Pu-erh Tea

Pu'er tea is a wonderful style of tea to choose if you enjoy more savoury, earthy and umami black loose leaf teas. It is also a category of tea with a rich history. Pu'er cakes or bricks were a good way of preserving Camelia Sinensis leaf and transporting it. Pressed into dense shapes and slowly aging, the tea improves with age, unlike other styles of tea that deteriorate through oxidation over time.

Despite being spelt in myriad different ways - these all describe the same type of tea.

This tea can come as a loose leaf tea or be pressed into a brick or 'cake'. Bingcha pu'er cakes are a traditional way of crafting and storing tea in China and are typically left to age for many years - growing in value the older they get, even being traded as a currency (for potentially thousands of pounds) as their rarity and history increases. The ageing process of the tea allows it to become more smooth, mellow and less astringent (less bitterness).

There are two main types - ripe pu'er has first been "wet-pilled" where it undergoes an initial wet fermentation for around 45 days to begin the process. This allows the tea to reach the smoothness and delicacy of a much older raw pu'er much faster. It is also a lot more affordable. Raw pu'er is made from dry leaf, steamed and pressed without any wet fermentation. It takes many decades to reach maturity.

Pu'er traditionally comes from Yunnan province in China but tea growers in other parts of China have adopted the method of fermenting tea to produce their own varieties of pu'er. Our Malawi Leafy Pu'er is a truly rare tea, with very clean, clear flavours. All of our teas are also lovely and loose leaf.

You can explore other Chinese teas here including oolong teas.

Pu'er has many characteristics that set it apart from other teas. Whilst closer to black tea than green tea or white tea, pu'er belongs in its own category, having been processed completely differently to black teas. The slow fermentation of the already partially oxidised tea leaves imparts a much less astringent flavour profile to pu'er than is found in black teas, even the best loose leaf black teas. It is also much more earthy; reminiscent of a walk through an autumn forest in the rain.

A pot of pu'er tea has a wonderful savoury note and plenty of umami and woody sweetness, making it a wonderful option to pair with foods - whether sweet or savoury.

Pu'er tea is a revered gem in the world of teas, offers a unique and complex tasting experience that evolves with every sip. This aged tea, often compared to fine wine, boasts a rich tapestry of flavours and aromas that captivate the senses.

When infused, pu'er tea reveals a deep, earthy aroma reminiscent of a forest floor after rain. The initial taste can be quite bold, with a smoky and slightly bitter edge that mellows beautifully as the tea ages. As you continue tasting, you'll notice layers of flavour unfolding, from the subtle sweetness of honey and caramel to the intriguing notes of mushroom and cooked herbs.

The flavour profile of pu'er tea is further enhanced by its floral and fruity undertones, which add a delicate balance to its robust character. Some varieties may even surprise you with hints of citrus and spicy nuances, creating a harmonious blend that lingers on the palate.

Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the tasting journey of pu'er tea is one of discovery and delight. Each cup offers a new experience, inviting you to explore its multifaceted flavours and the stories they tell.