Puer

Talking about a cup of Puer tea that has "traveled the world" The Yunnan Xiaguan Tea Factory Foreign Trade Co., Ltd. is located on the 25th floor of the South Asia Style First City in Kunming. From here, one can faintly see the Cao Hai Lake and the surrounding mountains through the floor-to-ceiling windows. On the other side of the window is Tang Yiping's office, a room filled with tea and sunshine. As a veteran who held leadership positions at China Native Produce and Animal By-Products Yunnan Tea Import and Export Corporation and Yunnan Tea Garden Group for many years, Tang Yiping has seen many old and mid-aged teas and can still vaguely recall their original appearances. "The classic old teas that are still around today were all made under strict standards at every step from raw material collection to production. At that time, there was no concept of 'aging brings better aroma.' The old teas we have now are miracles that occurred during long periods of storage and have stood the test of history and time," says Tang Yiping. During our interview with Tang Yiping, he brought out several old teas to share with everyone. Talking about the wonders…

The techniques for making Puer tea and tribute tea, as shining gems in the list of China's traditional tea-making intangible cultural heritage, not only carry profound historical tea culture but are also a vital force driving local economic and cultural development.The Yunnan province's Ning'er county, known for its intangible cultural heritage, has been dedicated to the inheritance, protection, and innovation of these techniques. Through systematic work and meticulous efforts, it actively promotes the diversity and exchange of tea culture, infusing new vitality into the sustainable development of the tea industry. It is currently the season of tea harvest, and in Ning'er's vast tea gardens, tea farmers move through the emerald green tea bushes, skillfully gathering the tender leaves filled with the essence of spring into their baskets. In the organic tea garden of Wulushan in Puyi Township, Ning'er County, the spring breeze blows gently, bringing vibrant life. Zhou Ming, the production workshop director of the tea factory, leads the tea farmers in their busy work. They strictly adhere to standards while picking spring tea, with each leaf carrying their respect for and commitment to traditional techniques. Under the harmonious cooperation between Zhou Ming and his technical partners, the tea-making processes…

Autumn is here. What adjustments should we make to our tea-drinking habits? How can we drink tea for health in autumn? Tea drinking has been a part of Chinese tradition, and there are specific considerations for what types of tea to drink throughout the year: 01 Puer Tea Scientific evidence shows that Puer tea has multiple effects, including dissolving fats, regulating metabolism, and protecting against radiation. Long-term consumption of Puer tea can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, making it useful for treating obesity. Drinking Puer tea also causes physiological effects such as vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and increased cerebral blood flow, making it beneficial for hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis patients. 02 Chrysanthemum Tea Chrysanthemum has a slightly bitter and sweet taste and is slightly cold in nature. It can disperse wind and clear heat, improve liver function and eyesight, and detoxify and reduce inflammation. For dry mouth, heat in the body, eye strain, or conditions like limb pain and numbness caused by wind, cold, or dampness, Chrysanthemum tea can provide therapeutic benefits. It can be used to treat common colds, headaches, and other conditions. Due to the characteristics of the season, autumn can be dry, causing many office…

Puer Tea Sealed Storage Experiment Sealed storage of Puer tea inevitably involves the issue of oxygen supply in the warehouse. According to post-fermentation theory, Puer tea requires oxygen and a certain level of humidity for post-fermentation, so the tea storage warehouse needs to be ventilated to allow the tea to undergo post-fermentation. However, many people have found that when tea is stored under ventilated conditions, while the infusion color turns red, it loses its aroma after two or three years, and the bitterness and astringency do not diminish over time. Additionally, under ventilated conditions, the tea's aroma naturally cannot be preserved. In fact, the later changes in Puer tea are influenced by two factors: one is microbial fermentation, which is an external effect; the other is the action of active enzymes within the tea leaves, which is an internal effect. After sealing and controlling the humidity, Puer tea does not require microbial fermentation, but instead relies primarily on the active enzymes present in the tea to facilitate its transformation. When storing tea in a sealed and oxygen-deprived environment, how would Puer tea change? This question led me to conduct an experiment on the effects of oxygen in sealed storage. Experimental…

Basic Introduction to Puer Tea from YunnanPuer tea from Yunnan is produced from the unique large-leaf tea trees of Yunnan, and it is among Chinese famous teas that most emphasizes brewing techniques and the art of drinking. Its methods of consumption are exceptionally diverse; it can be drunk plain or mixed. Plain drinking refers to brewing without adding any additional ingredients, a practice more common among Han Chinese. Mixed drinking involves adding one's preferred ingredients to the tea, a practice more prevalent in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Durability in brewing is an advantage of Puer tea; when brewed with a lidded bowl or a purple clay pot, aged Puer tea can be infused over 20 times, with its flavor and color gradually diminishing with each infusion. Nutritional ValueSpring Tea Drinking for HealthIn spring, when the body is in a state of release, one may choose Puer tea with a certain degree of natural fermentation or a blend of raw and ripe Puer tea. Such tea has both warmth and vitality, which helps dissipate the cold accumulated in the body during winter, promoting the generation of yang energy, invigorating the spirit, alleviating spring fatigue, and enhancing resistance to disease.Summer Tea Drinking…

In the midst of winter, the winter cherry blossoms covering thousands of mu sway in the wind at the peak of the tea mountain.Jingmai Mountain is located within Lanchang County, a region inhabited by the Lahu and other ethnic groups in Puer City. To its east lies Menghai County in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, and to its west is Myanmar. It is one of the famous six major Puer tea mountains and is home to ancient tea forests that have been cultivated for thousands of years, which are among the most intact in the world. Cherry blossoms in full bloom on Jingmai Mountain The area boasts vast seas of clouds, rolling mountains, lush ancient trees, and clusters of traditional villages. In addition to these, this place, listed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List, also has a breathtaking pink spectacle that captures the heart at first sight. Cherry blossoms in full bloom on Jingmai Mountain Cherry blossoms in full bloom on Jingmai Mountain The ancient tea mountain consists of nine traditional villages inhabited by the Bulang, Dai, Hani, and other ethnic groups, including Jingmai, Mangjing, and Manghong. Here, the people are simple and respectful of nature. Apart from living examples…

The gaiwan brings out the original flavor, while tea brewed in a purple clay pot is enhanced. You will find it somewhat sweeter. If you are not doing a tea tasting but enjoying an aged tea, many seasoned tea enthusiasts would choose a purple clay pot. Brewing Puer Tea with a Purple Clay Pot Suitable for brewing ripe tea, aged tea, and compressed tea. Given that puer tea improves with age, it is suitable to use high temperatures to awaken the tea leaves and extract their contents. A purple clay pot has good breathability and heat retention, absorbs tea juice, and is resistant to both hot and cold temperatures. Secondly, its good breathability helps to restore the true color, aroma, and taste of the tea. Moreover, due to the unique nature of its material, it is very suitable for brewing compressed teas, aged teas, and ripe teas. Its excellent heat retention slows down the dissipation of the aroma, making the brewed tea more flavorful. Furthermore, long-term use can enhance the aroma of puer tea, making its flavor richer and more mellow. Brewing Puer Tea with a White Porcelain Gaiwan Suitable for brewing new teas, raw puer teas, and loose teas.…

For the same tea, being stored in different places means facing different storage environments, which leads to differences in Puer tea collection between the north and south. When discussing with experienced tea enthusiasts, Kunlun found that sending the same tea to over 20 cities across the north and south resulted in variations in taste due to differences in storage conditions, humidity, temperature, and other factors. The difference in regional environments determines the methods for preserving Puer tea. So what are the characteristics of Puer tea storage in different regions? Storage can be divided into pure dry storage and natural storage. Natural storage involves keeping the tea in a natural environment on floors below the second level, without artificial processing. The tea undergoes natural transformation. The surface of the tea has a dull luster, and there is no dry aroma. The taste is not significantly different from pure dry storage. Pure dry storage involves keeping the tea in a professional tea warehouse above the second floor, where it naturally ferments under constant temperature and humidity. The surface of the tea has an oily sheen, and the tea has a fragrant aroma. The taste is rich and smooth, with a noticeable aftertaste.…

Puer tea is a type of Chinese tea and a fermented tea. When boiling the tea, some people prefer a rich and thick Puer tea, but for beginners, brewing good Puer tea isn’t easy. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare a rich and thick Puer tea: If you want to boil a rich and thick Puer tea, choosing high-quality Puer tea is very important. How do you select good Puer tea? Firstly, choose well-known brands and avoid purchasing overly cheap Puer tea. Secondly, observe the appearance of the Puer tea; generally, high-quality Puer tea has a neat shape, even color, and a glossy surface; low-quality Puer tea may have withered leaves or stains, an uneven surface, and uneven coloring. Lastly, opt for new or young tea, which will result in a richer and thicker brew. To prepare good Puer tea, selecting suitable teaware is also essential. Porcelain and purple clay teapots are generally suitable for boiling Puer tea. Additionally, the spout of the teapot should be relatively thin, allowing for a slow pour along the edge of the cup, which makes the tea liquor richer and thicker. The water temperature when boiling Puer tea is also crucial. Generally,…

Puer tea has no expiration date and should be stored in a dry and ventilated environment, with the flavor becoming richer over time. Raw Puer tea requires 5 to 10 years of storage, while ripe tea needs 3 to 5 years. There is a significant difference in storage times between the north and south due to the warm and humid climate in the south, which accelerates transformation but also increases the risk of mold. Many tea enthusiasts know that Puer tea improves with age, but does the same apply to Puer loose tea? Why does some Puer loose tea become less enjoyable after a few years? Is Puer Loose Tea Suitable for Long-Term Storage? Puer loose tea isn’t ideal for long-term storage due to its structure not being conducive to slow oxidation. Firstly: Puer loose tea has too much exposure to air, accelerating oxidation and gradually losing its aroma. Secondly: The rapid oxidation rate robs Puer tea of the delightful changes and surprises at different stages. Thirdly: Puer tea benefits from being tightly packed, which facilitates the transformation of substances, something that loose tea doesn’t have. Fourthly: Compressed tea undergoes an additional watering process, which is more favorable for the…

On September 17, good news came from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia: The 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee adopted a resolution to inscribe China's "Ancient Tea Forest Cultural Landscape of Pu'er Jingmai Mountain" on the World Heritage List! This is the world's first tea-themed cultural heritage site and China's 57th, Yunnan Province's 6th entry on the list. What is it about Pu'er Jingmai Mountain that captivates the world? What value does it hold that has earned it the favor and recognition of the World Heritage Committee? What experiences have been had since the application process began in 2010, over these 13 years? All these questions can be distilled into one: Why Jingmai Mountain? A Book of Mountains: What is the Ancient Tea Forest of Jingmai Mountain? The Ancient Tea Forest of Jingmai Mountain is located in Lancang County, Puer City, covering a total area of 19,095.74 hectares, with 7,167.89 hectares designated as the heritage zone. It encompasses two villages, Jingmai and Mangjing, in Humin Town, Lancang County. Five ethnic groups reside here: Dai, Bulang, Hani, Wa, and Han. Before the arrival of the Bulang and Dai peoples, Jingmai Mountain was covered by dense primeval forest, where…

Everyday tea, as the name suggests, is a type of tea that is always available at home and can be consumed daily. “Everyday tea” is a broad term commonly used by seasoned tea enthusiasts and does not refer to specific teas. As a daily beverage, the most significant characteristic of everyday tea is its rapid consumption; it can be considered a consumable item. Therefore, one crucial factor when selecting everyday tea is that it must offer excellent value for money. What Does Everyday Tea Mean in the Context of Puer Tea? 1. Puer everyday tea refers to high-quality Puer tea leaves that satisfy taste preferences with their appropriate strength and offer good value for money, suitable for daily consumption. Typically, this type of tea achieves a balance between quality and price. 2. The term "everyday tea" is often heard from experienced tea drinkers, imbued with multiple meanings, including recognition of the tea’s quality and consideration of its value for money. Since everyday tea is consumed daily, the cumulative amount over time is substantial, so the price must be within an acceptable range. Most tea enthusiasts’ everyday teas fall within the 1 to 200 yuan range. Teas at this price point…

As we all know, tea is a kind of food and therefore has a certain shelf life. However, the length of the shelf life is related to its manufacturing process. There are different types of tea: black tea, green tea, red tea, white tea, yellow tea, and oolong tea. Below is an introduction to the shelf life of tea. What is the shelf life of tea? Generally, fresh tea is better. For example, the shelf life of green tea is usually around one year when stored at room temperature. Of course, it mainly depends on how well you store it. If stored properly, the shelf life can be quite long. 1. Black Tea Black tea is known for getting better with age. The longest shelf life among teas is typically for black tea. Brick tea is best stored for 10 to 15 years, qianliang tea for 10 to 15 years, and loose leaf tea for 5 to 10 years, as these periods offer the highest economic and drinking value. High-quality teas made from premium ingredients are enjoyable after being stored for 1 to 2 years. Puer tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties. Generally, the shelf life of raw…

When we savor Puer tea, we often hear the term “Aged Charm.” What is “Aged Charm”? It is a complex sensation that is more pronounced in aged Puer teas. The Aged Charm comprises the woody aroma sensed through the nostrils and the rich taste experienced by the palate, among other sensory perceptions. This charm requires a tranquil mind to appreciate fully, from its fragrance to its flavor. Over time, one can gain a deeper understanding of the Aged Charm. Puer teas that exhibit Aged Charm are typically the result of good raw materials, craftsmanship, and storage conditions working together. Well-made ripe teas generally undergo aging at a rate of about two to three years per cycle. In the first transformation phase, ripe teas may have a slight "watery" feel and "heap scent," but the tea flavor is clear, the heap scent is clean, and the tea soup appears slightly turbid, with a brownish-red or dark red color. There is noticeable aftertaste and a sense of charm. In the second transformation phase, the "heap scent" fades, and the tea and water become more integrated. The ripe aroma and gradually fuller aged aroma become apparent. The tea soup turns deep red, the…

The retrograde sweetness and direct sweetness of Puer tea are unique quality characteristics. Retrograde sweetness refers to a sweet sensation that gradually arises in the mouth after drinking the tea; this sweetness does not come directly from sugars but is instead the result of complex chemical reactions involving various substances in the tea leaves within the mouth. It is typically long-lasting and subtle. Direct sweetness, on the other hand, is a sweet taste that can be felt directly during the consumption of the tea and is more apparent and immediate than retrograde sweetness. The retrograde and direct sweetness of Puer tea are often closely related to factors such as the raw materials of the tea leaves, production techniques, and storage time. High-quality aged Puer teas have a richer and longer-lasting retrograde and direct sweetness, leaving a lingering aftertaste. The Retrograde and Direct Sweetness of Puer Tea The term "sweetness" generally approaches the meaning of "deliciousness!" This deliciousness refers to the sensation produced by food stimulating the taste buds. Therefore, besides sweetness, "sweetness" also means "deliciousness" in classical Chinese literature! The retrograde sweetness of Puer tea occurs when the astringency and stimulation of the tea soup gradually disappear as it passes…

Xigui natural village is affiliated with Bangdong Village, Bangdong Township, Lincang District, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China, and is located in a mountainous area. It is 12 kilometers away from the Bangdong Village Committee and 16 kilometers away from the Bangdong Township government. The territory covers an area of 3.82 square kilometers, with an altitude of 750 meters, an average annual temperature of 22°C, and annual precipitation of 1,100 millimeters. The total arable land area of the entire village is 295 mu, with 1.24 mu per capita, mainly planting crops such as rice and corn; it has 4,855 mu of forest land, including 945 mu of economic fruit tree land, which amounts to 3.98 mu of economic fruit trees per capita. The main economic fruit trees planted are rubber, among others. There is 80 mu of water surface area, of which 1 mu is used for aquaculture; there are 385 mu of barren mountains and wastelands, and other areas cover 345 mu. 01 Manglu Mountain Xigui tea is produced in Xigui Village on Manglu Mountain within Bangdong Township, Lincang District, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. "Xigui" means "the village good at making ropes" in Dai language. Manglu Mountain is part of…

In daily life, drinking Puer tea in moderation can have excellent health benefits. It can refresh and invigorate, as well as aid in weight loss. When drinking Puer tea, it's important to understand the appropriate methods and timing. Drinking improperly or excessively can have adverse effects on health. Drinking a little Puer tea in the morning can help energize and clear the intestines. Drinking some in the afternoon can boost immunity and improve work efficiency. When is the best time to drink Puer tea during the day? 1. Drinking Puer Tea in the Morning After a night's sleep, the body has lost a lot of water. Drinking a cup of light tea in the morning can quickly replenish the body's water needs, cleanse the intestines, lower blood pressure, and be highly beneficial for overall health. In the morning, it is advisable to drink black tea, as it promotes circulation and removes coldness from the body, ensuring adequate blood supply to the brain. It can also be consumed with milk. When drinking tea in the morning, two points should be noted: First, drink only after breakfast. Second, avoid strong tea; opt for a lighter brew instead. 2. Drinking Puer Tea in…

Puer tea is a post-fermented tea, which leads to its characteristic of becoming more fragrant over time. This means that the longer Puer tea is stored, the richer its aroma and the better its quality. But is this always true? Among teas, Puer stands out as unique because it improves with age. Unlike most other teas, the longer Puer is stored, the better it becomes due to fermentation. This process generates many beneficial compounds for human health, making aged Puer desirable. The distinctive quality and aged fragrance of Puer are formed through post-fermentation during storage. Over time, the main chemical components of raw Puer—such as polyphenols, amino acids, and sugars—undergo changes that idealize the tea’s color and aroma. However, improper storage or indefinite aging without scientific consideration can degrade its quality. Conditions for Aged Puer Tea to Improve Over Time 1: Basic Conditions The saying that Puer tea improves with age is indeed accurate, but only if certain basic conditions are met. Poor-quality Puer or improperly stored Puer will not achieve the desired effect of improving over time. 2: Storage Duration The duration of storage does not necessarily correlate with the quality of Puer tea. There is an optimal period…

Pu'er Tea Historical and Tribute Tea Zhou Dynasty The history of Pu'er tea is very long; as early as over 3,000 years ago during the period of King Wu's campaign against the state of Shang, the ancient tea-growing people, the Pu people, had already presented tea to King Wu of Zhou. At that time, however, it was not yet known as Pu'er tea. The Bangwei transitional ancient tea tree is a living fossil left behind by the ancient Pu people's cultivation and domestication of tea plants. Han Dynasty According to "The Records of the Grand Historian: The Western Regions," "The Kunming tribes have no leaders and are good at raiding and robbing, often killing and plundering Han envoys, making communication impossible. However, it is heard that to the west, some thousand miles away, there is an elephant-riding country called Dianyue, which traders from Shu sometimes reach." According to "The Annals of Xishuangbanna Prefecture," "In the 12th year of Yongping in the Eastern Han Dynasty (69 AD), Yongchang Commandery was established, and the region of Xishuangbanna fell under its jurisdiction." Jin Dynasty According to "The Records of Huayang Kingdom: Southern Regions," written by Chang Qum of the Jin dynasty, "Within Yongchang…

As stated in the book "Newly Compiled Yunnan General Gazetteer: Examination of Local Products - Tea," written in the 1940s, "The name Puer tea holds a special place among Chinese teas, far surpassing those from Anhui, Fujian, Zhejiang, and other regions." Puer tea is a gift from heaven and also one of nature's most generous gifts to humanity. It is a purely natural product that has survived the process of natural selection. As time progresses and technology advances, we should have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Puer tea. Puer tea is a solid-state naturally post-fermented tea. Microorganisms and enzymes invisible to the naked eye participate in the fermentation process, producing secondary metabolites with beneficial biological activity. These substances provide functions such as antibacterial, anti-tumor, antioxidant properties, and promote metabolism in the human body. In line with the conventional thinking of most tea-producing areas in China, if we categorize teas by geographical location, color, or production method, Puer tea cannot be grouped together with them. Puer historically served as a distribution center for Puer tea, unlike teas named after their places of origin like Longjing, Huangshan Maofeng, Xinyang Maojian, and Wuyi rock teas. Some people classify raw Puer tea as…

The rolling of Puer tea is the first process after the tea has been subjected to initial heat treatment (withering). Traditionally, the method involves transferring the withered tea from the wok onto bamboo mats, wide wooden boards, or clean cement floors, where the tea is manually "rolled" and "twisted" by hand. This action is somewhat similar to kneading flour. So, what is the purpose of rolling Puer tea? Puer Tea Rolling Methods 1. Manual Rolling The manual rolling of Puer tea typically requires two rounds of rolling. The first round occurs after the tea has been withered and laid out to cool; it is rolled until the leaves are mostly in strip form and tea juice begins to seep out. The leaves are then left to dry until the next morning before undergoing a second round of rolling to ensure that even the coarser and older stems and leaves are tightly formed into strips. A special bamboo-made rolling mat is used for this process. The rolling technique requires circular, complete, and coordinated movements that are both firm and gentle, ensuring that the tea leaves are evenly pressured and conducive to forming strips. The duration and strength of the rolling are…

Often, friends ask me: Is it better to drink raw Puer tea or ripe Puer tea for weight loss? To compare which type of Puer tea is more effective for weight loss, we need to understand the mechanism behind Puer tea's weight-loss and fat-lowering effects. The weight-loss and fat-lowering benefits of Puer tea mainly come from two factors: Firstly, these effects are due to a combination of active components including tea polyphenols, chlorophyll, vitamin C, and more. Secondly, they result from the synergistic action of various beneficial bacteria formed during fermentation (these bacteria can reduce the absorption of triglycerides and sugars in the small intestine and enhance the enzymes that break down abdominal fat). The initial stages of raw Puer tea (within 1-2 years without significant fermentation) rely on the first factor for its weight-loss benefits. As it naturally ferments over time (which happens quickly in high-humidity environments, with noticeable changes occurring after just one year of storage), its weight-loss effects start to be influenced by both factors. Ripe Puer tea, which undergoes artificial fermentation, benefits from both factors for weight loss and lowering cholesterol. Therefore, overall, fermented Puer tea (whether artificially fermented ripe tea or naturally fermented raw tea)…

Jingmai Mountain has become intertwined with us. Time and again, we have made the journey up the forest-lined cobblestone path, delving deep into the mountain’s fabric. We have counted the towering green trees of Dapingzhang that reach towards the sky, contemplated beneath the Bee God Tree, stood in solemn silence before the golden pagoda bathed in morning light, and felt a profound sense of awe as we pondered its ancient history. Ai Wen, Ai Ken, Yan Kan... familiar names and vivid faces are imprinted on our hearts. Every person we met on our trips through the tea mountains presented us with a new facet of this place. We welcomed many sunrises amidst the misty clouds from the terraces of their modern homestays, which seamlessly blend living spaces. And we listened to the simple stories, little known to outsiders but shared openly with us, told with heartfelt sincerity. Over time, this tea mountain has moved from being a picturesque rural landscape to a place of refuge within our hearts. Bit by bit, these experiences have resonated like echoes, much like those heard in an echo chamber, responding to the glittering lights of the city. This is the bond that the editors…

Searching for "Puer tea" on e-commerce platforms, you'll find prices ranging from a few dozen yuan to tens of thousands of yuan per pound. Despite being the same type of Puer tea, the price differences are vast. What accounts for these disparities? Origin - Just as wine is distinguished by vineyard, Puer tea is characterized by its mountain origin. There are three major tea regions for Puer tea: Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Lincang. The most well-known mountains include twelve ancient tea mountains. Divided by the Lancang River, the six tea mountains north of the river are Youle, Yibang, Gedeng, Manzhuang, Mangzhi, and Yiwu, known as the "six tea mountains within the river." South of the river, the six tea mountains are Nannuo Mountain, Mengsong, Bada, Bulang Mountain, Jinghong Mengsong, and Menghai, referred to as the "six tea mountains outside the river." In addition to these twelve ancient tea mountains, in recent years, popular origins have emerged such as Ban Zhang, Mansong, and Bingdao. The hydrological conditions, soil, temperature, altitude, and sunlight intensity vary significantly across different regions, often possessing uniqueness. This uniqueness gives rise to Puer tea's "distinct flavor of each mountain." The powerful character of Old Ban Zhang and the…