Pu-erh tea is a Chinese specialty tea, named after the Chinese city of Pu'erh in Yunnan Province, where it has been cultivated for over 1,700 years. There, it grows in tropical mountainous regions at 1,500–2,000 meters above sea level.

Like black tea , green tea and white tea, Pu Erh is obtained from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis tea plant, but it is the special fermentation process that gives it its extraordinary flavor and red-brown color.

The production process gives Chinese Pu-erh or Red Tea a healthy and detoxifying effect with its earthy and woody notes. The quality of the tea can be significantly improved with aging.

For many years, Chinese medicine has attested to the healing and invigorating effects of Pu-erh tea. According to Chinese medicine, it can alleviate or even cure a wide variety of illnesses. It is also used, for example, as a medicine for blood pressure or as a tonic, even in cases of alcohol poisoning. Pu-erh is said to be a true fat burner, and for this reason, Pu-erh tea is often used for weight loss .

Harvesting and processing must be handled with great care, as damage would negatively impact the quality of the tea. Currently, there are two processing methods for producing tea. One is the traditional method, used until nearly 40 years ago, where tea was treated much like green tea under high humidity conditions. The tea leaves were fermented, steamed, and then pressed into cakes.

Maturation takes at least five years and is carried out through the invisible work of various fungi and bacteria. Over time, the color of the tea darkens, and since this method is very slow and expensive, a new manufacturing process involving accelerated fermentation has been developed. in which maturity is reached after only a few months.

Teas produced using the traditional method are, of course, very expensive, but they are generally of premium quality. In parts of Asia, very old pu-erh teas even serve as a form of investment. Pu-erh produced using the old process is called "sheng," while the product produced using the new, more modern method is called "shou."

Pu Erh tea is very similar to black tea , as it contains caffeine and theobromine, however it contains comparatively less caffeine, but more theobromine, because it acts as a stimulant very similar to caffeine, but is considered milder and longer lasting.

Due to its stimulating effect, it is recommended not to drink more than three to four cups per day. A tea lover knows that proper storage is just as important as purchasing quality tea. This is especially important for teas produced using traditional methods and natural fermentation.

Teas made using new methods barely develop further during storage. Therefore, for quality tea, it's best to store it in a well-ventilated, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Therefore, the fermentation process can continue even further during storage. Tea should not be placed in a completely airtight container; ideally, a ceramic vessel is ideal.

Pu erh tea can be found in loose forms or as a cake or pressed cakes and for ease of preparation, pu erh tea can be found like all other regular teas in loose form as bulk Pu erh tea.

At Tétique we offer other tea format options such as Pu erh tea in individual tea bags , as well as more convenient options such as Pu erh tea in single-dose tea .

Preparing Pu Erh red tea

If you want to make pressed pu-erh tea into a cake, you must first carefully remove the leaves and not break them to avoid a bitter taste. Pu-erh tea lovers use a traditional Yixing clay teapot to prepare it. If you don't have one, you can also prepare it in a regular one.

Before pouring the tea, the teapot is heated with hot water, then 10 to 20 g of tea leaves are taken and poured with a quarter of a liter of boiling water. Now the actual preparation of pu-erh tea begins. The tea leaves are now slightly damp, then 1 liter of boiling water is poured in and the tea is left to steep for 10 to 15 seconds, depending on your taste.

Pu-erh black tea can be used several times, a maximum of four times. For subsequent infusions, a 5-second steeping time is sufficient. To fully enjoy the tea's special flavor, it is enjoyed slowly, sip by sip.

Benefits of Chinese Pu-Erh Tea or Red Tea

Pu-erh tea has long played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine, and according to that belief, tea leaves energize the body. Due to its special ripening process, this tea is considered healthier than black or green tea. The benefits of Pu-erh tea are numerous.

Among its health benefits are stabilization of the cardiovascular system and blood pressure. It is also a powerful detoxifier and interacts positively with the liver and strengthens the immune system.

In the West, pu-erh tea was once known primarily for its digestive properties. Regular consumption of pu-erh tea can boost metabolism and fat burning, and is therefore recommended as an aid in weight loss. It can also help lower cholesterol.

Tétique is your perfect choice if you want to offer Pu-Erh tea in your business. Our products guarantee your customers' satisfaction. As suppliers of the country's finest organic teas and infusions, we pride ourselves on delivering excellence in every cup. Choose Tétique and provide your customers with an unparalleled experience.