PuErh TeaAged like fine wine and often referred to as the Wonder Tea or Medicinal Tea, PuErh has been hugely popular in China for over 1700 years. PuErh was discovered by mistake. What a wonderful mistake it was. Tea was being carried on horseback from Yunnan to Guangdong, a journey which took several months. The tea had been carried in baskets through heavy humidity. When the baskets were opened they found the tea had become compressed from the moisture and it had fermented. When it was drank, it was enjoyed so much that the custom of fermenting the tea began. For centuries it was given as a tribute to the Emperor and high-ranking officials within the Imperial Courts of China. Its high value and many health benefits lead to high demands and the frequency of the tributes gave it the title “Tribute Tea”. Accounts on the health benefits and medicinal use of PuErh tea has been documented in various ancient scripts and famous books throughout Chinese history. PuErh tea is strongly believed to have wide-ranging health benefits, from anti-aging, prevention of heart disease and cancer, diabetic control, removal of toxins to curing dysentery, inflammation, aiding digestion and weight loss, improving the eyesight, circulation and reviving those who are overly intoxicated with alcohol. The long-term consumption of PuErh is believed to help reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and play an important role in preventing heart disease and cancer. PuErh tea made from wild old tea trees is reputed to be more potent, containing strong Qi (translated as Life Energy or Life Force) that boosts the blood flow and helps the body’s circulation. This, as a result, aids the removal of toxins and can cure minor aches and pains. PuErh tastes like no other tea. It’s smooth and rich and is available in a myriad of styles and flavors. The leaf can be wild or cultivated and can come from many different mountains. Since the different mountains have different climates and ecological conditions, they all bring their own unique flavor. Other trees, like Camphor and Rubber trees, planted with the PuErh trees impart their own nuances into the tea. It can be fermented naturally over many years (Green PuErh) or artificially fermented by manual processes (Black PuErh). The number of years and the conditions in which it’s been stored greatly affect the flavor. It’s a living tea, teeming with microbes during its processing. Think yogurt and you’ll get the idea. Many types of PuErh smell earthy or even a bit fishy. Don’t be discouraged. The aroma is quite different than the actual taste in your cup. You can’t overbrew this tea. Prepare with very hot water and steep for 5 to 7 minutes, or longer if you wish. It will never taste sharp. It’s almost impossible to ruin this tea. We at
Earl Grey Manor
consider it to be the coffee-drinker’s tea, a good tea to introduce to your “I don’t like tea” friends!
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