When brewing ripened Pu'er Tea, choose a purple clay pot. Purple clay pots have absorptive properties that help absorb any off-flavors or dust that may have developed during the fermentation process. This results in a clearer infusion with a richer taste.
Additionally, brewing ripened Pu'er requires high water temperature, so ensure that the water added each time is boiling. Purple clay pots have good air-tightness, which helps maintain the water temperature. If the water temperature is too low when brewing ripened tea, the resulting infusion may taste watery and lack purity, as if water had been added to the tea.
How to Brew Ripened Pu'er Tea
The first step is to awaken the tea. Most ripened Pu'er teas are compressed. A week before brewing, break off the desired amount of tea and store it in a Ceramic jar or a purple clay pot to allow it to breathe and adjust its internal moisture levels. This can help dissipate any flavors from the fermentation process or storage.
The second step is to choose the right brewing vessel. When brewing ripened Pu'er, we typically opt for a purple clay pot due to its unique breathability and absorptive properties, which contribute to a smoother tea infusion.
The third step is to rinse the tea. Before brewing, rinsing the dry leaves is essential. It cleanses any impurities and also helps the leaves expand evenly, enhancing their flavor.
The fourth step involves water temperature. For most ripened Pu'ers, use boiling water. If using a purple clay pot, you can even preheat it outdoors to further enhance the tea's aroma. However, for more delicate imperial-grade Pu'ers, slightly lower the water temperature to avoid any fermentation flavors.
The fifth step is how you pour the water. Pour slowly and steadily to minimize agitation of the leaves. This will result in a softer and smoother infusion without any fermentation flavors. For aged ripened Pu'ers, ensure that the hot water fully saturates the leaves. This produces a bright red infusion with a rich, smooth taste.
The sixth step is pouring out the tea. Make sure to completely drain the pot, leaving no residue. Control the timing of pouring out the tea; otherwise, it might become overly concentrated like soy sauce.
Brewing ripened Pu'er tea is simple. Follow these techniques and practice frequently to achieve a delicious infusion. Ripened Pu'er tea has a dark lustrous appearance with visible golden tips. Once brewed, the infusion is clear, fragrant, and has a rich, smooth taste. The mouthfeel is substantial, and the infused leaves are uniform in color. Enjoying a cup of ripened tea is not just about the taste but also the fascinating changes throughout the brewing process.