Pu'er Tea is made from large-leaf varieties in Yunnan and is known for becoming more fragrant with age. It is rich in theaflavins and thearubigins, which can help enhance immunity, boost metabolism, and improve gut motility when consumed regularly. Additionally, Pu'er tea contains higher levels of polyphenols and caffeine, which can help refresh the mind and alleviate fatigue. However, it's not advisable to Drink strong or overnight infusions.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pu'er Tea Regularly?
1. Quenching Thirst
The most genuine benefit of drinking tea is quenching thirst, as it is pleasant to drink and enhances one's comfort, allowing timely hydration and a boost in energy.
2. Warming and Heat Dispelling
Among China's six major tea categories, Pu'er (specifically ripe Pu'er) is similar to Black Tea in its warming properties. It can warm the stomach and dispel cold, making it particularly suitable for those with a constitution that tends to be cold. Many people in the north often brew Pu'er tea, which is especially comforting during cold winters.
3. Boosting Immunity
Regular consumption of Pu'er tea has anti-aging and immune-boosting effects. Ripe Pu'er tea contains higher levels of catechins, which effectively mitigate the side effects of caffeine in tea. With strong antioxidant properties, it helps reduce cholesterol and blood lipid levels, inhibits hypertension, prevents arteriosclerosis, and enhances the body's immunity.
4. Improving Memory
Raw Pu'er tea is made from sun-dried green tea leaves after spreading, fixation, rolling, and drying. Fresh raw Pu'er has a cooler nature and a stronger taste. Raw Pu'er tea contains higher levels of theanine compared to ripe tea, which is beneficial for improving memory and balancing cholesterol levels. However, avoid using tea water to take medication.
5. Anti-Aging
Pu'er tea contains antioxidants such as catechins and anthocyanins, which can slow down the aging process. The B vitamins in Pu'er tea also contribute to skin elasticity.
How to Drink Pu'er Tea
1. Prepare the tea utensils and tea leaves: Choose a Teapot or cup suitable for brewing ripe Pu'er tea and prepare an appropriate amount of ripe Pu'er tea leaves.
2. Warm the utensils: Rinse the tea utensils with hot water to warm them up and remove impurities.
3. Preheat the utensils: Pour hot water into the teapot or cup, gently swirl to evenly heat the inner walls, and then discard the preheating water.
4. Add the tea leaves: Place an appropriate amount of ripe Pu'er tea leaves into the teapot or cup; typically, 3-5 grams of tea per 100 milliliters of water is recommended.
5. Water temperature: Use boiling water to brew ripe Pu'er tea, with a suggested temperature range of 95-100 degrees Celsius, avoiding water that is too hot or too cool.
6. First infusion: Slowly pour hot water into the teapot or cup, briefly rinsing the leaves to activate them. Once the leaves have unfurled, discard the water.
7. Subsequent infusions: Gradually increase the steeping time for subsequent infusions, generally between 10-30 seconds, depending on personal preference. Pour hot water evenly over the leaves and allow them to unfurl before drinking.
8. Observe changes in the tea liquor: After each infusion, observe changes in the color, aroma, and taste of the tea liquor to adjust the next infusion's duration and water volume.
9. Tasting method: When tasting, first appreciate the color and aroma of the tea liquor, then savor its rich flavor. Take note of how the tea liquid evolves in your mouth and understand the complexity of the leaves. You can also chew on the tea leaves in the tea brick to gain a deeper appreciation of the aroma.