Pu Erh Tea

Organic Pu Erh Tea: A Journey of Time and Transformation

Step into the remarkable world of Pu Erh tea, a unique category of fermented tea from the lush, ancient tea mountains of Yunnan Province in China. Unlike other teas primarily defined by their processing methods, Pu Erh is famous for its exceptional post-fermentation process, which allows it to evolve in flavour and character over the years, much like a fine wine. Our collection features Organic Pu Erh Tea, including the distinguished Organic Premium Pu Erh Menghai Five Years, inviting you to experience the rich heritage and exceptional qualities of this celebrated beverage.

What is Pu Erh Tea?  

Pu Erh (pronounced "poo-air") is a distinctive type of dark tea cherished for its earthy aroma, smooth and mellow taste, and dark reddish-brown liquor. It stands apart from green, black, oolong, and white teas due to its unique fermentation process, which can occur naturally over time (known as Raw/Sheng Pu Erh) or be accelerated (known as Ripe/Shou Pu Erh). Our organic selection focuses on Shou Pu Erh, known for its accessible and rich flavour.

How is Organic Pu Erh Tea Made?

The creation of Organic Pu Erh tea is a meticulous journey that begins with the broad-leafed varietal of the *Camellia Sinensis* plant, primarily grown in Yunnan. The process for Ripe (Shou) Pu Erh, which our organic offerings typically represent, involves several key stages:

1. Harvesting: Fresh tea leaves, often from ancient tea trees, are carefully picked.

2. Withering: The leaves are spread out to partially dry, reducing their moisture content.

3. Sha Qing (Fixing): The leaves are briefly heated, traditionally in woks, to halt enzymatic oxidation, similar to green tea processing. This results in "Mao Cha" or "rough tea."

4. Rolling: The Mao Cha is rolled to break down the leaf cells, preparing them for fermentation and enhancing flavour development.

5. Sun Drying: The rolled leaves are sun-dried, preserving their natural vitality.

6. Wet Piling (Wo Dui): This is the hallmark of Ripe Pu Erh. The sun-dried Mao Cha is heaped into large piles, sprayed with water, and covered. This creates a warm, humid environment that promotes microbial fermentation (beneficial bacteria and fungi). The piles are carefully monitored and turned over several weeks or months to ensure even fermentation and prevent undesirable mould. This accelerated ageing process gives Ripe Pu Erh its characteristic dark colour, earthy flavour, and smooth texture.

7. Ageing (for Organic Premium Pu Erh Menghai Five Years): After the wet piling process, the tea can be left as loose leaf or compressed into cakes, bricks, or "tuocha" (bowl shapes). Our Organic Premium Pu Erh Menghai Five Years undergoes an additional period of controlled ageing for five years. This maturation further refines its flavour, deepening the earthy notes and introducing hints of bitter chocolate, dried fruits, and woody sweetness, creating a complexity that only time can bestow.

Throughout this entire process, our organic certification ensures that no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers are used, from cultivation to the final product, guaranteeing a pure and wholesome tea experience.

The Health Benefits of Organic Pu Erh Tea

Beyond its captivating taste, Pu Erh tea is highly regarded for its potential health benefits, many of which are attributed to its unique fermentation process and rich composition of compounds:

- Digestive Aid: Pu Erh is often consumed after meals to aid digestion. The fermentation process introduces beneficial microbes that may promote gut health and help break down fats.

- Cholesterol Management: Studies suggest that Pu Erh tea may help reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular wellness.

- Weight Management: Some research indicates that Pu Erh tea can assist with weight loss by helping to reduce fat absorption and increase metabolism.

- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Like other teas, Pu Erh is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, supporting overall immune health.

- Liver Health: Preliminary studies suggest that Pu Erh tea may offer protective effects for the liver, potentially against damage from toxins.

- Blood Sugar Regulation: Some findings suggest a positive impact on blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for managing diabetes.

Our Organic Pu Erh Collection:

Organic Pu Erh Tea: A delightful introduction to ripe Pu Erh. This tea offers a smooth, earthy, and comforting experience, perfect for daily enjoyment. Its rich, dark liquor and mellow flavour make it a versatile choice for any time of day.

Organic Premium Pu Erh Menghai Five Years: A connoisseur's delight, this exceptional Pu Erh has been carefully aged for five years, developing a remarkable depth of flavour. Sourced from the renowned Menghai region in Yunnan, known as a benchmark for quality ripe Pu Erh, this tea offers nuanced notes of bitter chocolate, dried fruits, and deep woody undertones. Its prolonged maturation ensures a supremely smooth and complex flavour profile.

Brewing Your Organic Pu Erh:

To fully appreciate the complexities of our Organic Pu Erh teas, we recommend brewing with hot water (around 95-100°C or just off the boil). For loose leaf, use approximately 3-5 grams per 200ml of water. Pu Erh is unique in its ability to be steeped multiple times, with each infusion revealing new layers of flavour. 

Embrace the tradition and health benefits of this ancient elixir. Our Organic Pu Erh teas are a testament to quality, craftsmanship, and the timeless appeal of a truly remarkable beverage.