Where does Pu Erh tea, this "dark" tea of Chinese origin, come from?
Like its Yunnan cousin, Pu Erh is an ancestral black tea originating from Yunnan Province in China. It owes its name to the eponymous city of Pu'er. At the time of the ancient Tea Horse Road, along which the famous horse and yak caravans travelled, Yunnan producers compressed Pu Erh into cakes (also known as "bird's nests") or bricks to transport it more easily to Tibet. It was also used as currency at the time.
Although it comes from the same plant as most other teas, Camellia sinensis, Pu Erh comes from tea plant varieties with particularly large leaves. Its trademark? A very special fermentation process, exclusively reserved for so-called "dark" teas, of which it is part. Indeed, unlike green teas (unfermented) and black teas (fully fermented), dark teas are post-fermented. This means they undergo a long natural fermentation process, achieved by letting the leaves sweat: they are spread out, moistened, and then covered with a tarp. It is the ambient heat (like in a greenhouse) that very gradually dries and ferments the tea.
What are the health benefits of Pu Erh tea?
The health benefits of Pu Erh tea leaves have reportedly been recognised for millennia in China.
Renowned for its digestive properties, Pu Erh is believed to be a powerful antioxidant and to help purify the body, particularly by accelerating fat burning, according to ancient popular beliefs. So, since it contains very little caffeine, let's not hesitate to enjoy it at the end of a meal, too!
While the specific drying method of Pu Erh eliminates most of its enzymes, it also significantly lowers its caffeine content, offering a real advantage: enjoying the benefits of Pu Erh with complete peace of mind throughout the day, and even late into the evening. It is therefore a great alternative for those sensitive to caffeine. It is also said to stimulate without causing jitters.
What do Pu Erh tea leaves taste like?
Its taste is light yet intense! Would you like to enjoy the benefits of Pu Erh tea and learn more about the flavour of this unique tea? We tell you everything.
Pu Erh leaves offer a round, full-bodied texture on the palate. They combine intense, almost earthy notes of undergrowth with softer accents reminiscent of mushrooms. Its liquor boasts a very dark colour with hints of red highlights.
Another surprising feature: just like fine wine, Pu Erh improves with age, provided it is stored carefully. The leaves can thus be kept for several years – even up to a few decades for some –, gaining value and only becoming better in flavour! A unique characteristic that makes it a rare, precious, and highly prized tea.
How to choose a quality Pu Erh: opting for an organic tea
And to make the most of all its benefits, Kusmi Tea recommends choosing an organic Pu Erh black tea. This designation guarantees a pesticide-free, high-quality tea, crafted with respect for the environment, growers, and wildlife.
Our expert reviews
At Kusmi Tea, we love Pu Erh black tea. We prefer choosing it organic and loose leaf to uphold our commitments! Renowned for its distinctive notes and quality on the palate, it is recognised for its beneficial properties for health and the body. Drinking Pu Erh black tea means enjoying numerous benefits in just a few sips.