Discover how ancient Chinese fermentation methods are used to make the rare and unusual Pu-erh tea. This guide walks you through Pu-erh tea, explaining its history, health benefits and difference in taste.
What is Pu-erh Tea and Its Origin
Pu-erh tea is native to Yunnan Province, China. Pu-erh is a type of tea, differentiated by the final stage of its production, where it is post-fermented. Pu-erh is available in two general varieties: Raw Pu-erh (Sheng), naturally aged, developing a stronger, more full-bodied flavour over time; and Ripe Pu-erh (Shou), artificially fermented, developing a richer, more earthy taste immediately. Both types can reflect the depth of the tea’s past.
Health Benefits of Pu-erh Tea
- Pu-erh tea is prized not only for its special and strong flavor, it is good for our health as well:
- Weight loss: Pu-erh can increase fat burning and is reputed to help body weight and fat loss. Some studies of Pu-erh tea extracts also support these effects.
- Cardiovascular health: Because Pu-erh Tea has antioxidant properties, enjoyment of them regularly can help to keep down blood cholesterol and maintain heart integrity.
- Digestion: Helps to keep your gut healthy and your digestion optimal via the probiotic development created during the fermentation process.
- Regulates Blood Sugar: Pu-erh tea is helpful for diabetics as it helps to moderate blood sugar levels.
- Prevention Potential: Pu-erh tea may have anti-cancer properties, according to some studies. More research is required.
Taste Profile of Pu-erh Tea
Raw Pu-erh can have a fresh and slightly bitter taste that develops into a sweet aftertaste, while Ripe is mellow, woody and earthy. Moreover, just like wine, the older the Pu-erh, the better the taste. This is why the older Pu-erh is often more expensive.
How to improve the taste of Pu-erh Tea if I do not like it?
Indeed, Pu-erh has a rather strong flavour, not for everyone. But you can modify it for your own palate to make more to your tastes. To improve Pu-erh's flavor, consider the following tips:
- Shorten Steeping Times: This can prevent the tea from becoming overly bitter.
- Flavour accentuators: A blend of flowers or dried fruits can be added to complement and highlight the base taste of Pu-erh.
- O2H TEA Selections: Hawthorn Pu-erh and Tangerine Pu-erh are two innovative blends that bring out the polyphenols and make it taste great all at the same time!
Who would most likely be a fan of Pu-erh Tea?
- Health Enthusiasts: Those focused on natural wellness solutions may find Pu-erh's benefits appealing.
- Mature Adults: Mature consumers will appreciate the tea's potential cardiovascular and digestive health benefits.
- Connoisseurs: Pu-erh holds more appeal for those with appreciated palates who prefer their tea to be more complex and old school.
- People with Digestive Concerns: The micro-organisms (probiotics) in Pu-erh make your digestive tract happy.
Daily Consumption and Caffeine Content of Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea contains caffeine, but in moderate amounts (30-70 mg per cup), which makes it suitable for daily consumption (the crashes from drinks with high caffeine levels, such as coffee, appear to stem in part from the spike and subsequent rebound effect). Because it is calorie-free, it provides a great option for those who are calorie-conscious in their diet.
Pu-erh Tea Brewing Instructions
Proper brewing of Pu-erh tea enhances its enjoyment:
- Temperature: Ideal brewing temperature is between 95-100°C (203-212°F).
- Dosage: Use approximately 5 grams of Pu-erh tea for each 150 ml of water.
- Steeping Time: Begin with 3-4 mins. Adjust to your taste.
- Multiple Infusions: Pu-erh tea leaves remain strong enough to be steeped many times, and offer something new with each session.
Storage Recommendation for Pu-erh Tea
- Do not Expose to Direct Sunlight: Pu-erh should be stored away from the sun since sunlight will readily degrade the quality of the tea by degrading chlorophyll and damaging the vital amino acids.
- Keep Dry: Odours in the air and moisture impair Pu-erh’s favourable tea characteristics. Store Pu-erh in a dry well-ventilated area, away from bathrooms or anywhere with high moisture levels, like next to dishwashers.
- Contain Odour Perfect: Keep your Pu-erh away from any strong odours. Tea leaves have a tendency to absorb odours, and thus risk altering the natural fragrance of the tea when stored in somewhere not far from your spice rack or stove.
Pu-erh tea seems to embody history, culture and health. Whether you are a die-hard tea veteran or new to Pu-erh, there is always more to discover and learn about the different types of Pu-erh. For that, turn to O2H TEA which specialises in Pu-erh. Its subtly different selection of blends for connoisseurs of this charismatic fermented drink includes earl grey with Pu-erh tea base, hawthorn flavored Pu-erh and Tangerine Pu-erh tea blends. For a deeper dive into wellness tea, and to fill your home with surprising bittersweet floral moods.
