Description
This fermented tea is unlike anything else we carry. Pu-Erh teas contain complex cooperative molds and bacteria that transform the leaves with age, lifting out incredible flavors and unlocking curative qualities. They are revered for their medicinal benefits, cutting cholesterol, aiding digestion, warming the body, dispelling the effects of alcohol, and refreshing the mind.
You may enjoy this tea steeped in the familiar Western way, 3 minutes in boiling water. We sure liked it – but be ready for a surprising cup that tastes more like sweet, buttery mushroom broth than an ordinary tea!
To really unlock the secrets of this mysterious tea, prepare it in the traditional Chinese way – a series of small cups, mindfully sipped and shared with friends. Use ample leaves, about 3 teaspoons per 6 ounces of water (this is enough for 2-3 servings), and steep first for 30 seconds, then an additional 30 seconds for each subsequent re-steeping.
Prepared in this way, the tea is deep dark red, with a dense aroma reminiscent of fertile earth and lush forest, mushroom present at the front with spicy cinnamon and wood tones. It tastes surprisingly sweet and buttery, and clay notes compliment the fungal aroma. With subsequent re-steeping, the sweetness fades and takes some flavors with it – including the powerful mushroom tones – allowing many other complex flavors to blossom. Spicy cedar and pear emerge in the second cup, gradually change to charcoal and port wine, smoky oak, and eventually mellow out into a more familiar malty black tea taste. Enjoy up to 8 distinctly delicious cups as you savor all the interesting flavors.
Steeping Time – 30-60 seconds
Water Temp – 212 F
Fermented exceptional quality tippy black tea.
One of the five main types of tea (white, green, oolong and black being the others), pu’erh tea stands apart with its uncommonly soft earthy flavor and woodsy tones. Unlike all other teas, pu’erh (pronounced ‘poo-err’) is actually aged. The tea leaves go through a natural fermentation process before the tea is gently dried. This creates a cup with zero astringency and deep, rich body. Pu’erh is extraordinarily smooth and deeply refreshing. Our Pu’erh Dante (the shou variety of pu’erh) gives a clean, damp forest aroma, dried mushrooms, leather and earth. Some sweetness of figs or dates and a slight creamy flavor. Mellow and grounding. If the flavor is too strong for you, simply dilute with water (which, interestingly, doesn’t work for many other teas!) Pu’erh is extremely versatile – you can steep it for as little as 30 second or 30 minutes, whatever pleases your palate. It won’t get bitter and is great for multiple infusions.
Trudy Stramel –
Love this tea! If you like Pu Erh you will like this. It has a smooth earthy flavor and deep rich color. Easier to use than the PuErh cakes.
Leadpaint (verified owner) –
I’m not some tea expert, but if you prepare this right, it might be the best tea you ever drink.