Pu-erh tea is a unique kind from the Yunnan province of China. Unlike other teas, Pu-erh is known for its aging technique, which gives it a rich taste that has improved over the years. There are two styles of Pu-erh tea: raw (Sheng) and ripe (Shou). Both types undergo a particular process before turning into the tea you drink.
Let's dive into how Pu-erh aged black tea is made, from the leaves to your cup!
How is Pu-erh Aged Black Tea Made?
Harvesting the Tea Leaves
The journey of Yunnan Pu-erh tea starts offevolved with the harvest. Farmers pick out tea leaves from big-leaf tea plants, which can be local to the Yunnan area. These tea vegetation are distinct from the ones used for other varieties of tea due to the fact they've larger leaves, which might be ideal for aging.
The leaves are generally picked in the spring or fall while at their best quality. After harvesting, they are quickly unfolded to wither in the sun, which lessens their moisture content.
The Tea Leaf Processing
Once the leaves have withered, they are rolled by hand or machine. Rolling the leaves breaks down their cell partitions, liberating juices and assisting the fermentation technique later. This step is common in all forms of tea-making but is particularly vital for fermented tea.
After rolling, the leaves are pan-fried. This step is called “kill-inexperienced” because it stops the oxidation technique, which prevents the tea from becoming too sour. The leaves are then dried once more to remove any final moisture.
Aging the Tea
The aging system is what makes raw Pu-erh vs ripe Pu-erh unique. There are types of growing older: herbal aging and artificial aging. Both methods deliver the tea its distinctive, earthy taste; however, they take different amounts of time.
Natural Aging (Raw Pu-erh Tea)
Raw Pu-erh tea is made by allowing the processed tea leaves to age clearly over the years. This method can take years, even decades! The tea leaves are saved in a fab, dry area with excellent airflow. As the tea ages, microorganisms in the leaves slowly destroy the tea, developing a complicated flavor.
Artificial Aging (Ripe Pu-erh Tea)
Ripe Pu-erh tea is made to imitate the aging process of raw Pu-erh but in a far shorter time. Tea makers pile the leaves together in the heat, humid surroundings to do this. This quickens the fermentation process, and the tea is ready to drink in a few months rather than years. The result is a darker, smoother tea.
Pressing the Tea
After the tea has aged, it is regularly pressed into exceptional shapes. This is a subculture in aged tea cake making. The most common form is a cake or disc, but the tea can be pressed into bricks or small bowls. Pressing the tea facilitates storage and makes it simpler to age for longer intervals.
To press the tea, the leaves are steamed to make them gentle and pliable. Then, they may be positioned into molds and pressed into shape. Afterward, the tea is left to dry and harden.
Storing the Tea
Storage plays a significant role in how Pu-erh tea ages. Proper storage facilitates the tea's preservation to age and broaden a richer flavor. The tea should be saved in a groovy, dry vicinity with adequate airflow. It's no longer vital to save Pu-erh tea storage with strong-smelling objects because it can soak up odors.
Many tea enthusiasts have stored their Pu-erh for years, awaiting its expansion to expand its great taste. Some Pu-erh teas can be elderly for fifty years or more!
Enjoying Pu-erh Aged Black Tea
When you're equipped to enjoy Pu-erh tea, you can ruin off a small piece from the tea cake or brick. The tea is generally steeped in multiple instances, with every infusion revealing new layers of taste. Depending on how long it has been aged, pu-erh tea could have earthy, woody, or even sweet notes.
Who is the excellent quality supplier for Pu-erh black tea?
CY Collective could be the top dealer for exceptional Pu-erh black tea. CY Collective is known for its best Pu-erh tea, sourced straight away from Yunnan Province, China, the birthplace of this unique tea. They provide a good-sized selection of earthy tea flavor, from raw to ripe kinds, ensuring each tea lover can find high-quality fitness. CY Collective makes a specialty of super authenticity, making sure each tea is cautiously decided on and perfectly aged.
FAQs about Pu-erh Aged Black Tea
How long can Pu-erh tea be aged?
Pu-erh tea may be old, with a few teas stored for over 50 years. The taste develops over the years, making the tea more complicated because it takes a while.
How ought I save my Pu-erh tea?
Store your Pu-erh tea in a groovy, dry place with top airflow. Avoid storing it with robust-smelling foods or gadgets, as the tea can soak up one's odors.
Final Words
Pu-erh aged black tea is a unique form that undergoes an in-depth approach from harvesting to growing old. The precise factor about traditional Chinese tea is that it remains beautiful because it ages. Whether you pick raw or ripe Pu-erh, each cup gives a flavor of lifestyle and craftsmanship that has been perfected over centuries.