What is Puerh Tea? A cup of tea that has been refined over time.

Pu'er is a unique Chinese tea known for its complex flavor and rich history and culture. Originating from Yunnan Province, Pu'er Tea is made from tea leaves of large-leafed tea trees through a specific fermentation and storage process. Its unique fermentation and aging process makes Pu'er tea unique in the tea world, and is known as a "drinkable antique".

What is Puerh Tea? Illustration of a cup of aged tea that has been refined over time
(Image source: Internet, deleted)

Origin and History of Pu'er Tea

Pu'er tea, originating from China's Yunnan Province, is a type of tea made from Yunnan's large-leaf sun-blue tea as raw material through a specific processing technique.8 Its history can be traced back more than 3,000 years, as early as during the time of King Wu's campaign against the Zhou Emperor, the Pu people, Yunnan's tea-growing ancestors, had already begun to offer tea. The name Pu'er tea did not appear until the Ming Dynasty, but before that, it had already existed in various forms in the lives of various ethnic groups in Yunnan.

Classification of Puerh Tea

Puerh tea is divided into two main categories: raw tea and ripe tea. Raw tea is Puerh tea that has not been artificially fermented, while ripe tea is tea that has been artificially fermented. Raw tea is highly active, with a bright tea broth and a fresher taste; ripe tea is reddish and thick, with a mellow flavor and a significant aged aroma.

  1. raw tea: Unwarmed and unfermented, after a long period of natural aging, its flavor and texture will become more complex with time. Raw tea is suitable for long time storage, the longer the year, the higher the value.
  2. mature tea: Tea leaves are aged faster through artificial fermentation treatment, shortening the time needed for natural aging. Ripe teas usually have a soft taste with a unique aroma of aged and ripe fruits.

Production process of Pu'er tea

What is Puerh Tea? A cup of aged tea refined by timeIllustration 1
(Image source: Internet, deleted)

The production process of Pu-erh tea includes the steps of plucking, withering, kneading, drying, and steaming and molding. The main difference between raw and ripe tea is the fermentation process:

  • raw teaAfter picking the fresh leaves, the tea is made into gross tea through the steps of killing, twisting and sun-drying, and then it is steamed and pressed into cakes for long-term storage and aging.
  • mature tea: After being dried in the sun, gross tea is fermented through the Ottoman fermentation process, which accelerates the oxidation and fermentation of the tea leaves, and then steamed and pressed into shape.

Effects of Pu'er Tea

  1. promote digestion: Tea polyphenols and caffeine in Pu-erh tea can promote gastric secretion and aid digestion, helping to reduce indigestion and flatulence.
  2. lose weight by lowering fat: Studies have shown that pu-erh tea helps reduce blood fats and body weight. The tea polyphenols in the tea can help break down fats and reduce the accumulation of fat in the body.
  3. antioxidant: Pu-erh tea is rich in antioxidants, which can neutralize free radicals in the body, slow down aging and protect cells from damage.
  4. antibacterial and anti-inflammatory: Pu-erh tea has some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent some common infections and inflammations.

Precautions for Drinking Pu'er Tea

What is Puerh Tea? A cup of aged tea refined by timeIllustration 2
(Image source: Internet, deleted)
  1. drink in moderation: Pu-erh tea contains caffeine, excessive consumption may lead to insomnia, heart palpitations and other symptoms.
  2. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach: Drinking tea on an empty stomach may irritate the gastric mucosa and cause discomfort, so it is recommended to drink it after meals.
  3. Use with caution for specific groups: Pregnant women, children and people with weak gastrointestinal function should be cautious of drinking Pu-erh tea to avoid discomfort.

concluding remarks

Pu-erh tea is not only a delicious drink, but also a cultural symbol. Its production process, historical background and health benefits make it an important part of the tea world. Whether it is the freshness of raw tea or the mellowness of ripe tea, every Puerh tea has its unique charm. If you haven't tried Pu-erh tea yet, why not brew yourself a cup and feel the aged flavor of this tea that has been refined over time?

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