Pu-erh Tea
ChinaTeaGuru delves into the aging process of Pu-erh tea, from the picking of ancient tree leaves to its unique fermentation techniques, experiencing the profound flavors of Pu’erh
Total 166 articles
Special Topic:Pu-erh Tea
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Puer Tea Nurtures Your Gut Microbiome
Modern people generally live in a state of sub-health, and the high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar, and high-oil modern delicacies have changed the lives of modern people. The reasons are usually explained as a fast-paced modern lifestyle, overuse of drugs, lack of exercise, excess nutrition, etc. Such explanations are too broad, and while discussing these issues, we need a more concrete approach to solving them. The "Human Microbiome Project" launched in 2007 provides such an approach – the human microbiome. The human body is actually a superorganism composed of human cells and a large group of microorganisms living together symbiotically, with human cells accounting for 10% of the total cell count in the superorganism and human genes making up 1% of the total gene count. It can be said that any slight change in the health status of the human body involves microorganisms. Over 90% of the human microbiome resides in the gut. Ensuring a reasonable structure of the gut microbiome ensures one's own health. Around 2020, scientific understanding of the gut microbiome made frequent breakthroughs. We can now re-explain many issues from the perspective of the gut microbiome. Did you know? Our gut microbiome is shrinking. What is the problem with…... -
Is it Good to Store Pu’er Tea Long-term in a Sealed Bag?
According to the storage conditions for Pu'er tea, it should not be stored in sealed packaging. This is because Pu'er tea undergoes post-fermentation, and during its storage, there is an ongoing transformation process within the tea leaves. Tea polyphenols react with active enzymes through oxidation. This allows beneficial bacteria to reproduce quickly while killing harmful bacteria. This process requires the presence of oxygen and cannot occur in a vacuum. Therefore, if you want Pu'er tea to transform well over time, it must not be stored in a sealed environment. However, due to environmental limitations, many individuals storing tea at home do not have suitable conditions for tea storage and can only choose to store Pu'er tea in sealed bags. So, is it good to store Pu'er tea long-term in a sealed bag? How to Store Pu'er Tea at Home The main issues when storing Pu'er tea at home are moisture control and preventing odors. Do you have any good methods to address these? Please share them in the comments section: In most cases, many households lack professional equipment and dedicated spaces for tea storage, making it difficult to manage moisture and odors effectively. However, personal tea storage at home can…... -
Pu’er Tea Storage Lifespan
The storage lifespan of Pu'er tea is not a fixed number; it depends on various factors such as the type of tea (raw or ripe), processing, storage conditions, and drinking preferences. Generally, under proper storage conditions and with high-quality raw materials, Pu'er tea can be stored for 15 to 20 years or even longer. However, to enjoy the best flavor of Pu'er tea, it is recommended to consume it within around 10 years. The shelf life of Pu'er tea is 10 to 20 years Pu'er tea can be stored for 10 to 20 years. Generally speaking, Pu'er tea does not have a specific expiration date. Pu'er tea is divided into raw Pu'er and ripe Pu'er. The shelf life of raw Pu'er is around 5 to 10 years, while that of ripe Pu'er is about 10 to 20 years. Pu'er tea is a type of tea that benefits from long-term storage, where the longer it is stored, the better its taste becomes. Although Pu'er tea has a long shelf life, it cannot be stored indefinitely. Generally, Pu'er tea tastes best when consumed around 10 to 15 years after storage, with a pure taste and lasting aroma. The storage environment requirements for…... -
Which is More Suitable for Long-term Storage: Sheng Pu’er or Shou Pu’er?
Pu'er tea stands out from other types of tea because it can improve with age, becoming more fragrant and flavorful over time. Within a reasonable storage period and under proper conditions, the taste of Pu'er tea becomes richer and more complex as it ages. Pu'er tea comes in two varieties: sheng (raw) and shou (ripe). Each has its unique flavor profile; some prefer the pure sweetness of sheng, while others enjoy the mellow richness of shou. Without considering the differences in taste, which type is better for long-term storage—sheng or shou? Let's delve into this question for tea enthusiasts. 1. Under Identical Storage Conditions for Long-term Storage Sheng Pu'er Has Greater Potential for Transformation The answer is clear: in terms of long-term storage, sheng Pu'er has greater potential for transformation, and here's why: The main difference between sheng and shou Pu'er lies in their production processes. Compared to sheng, shou Pu'er undergoes an additional step known as "wet-piling" fermentation. During wet-piling fermentation, the raw Pu'er tea undergoes enzymatic reactions, microbial fermentation, and the effects of heat and moisture. These processes cause the tea's internal compounds to change rapidly within a short period, resulting in significant transformations of the tea's internal…... -
How to Store Pu’er Tea So It Ages Gracefully?
Both young and middle-aged people gradually develop the habit of drinking tea, so everyone is familiar with it. Tea, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea itself are essential, highlighting its importance. Among the six major types of tea, Pu'er tea is very popular, with many enthusiasts collecting it in large quantities. How Should Pu'er Tea Be Stored? Pu'er tea is very popular among both new and seasoned tea drinkers. How to store Pu'er tea properly is a common concern. If stored incorrectly, the tea can become moldy and essentially useless. Tea has a spirit, and storage is the second life of Pu'er tea. The same cake of tea stored in different places or by different people will have varying flavors after some time. In this sense, each collector of Pu'er tea becomes a creator of its production and quality. With proper care and nurturing, it will reward you with its vitality and alluring fragrance. First, store it in a sealed container in a clean, dark, and humidity-controlled environment. Second, compressed teas are preferred, the tighter the better. Loose tea has a larger surface area exposed to air, making it prone to oxidation and unsuitable for long-term storage. Tighter…... -
Does Pu’er Raw Tea Have an Expiration Date, and How Long Should Pu’er Tea Be Stored for Optimal Flavor?
Pu'er tea is an agricultural product, and theoretically, all agricultural products have an expiration date. After the expiration date, the internal components of the tea are oxidized, losing their taste and aroma. There isn't a definitive time limit for the specific expiration date of Pu'er tea. Does Pu'er Raw Tea Have an Expiration Date? Pu'er raw tea: The expiration date and optimal tasting period are generally 10 to 20 years. Pu'er raw tea has rich internal qualities, so it transforms during storage and can be preserved for a long time. Pu'er ripe tea: The expiration date is typically 8 to 15 years. Ripe tea has more stable properties compared to raw tea and can still be stored for a long time, albeit for a shorter duration. For personal or household storage of Pu'er tea, basic requirements include "avoiding light," keeping in a cool place, ensuring there is no odor or pollution, proper ventilation, and avoiding excessive humidity. If possible, individuals or households should have a dedicated "tea storage room" or "tea cabinet." Avoiding light includes not only direct sunlight but also artificial lighting. Pu'er tea should be stored under "natural light." The tea should not be directly exposed to sunlight…... -
Pu’er Tea Production: The Metamorphosis of a Single Leaf
Tea is born in the embrace of nature, gathered from the essence of heaven and earth, absorbing the vitality of the sun and moon. From green leaves to the final transformation into the "green" fragrance on one's palate, tea and its green origins are inseparable. To thoroughly explore the essence of Pu'er tea production processes such as killing the green and sun-drying, the transformation from fresh leaves to finished product is far more meticulous and sophisticated than one might imagine. Today, let's delve into the production process of Pu'er tea. Wilted Fresh Leaves In the morning mist of tea regions, just as the fog begins to dissipate, tea farmers are already busy in the fields. Red sunlight filters through the misty clouds, draping everything in a golden veil. The dewdrops on the green tea leaves wet the gloves of the pickers. The freshly picked leaves are bright green and very tender. They need to be set aside to air dry patiently. As time passes, the water content within the leaves is gradually evaporated by the scorching sun, and the once taut tea stems become limp and lie on the ground. This process is known as airing, the first step of…... -
How long is the pile-fermentation period for ripe Pu’er tea?
The pile-fermentation process is a critical step in the production of ripe Pu'er tea, and the pile-fermentation time typically lasts around 45 to 60 days. However, the exact duration may vary due to factors such as the tenderness of the tea leaves, the temperature and humidity of the fermentation environment, among others. The pile-fermentation of ripe tea is a relatively complex and crucial process, usually taking about 45 to 60 days, but the actual duration can be significantly influenced by various factors. The tenderness of the tea leaves is an important factor. Relatively tender leaves react faster during fermentation and may require slightly less time; whereas coarser, older leaves might need more time to complete the fermentation adequately. The temperature and humidity of the fermentation environment play a critical role. Suitable and stable temperatures promote microbial activity, while appropriate humidity ensures good progress of fermentation. If the temperature is too low, the fermentation process may slow down, extending the required time; if the humidity is too low, it may result in insufficient fermentation, and conversely, if it's too high, over-fermentation or other adverse conditions may occur. Ventilation conditions are also significant, as proper ventilation provides an appropriate oxygen environment for…... -
Puerh Tea: How Many Steeps and for How Long Each Time
The number of steepings and the duration of each steeping for Puerh tea can vary based on the quality of the tea and personal taste. Generally speaking, Puerh tea can be steeped three to five times, with each steeping lasting around 10-20 seconds. The specific method for steeping Puerh tea is as follows: For the first steeping, pour boiling water into the gaiwan and quickly discard it. This serves to awaken the tea. For the second steeping, pour boiling water into the gaiwan and let it steep for 10-20 seconds before pouring out the tea liquor. At this point, the tea liquor should have the best flavor. For the third, fourth, and fifth steepings, pour boiling water into the gaiwan. The steeping time can be extended slightly according to personal taste before pouring out the tea liquor. After each steeping, clean the gaiwan to maintain its cleanliness. Puerh tea is more resilient than most teas and can typically be steeped continuously over ten times until the liquor becomes very light. Puerh tea is usually steeped with boiling water at 95-100°C. High temperatures help release the aroma and facilitate a quicker infusion of the tea's flavors. When boiling pure or spring…... -
Yiwu Bohetang Second-Class Ancient Tree Spring Tea Price 2024
Bohetang is located in the Yiwu Mansa tea region, hidden deep within the mountains at an altitude of around 1,400 to 1,620 meters, with coordinates at 101°32' East and 22°5' North. It is a small mountain hollow nestled deep within the primeval forest. The vegetation here is very well preserved. This mysterious tea garden was discovered when planting "herbal spices" in the depths of the forest. It was named Bohetang because of a naturally occurring patch of mint leaves found there. What types of tea trees are there in Bohetang? The tea area is not large, with very old trees that vary in height, scattered here and there, most of which are 5 to 8-meter-old trees. Bohetang is divided into two tea plots: Upper Tea Plot and Lower Tea Plot. All the famous ancient tea trees are in the Lower Tea Plot, while the Upper Tea Plot was planted by local farmers after 1982. Bohetang Categories One, Two, and Three Category One: Primarily refers to the tall ancient trees in Bohetang, with about 50 trees marked, one has died, leaving 49 remaining. Category Two: Estimated to be over a hundred years old, some have been pruned. Category Three: These are…... -
Puer Storage: Pursue Famous Mountain Origins or Quality? Tea Evolution Seminar Series No.12 (Part Four)
First article: Representative Varieties and Three Aromatic Zones in the Yiwu Tea Area (click to read); Second article: Dongguan Warehouse, Kunming Warehouse, Hong Kong Warehouse, Flavors, White Frost, "Warehouse Manipulation" Issues (click to read); Third article: Storage Cycle Issues for Yiwu Green Bud Tea (click to read); Fourth article: Storing Puer, Pursue Famous Mountain Origins or Quality? Fifth article: Differences in Small Heap Fermentation, Large Heap Fermentation, and Tea Evolution Ripe Tea Techniques? The following is Part Four, focusing on storing Puer, pursuing famous mountain origins or quality? Shi Yun: I would like to express great appreciation for Teacher Li Yang's sharing. A young lady just now wanted to ask President Zheng and Teacher Li Yang about a conversion issue. Zhou Xin: Teacher, regarding storage, for example, Tianmen Mountain, does it mean that as long as its glycoside content is high, and the catechin and caffeine content is low, it suggests that it requires higher humidity? And Menghai tea, with higher catechin and caffeine content, has lower humidity requirements, only forming white frost when humidity exceeds 14%. This is the first time I've heard this, so I want to confirm if my understanding is correct. Zheng Shaohong: Indeed. For instance,…... -
What Influences Should Be Noted During the Storage of Tea?
When storing tea, attention should be paid to avoiding light exposure, moisture, odors, and high temperatures. Exposure to sunlight can cause chlorophyll in the leaves to fade, darkening the color of the tea, so care should be taken to avoid light; in damp places, tea is prone to mold, so attention should be given to moisture control; tea has a strong adsorption capacity and can easily absorb odors from other objects, altering its aroma, so care should be taken to avoid odors; additionally, high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of tea, so it's important to avoid high temperatures. What Influences Should Be Noted During the Storage of Tea? I. Green Tea Storage Method: Refrigerate. If you need to store for a short period and want to drink it at any time, place green tea in the refrigerator and set the temperature to around 5°C. If the tea is unopened and you want to preserve it for over a year, then store it in the freezer. Best Time to Drink: Within 1-2 months after opening, or within one year if unopened. Points to Note: 1. You can use quicklime to absorb moisture from the tea, package it in an aluminum composite…...