Raw Pu'er Tea does not need to be boiled. From a tea-making process perspective, raw Pu'er tea is a type of tea that has not undergone fermentation. Its tea infusion has a strong flavor and a potent aroma, which can be fully activated through direct brewing. If you choose to boil it, the tea may become overcooked, resulting in a bitter and astringent taste. Moreover, when drinking raw Pu'er tea through brewing, there are certain requirements for the teaware used; it is best to use a purple clay pot. Typically, the method of boiling is chosen, although ripe tea can also be brewed, it just doesn't produce an infusion as rich as when boiled.

Is Pu'er Tea Suitable for Boiling?

Experts have clearly stated that Pu'er tea is better suited for brewing and should not be boiled. This is because boiling Pu'er tea can easily result in a concentration that is too high, potentially affecting the spleen and stomach. It also makes it difficult to control the aroma and taste. This applies particularly to raw tea, as the boiling method would make the raw tea into a “paste-like” consistency, with a cloudy infusion and an even more bitter and astringent taste, making it hard to drink. Therefore, raw Pu'er tea is not suitable for boiling.

However, for some aged ripe teas or old yellow leaves, the boiling method can be used. Senior tea enthusiasts suggest that after the tea has been steeped a few times, the remaining leaves can be saved, and generally, the amount of tea leaves left from two infusions is most suitable for one boiling session.

Method for Boiling Raw Pu'er Tea

Tea-to-Water Ratio: Pu'er tea is suitable for boiling, especially compressed Pu'er tea. In general, the amount of dry tea used for boiling Pu'er tea should be between 5-7 grams. The amount needs to be adjusted based on the shape of the finished tea. Loose tea, which has not been compressed, has a looser texture and requires more tea leaves, while compressed Pu'er tea has a more concentrated essence and richer flavor, so only 5 grams of dry tea leaves are needed. Using too much tea will result in an overly strong infusion.

Choosing a Teapot: There are various types of Teapots available on the market, such as purple clay pots, glass teapots, iron teapots, Silver teapots, and copper teapots. For boiling Pu'er tea, a purple clay pot is recommended. Purple clay pots have a rich clay texture and tiny pores in their walls, which help activate and retain the tea's aroma during the brewing process. The good heat retention ensures the tea stays at the right temperature. To prepare for brewing, pour a small amount of water and bring it to a boil to warm up the teapot.

Boiling the Tea: Before boiling, heat a pot of water in the purple clay pot. Place the tea leaves in a Gaiwan and rinse them with hot water to awaken the tea and clean off any impurities. Then, transfer the rinsed tea leaves directly into the pot filled with water and place it on the stove to boil. Leave a small opening in the lid to allow the aroma to escape. Once the tea reaches a second boil, pour out the tea for drinking.

Serving the Tea: After boiling, pour the Pu'er tea infusion into a pitcher and then distribute it into tasting cups. It's important to note that Pu'er tea can be boiled multiple times. To ensure that the taste of subsequent infusions remains consistent, the root method is often used, leaving about one-third of the tea in the pot before adding more hot water to boil again. Additionally, when adding more water for subsequent boiling, it is best to use water heated to around 70-80 degrees Celsius.