Pu'er Tea is a distinctive Chinese Tea category, known for its rich taste and unique flavor, earning it a large following among tea enthusiasts. Among them, raw Pu'er tea is particularly favored by many, not only for its excellent health benefits but also as a great choice for a healthy lifestyle.

Pu'er tea is characterized by its prominent aged aroma, which is produced during post-fermentation when theaflavins and other chemical components, under the influence of microorganisms and enzymes, form new substances that create a composite fragrance. This aroma can be reminiscent of osmanthus or other pleasant scents. To brew a good cup of tea, mastering the brewing technique is crucial. Today, we will introduce how to brew raw Pu'er tea.

The Brewing Method for Raw Pu'er Tea

1. Prepare the utensils and water: Have all the necessary tea utensils ready and heat up the water (mountain spring water is ideal).

2. Present the tea to guests: Lift the tea scoop and show the Pu'er tea that you are about to brew to your guests.

3. Warm the cups and Teapot: Rinse the cups and teapot with boiling water, both to clean them and to warm them up.

4. Welcome the ‘Saint' into the Three Talents Cup: In traditional culture, tea is regarded as a “saint.” Place the Pu'er tea in the Three Talents Cup (tea cup), referring to this act as “welcoming the saint.”

5. Awaken the tea: To ensure a purer aroma from the Pu'er tea, rinse the tea leaves with boiling water to awaken them.

6. Infuse the tea: The Steeping time for Pu'er tea can be adjusted according to personal preference, typically ranging from 1 to 3 minutes per infusion.

7. Pour the tea into the pitcher: Strain the brewed tea into the tea pitcher.

8. Serve the tea to guests: Pour the tea from the pitcher into the tasting cups, filling them about eight-tenths full.

9. Appreciate the true color: Show the guests the clarity and color of the tea liquor.

10. Smell the true aroma: Savor the distinct aroma of Pu'er tea. Only tea that has “true color, true aroma, and true taste” can be called real tea.

11. Taste the depth: Take a sip of tea and appreciate the nuances of the Pu'er tea as it passes through your mouth.

12. Reflect on the essence (taste the tea): Savor the unique character of Pu'er tea in the aftertaste, each person contemplating their own understanding and transformation.

The brewing time for raw tea should not be too long. Generally, after two rinses, do not let the tea steep for more than 20 seconds before pouring out the first infusion. Gradually increase the steeping time for subsequent infusions until the tea becomes light. For new teas, try not to cover the teapot to reduce astringency. Older teas can be covered, as they have lost their astringency over time.