Basic Introduction to Puer Black Tea

Puer black tea belongs to the category of dark teas, named after its production in Puer Prefecture, Yunnan. Nowadays, Pu'er tea generally refers to tea produced in Pu'er, made from the sun-dried Yunnan large-leaf Green Tea as raw material and then processed into loose or Compressed tea through fermentation.

Nutritional Value

It's great to love Puer tea, but for health reasons, we do not advocate drinking only Puer tea year-round without change. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), different types of tea have different properties and effects, and thus have varying health benefits for the human body. Therefore, the choice of tea should follow the seasonal changes based on the properties and effects of different teas. In spring, when the weather is still cold, it is best to drink fragrant floral teas, which help dispel the coldness accumulated in the body during winter and promote the generation of yang energy. In summer, when the climate is hot, unfermented teas like raw Puer tea are ideal, with their bitter and cool nature helping to relieve heat and thirst while promoting digestion. In autumn, semi-fermented teas such as Oolong tea and rock tea are most suitable, neither too cold nor too hot, effectively eliminating residual heat and restoring body fluids. In winter, fermented teas with a sweet and warm nature, such as black tea and ripe Puer tea, are recommended to help conserve yang energy in the body.

Product Characteristics

Puer black tea has a brown-red color, with a rich, bright red infusion, unique aged aroma, and a mellow, sweet aftertaste. There are two types of Puer tea: raw tea, which undergoes natural fermentation, and ripe tea, which is artificially ripened. The saying “the older, the more fragrant” is widely recognized as the distinguishing feature of Puer tea compared to other types of tea. As the saying goes, “The fragrance of orchids lingers for nine rounds, tasting the thousand-year-old sentiment of Puer,” indicating that Puer tea is an “edible antique,” becoming more valuable over time.

History and Folklore

Yunnan is the birthplace of the world's tea trees and the origin of various kinds of teas in China and around the globe, mostly found in the Puer tea-producing region. The history of Puer tea is very long, dating back more than three thousand years to the period when King Wu of Zhou was waging war. At that time, the ancestors of the tea-growing people in Yunnan, the Pu people, had already offered tea to King Wu, although it did not yet bear the name “Puer tea.” Later, during the Yuan Dynasty, there was a place called “Bu Ribu” that produced abundant Puer tea. “Bu Ribu” was later written in Chinese characters as “Pu'er,” and this is where the term “Puer” first appeared. From then on, Puer tea became renowned both domestically and abroad. It wasn't until the late Ming Dynasty that it was renamed Puer tea.

Tasting and Preparation Methods for Puer Black Tea

Many people are unclear about the benefits of Puer tea and only half-understand how to properly prepare it, knowing mainly that it can aid in weight loss. However, following the correct method of drinking Puer tea can significantly enhance its effectiveness.

1. Place Puer tea leaves in a filter cup, about 10 grams to cover the bottom of the cup.

2. Pour boiling water into the filter cup, covering the tea leaves. Then remove the filter cup and discard the first infusion of tea water.

3. Pour boiling water again, covering the tea leaves, cover the cup, and let it steep for about 20 seconds.

4. Open the cup lid and invert it, removing the filter cup and letting any remaining tea juice drip into the lid. And so, a cup of fragrant and smooth Puer tea is prepared.