer tea can be defined accoding to the processing methods, shapes of finished products, storages, nature of the tea plantations and types of the tee trees. Often Puer teas are referred to as aged teas. This is because, unlike white tea, green tea, black tea, and most oolong teas, which are highly perishable and have a short shelf life, well-made puer teas may be stored and aged for years of enjoyment.

Puer Tea Varieties by Processing Methods

Depending on the way Puer tea was processed, it can be divided into two types: raw Puer tea and ripe Puer tea. Both Ripe Pu-erh and Raw Pu-erh teas are made from a sun-dried tea called Saiqing Mao Cha. After fermentation and roasting, pu-erh tea is aged, often for many years, resulting in its dark color and bold, mellow flavor.

• Raw (sheng) Puer Tea: Raw Pu-erh is made from non-fermented green tea leaves that were picked, quickly roasted, sun-dried and then steamed to be compressed into round disks called cakes. After which the cakes are aged until the tea’s taste is properly transformed.
• Ripe (shou) Puer Tea:  Ripe Pu-erh  is made from black tea – the one that is fermented. At first, shou pu-erh goes through the exact same steps as the sheng pu-erh. However, at the stage of producing the cakes it undergoes a procedure called ‘wet piling’.

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Puer Tea Varieties by Shapes

Puer tea is compressed into a variety of shapes as follows. In recent years,  it is also compressed into the hollow centers of bamboo stems or packed and bound into a ball inside the peel of various citrus fruits.

How to Drink Puer Tea?

Besides the tea wears and quality of water, Puer tea brewing tricks can also effect the taste of the tea. Moreover, brewing it correctly can aid in enjoyment. First, you’ve got to get some leaves–using a knife or pick, break some leaves off of the cake as gently as possible, preferably from the side. The fewer broken leaves, the better the tea will taste. Traditional Chinese Gong Fu (to be described in a future post) preparation is ideal for Pu-erh, meaning that the tea leaves are only immersed in hot water for a short time before the tea is poured into another container. The best Pu-erh teas can be steeped up to 10-12 times before beginning to lose their flavor.

More about How to Drink Puer Tea

Where to Buy Puer Tea in Yunnan?

Tea Markets in Yunnan are thriving due to the booming development of Puer tea. If you plan to buy Puer tea in Yunnan, and wanna have a wide choice of tea products, tea markets in Yunnan are your good choices. According to the tea production areas, Kunming, Pu’er, Lincang and Xishuangbanna have the most concentrated tea trading centers, such as Kangle Wholesale Tea Market, Yunnan Jinshi Wholesale Tea Market, Yunnan Puer Tea Trading Center  and Menghai Tea Market , etc.

Read More

• Tea Markets in Yunnan
• Where to Buy Puer Tea in Yunnan

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