Pu-erh Teas
Pu-erh - These teas are very unique and are the only tea designed and processed to age. Literally like a wine, Pu-erh’s chemistry, flavor and aroma changes over time. The exact complete processes on how Pu-erh is made, even in the 21st century, is still a guarded secret that only few Chinese tea produces know. Pu-erh tea originates from the Yunan Province near the city after its namesake.
The musky, spicy and earthy complex flavor of Pu-erh is distinct and similar to a very robust straight Cabernet. Pu-erh is made from green or black tea, which is then sprayed with an unknown bacterium and allowed to undergo a sort of fermentation. Typically it is compressed into many shapes (Toucha – Bird’s Nest) or left loose. It improves with increasing age over the decades so does its rarity and price. Up until the last couple decades, Pu-erh was prohibited in the US by the US Tea Board simply for the reason that it was so different from what “normal” tea was thought to be.
China Origin:
Mini Tuo Cha “Bird’s Nest” – Item: 8888 – Standard Min: 11Lbs (160 wrapped tea balls per pound) [Kosher]
Origin Yunnan, China. Famed for its medicinal properties it is often taken for relief of indigestion. Recent modern medical tests have linked it to a reduction in cholesterol, which has made it popular in France. The aging processes changes the compounds in the leaf and over time it decaffeinates naturally. It can be loose leaf, but is often marketed in pressed cakes or bowls. Pu-erh is very special because of a unique combination of factors. It is an unusual large-leaf variety, it enjoys special growing conditions in the climate and soil of the Yunnan mountains and it is semi-oxidized, but for a longer time than oolong. The taste of Pu-erh will range from mild and earthy to a complex, deep, malty or starchy flavor. Pu-erh is known for maintaining flavor through multiple infusions.
This Pu-erh has a more tender taste compared to some Pu-erhs and is delightful to watch as it slowly turns the cup into a deep red/black/brown liquor that is comparable to a Pinot Noir.
