Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh is a fermented, aged dark tea from Yunnan, China, made from Camellia sinensis and matured over months or years so it develops a smooth, deep, earthy character unlike any other tea. There are two styles: shou (ripe) pu-erh, fermented to be mellow and ready to drink, and sheng (raw) pu-erh, which ages more slowly. Pu-erh is traditionally enjoyed after meals — its rich, broth-like body is thought to help settle the stomach and cut through heavy food.

O2H's pu-erh range spans traditional dark tea and our signature tangerine pairings:

• Pu-erh Delight — green tangerine + Menghai pu-erh (Xiao Qing Gan); the classic citrus-and-pu-erh combination
• Pu-erh Grey — a refined, smooth dark tea; pure pu-erh character
• Hawthorn Whisper — hawthorn pu-erh; fruity-tart and warming
• Golden Digestif — chrysanthemum pu-erh; floral and soothing, a classic after-dinner pairing
• Tangerine Serenade — taster set including the tangerine pu-erh

Most are available as loose leaf or tea bags.

How to brew pu-erh tea

Pu-erh likes a hot brew: 95–100°C. Always give it a quick 5–10 second rinse first (pour the water on and tip it straight out) to wake the leaf, then steep 20–30 seconds for the first proper infusion. Pu-erh re-steeps many times — a good one easily gives 6–10 cups, deepening as it goes.

Which pu-erh should you choose?

If you're new to pu-erh, start with Pu-erh Delight (the tangerine softens the earthiness) or Golden Digestif. For pure, traditional pu-erh, choose Pu-erh Grey. For something fruity and warming, Hawthorn Whisper.

Want the background first? Read what pu-erh tea is, the science on pu-erh and gut health, and why tangerine pu-erh works so well.