Pu'er tea

Pu'er Tea

File:Puer tea cake.jpg

A traditional Pu'er tea cake

Pu'er tea (also spelled Puer, Pu-erh, or Pu-er) is a type of fermented tea traditionally produced in Yunnan Province, China. It is named after the city of Pu'er, which was historically a trading hub for tea. Pu'er tea is unique due to its fermentation process, which can continue for many years, resulting in a complex flavor profile that evolves over time.

Types of Pu'er Tea

Pu'er tea is generally classified into two main types:

• Sheng Pu'er (___) or "raw" Pu'er: This type is made from sun-dried tea leaves that are compressed into cakes or bricks. Sheng Pu'er undergoes a natural fermentation process over time, which can last for decades. The flavor of Sheng Pu'er changes as it ages, often becoming smoother and more complex.

• Shou Pu'er (___) or "ripe" Pu'er: This type is artificially fermented using a process called "wet piling" (__), which accelerates the aging process. Shou Pu'er is typically darker and has a richer, earthier flavor compared to Sheng Pu'er.

Production Process

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Loose Pu'er tea leaves

The production of Pu'er tea involves several steps:

1. Harvesting: Tea leaves are picked from the Camellia sinensis plant, typically from the large-leaf variety native to Yunnan.

2. Withering: The leaves are spread out to wither and lose some moisture.

3. Fixation: The leaves are pan-fried to halt oxidation, a process known as "kill-green" (__).

4. Rolling: The leaves are rolled to break down cell walls and release juices.

5. Drying: The leaves are sun-dried to reduce moisture content.

6. Compression: The dried leaves are compressed into various shapes, such as cakes, bricks, or tuo cha (bowl-shaped).

7. Fermentation: For Shou Pu'er, the leaves undergo wet piling to accelerate fermentation. Sheng Pu'er ferments naturally over time.

Health Benefits

Pu'er tea is believed to offer several health benefits, although scientific evidence is limited. It is traditionally consumed for its purported ability to aid digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss. The fermentation process may also produce beneficial probiotics.

Cultural Significance

Pu'er tea holds a significant place in Chinese culture and is often associated with tea ceremonies and traditional medicine. It is also a popular item for tea collectors due to its aging potential, with some aged Pu'er teas fetching high prices at auctions.

Related Pages

• Tea
• Fermentation
• Yunnan Province
• Chinese tea culture