The best varieties of pu-erh

The ancient kingdom is considered the birthplace of Chinese Pu-erh tea. Shu, which later became a major center for the production of tea. Great Chinese Pu-erh tea is tea leaves that undergo fragmentation, artificial and natural aging. The Chinese still believe that the best Pu'er is grown in the area. "Six Great Mountains" in the province Yunnan in the county Puer.

There is a legend that one great emperor once tasted his divine taste, asked: "What is the name of this great drink?"... He was told that this is ordinary tea from Puer, then the emperor said: "Give me some more of this Puer!" The name stuck to the drink and now we can enjoy the magnificent tea that the emperor himself liked.

Best Pu'er - Aged

The excellent creamy taste and warm aftertaste of the tea conquer from the first sip. The modern domestic consumer will be interested to know that pressed and loose Pu'er tea not only does not deteriorate over time, but becomes even tastier and more aromatic.

Aged Puerh identical to good cognac - the older the better... The ideal storage time for Chinese tea is 3-5 years, it is this period that he needs in order to maximally convey his unusual taste to the consumer and reveal the unique properties of tea.

But there are also masterpieces of aged pu'er, which are more than 10 years old. They are very expensive, usually sold in specialty tea shops or tea auctions.

This excellent tea perfectly quenches not only thirst, but also creates a feeling of satiety. Today there is a huge variety of Chinese tea in different regions of Russia, it can be black, white and green varieties, as well as excellent Milk Pu-erh and elite aged Pu-erh.

The price for this drink is very reasonable, and therefore it has many of its admirers in all countries of the world.

The best pu-erh can only be bought from top manufacturers

Tea companies already today we have made sure that connoisseurs of excellent Chinese tea receive a real high-quality product, and not a cheap counterfeit with flavors. Today, many large tea companies, including ours, work directly with the manufacturer, and therefore supply only high quality tea to the market. All tea products from the manufacturer pass the strictest quality control, and therefore go on sale the best pu-erh.

The most famous, proven tea factories for the production of pu-erh tea are factories: Menghai, Xia Guan and Jinglong... The Chinese themselves prefer pu-erh varieties from these factories, which have already become world famous.

Without exaggeration, one of the best shu (black) varieties of pu-erh can be called such Menghai masterpieces as V93, 8592, 7576 and 7592. It is numbered pu-erhs that are the quality standards that other manufacturers are guided by.

One of the best (shen) green Puerh is definitely the legendary Xiaguan Ji factory Xia Guan.

And for pueromaniacs all over the world, the reason for conversation is the best puer in stones, which is made from puer crusts during fermentation. This tea looks rather unsightly, but you start brewing and it happens ...

Only the best varieties of puerh delight the soul and soothe the heart. Once you have tasted the elite Chinese pu-erh once, you will no longer be able to refuse it and will become its loyal fan for many years!

Enjoy your tea!

Next article - Harm of green tea

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The ancient kingdom is considered the birthplace of Chinese Pu-erh tea. Shu, which later became a major center for the production of tea. Great Chinese Pu-erh tea is tea leaves that undergo fragmentation, artificial and natural aging. The Chinese still believe that the best Pu-erh is grown in the area. "Six Great Mountains" in the province Yunnan in the county Puer.

There is a legend that one great emperor once tasted his divine taste, asked: "What is the name of this great drink?"... He was told that this is ordinary tea from Puer, then the emperor said: "Give me some more of this Puer!" The name stuck to the drink and now we can enjoy the magnificent tea that the emperor himself liked.

Best Pu'er - Aged

The excellent creamy taste and warm aftertaste of the tea conquer from the first sip. The modern domestic consumer will be interested to know that pressed and loose Pu'er tea not only does not deteriorate over time, but becomes even tastier and more aromatic.

Aged Puerh identical to good cognac - the older the better... The ideal storage time for Chinese tea is 3-5 years, it is this period that he needs in order to maximally convey his unusual taste to the consumer and reveal the unique properties of tea.

But there are also masterpieces of aged pu'er, which are more than 10 years old. They are very expensive, usually sold in specialty tea shops or tea auctions.

This excellent tea perfectly quenches not only thirst, but also creates a feeling of satiety. Today there is a huge variety of Chinese tea in different regions of Russia, it can be black, white and green varieties, as well as excellent Milk Pu-erh and elite aged Pu-erh.

The price for this drink is very reasonable, and therefore it has many of its admirers in all countries of the world.

The best pu-erh can only be bought from top manufacturers

Tea companies already today we have made sure that connoisseurs of excellent Chinese tea receive a real high-quality product, and not a cheap counterfeit with flavors. Today, many large tea companies, including ours, work directly with the manufacturer, and therefore supply only high quality tea to the market. All tea products from the manufacturer undergo the strictest quality control, and therefore go on sale the best pu-erh.

The most famous, proven tea factories for the production of pu-erh tea are factories: Menghai, Xia Guan and Jinglong... The Chinese themselves prefer pu-erh varieties from these factories, which have already become world famous.

Without exaggeration, one of the best shu (black) varieties of pu-erh can be called such Menghai masterpieces as V93, 8592, 7576 and 7592. It is numbered pu-erhs that are the quality standards that other manufacturers are guided by.

One of the best (shen) green Puerh is definitely the legendary Xiaguan Ji factory Xia Guan.

And for pueromaniacs all over the world, the reason for conversation is the best puer in stones, which is made from puer crusts during fermentation. This tea looks rather unsightly, but you start brewing and it happens ...

Only the best varieties of puerh delight the soul and soothe the heart. Once you have tasted the elite Chinese pu-erh once, you will no longer be able to refuse it and will become its loyal fan for many years!

Enjoy your tea!

Next article - Harm of green tea

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Aged tea that gives youth, energy and strength is Chinese Puerh. It is considered the true wealth of this country and is carefully kept in state granaries. The unique properties of this drink are legendary, but not everyone can understand its taste and properties.

Description, production

In China, there is a tradition at birth of a child to press fermented black tea of ​​the highest quality into a cake and store it until the child grows up and enters into an independent life. In 20-25 years, this cake, called Pu-erh tea, will cost a lot of money, which will be enough for many of the young man's endeavors.

This tradition is still observed among those people who are engaged in tea production. Pu-erh is really an expensive product, and the longer it matures, the higher the price. What is Pu-erh tea and how is it made?

Puer is understood as tea that has undergone a long-term 100% fermentation for at least 3 months. In general, this type of tea has no expiration date. The longer it is stored, the richer its composition, aroma and taste becomes.

Its production process includes the following stages:

• collection;
• sorting;
• withering;
• warming up;
• steaming;
• fermentation;
• drying;
• pressing;
• re-fermentation.

For pu-erh, juicy large leaves are harvested on a young shoot. Usually these are 2-4 leaves, and the larger and fleshy they are, the better. The main region where this tea is produced is Yunnan province in China. A special kind of tea bushes grows here, the leaves of which have fewer amino acids and more catechins. This property allows the fermentation process to almost never stop during the entire storage period. Under the influence of bacteria, temperature and other organic substances, catechins are converted into aromatic compounds, which give pu-erh tea such a multifaceted taste and aroma.

Long fermentation tea cakes

After harvesting, the leaves are sorted, torn and damaged leaves are removed, laid out on a flat surface for several hours so that the leaf loses some of its moisture and becomes softer. Then it is warmed up in the sun and kept over steam. After such preparation, the raw materials are placed for fermentation in a warm dark room. Fermentation takes about a month.

The next step is drying followed by pressing and storage for the final fermentation. Such pu-erh, produced naturally, is called shen pu-erh, or raw. Its fermentation period, like the storage period, is unlimited.

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There is another variety - shu puer, or ripe. Here, the oxidation process takes place with the direct participation of a person in a short period of time. In terms of properties, this species is similar to the sheng pu-erh, aged for years, but with a less multifaceted taste and aroma.

History indicates that this type of tea was known in China as early as the 3rd century BC. It can be said that pressing the tea was a random way to preserve the quality of the product. To prevent tea leaves from absorbing moisture and rotting during long-term transportation, they began to steam and press them in bags. In this form, tea was delivered safe and sound to the palace of the emperor and his nobles.

Today pu-erh looks like a flat cake, mushroom, ball, brick. The shape can be almost any, as well as the weight. There are also friable types, which in their properties are no different from pressed ones and even in sachets.

Varieties

Yunnan is one of the largest provinces in China. There are many tea plantations and industries, each of which is famous for a particular tea. In general, about 120 varieties of pu-erh are known. They differ in harvest season, leaf size, fermentation period, and so on. There can be a lot of nuances in production technology. It is difficult to say which is the best of the pu-erh varieties. Each of them has subtle differences that are not always clear and perceptible to the layman.

There are several factories in China that produce the best pu-erh - Menghai, Jinglong and Xia Guan. Of the teas produced here, the highest quality teas are Xia Guan Ji, Chatou and Menghai V93.

When brewing, the tangerine crust also enters the teapot.

Not so long ago, a new product appeared on the market - pu-erh in tangerine. This is loose tea (shu pu-erh), which is placed in tangerine peeled from pulp and sent to a special oven for drying. During drying, the tea leaves are impregnated with the aroma of tangerine and take on new notes in the taste. The tangerine packaging itself also looks original.

The description of the product also indicates the brewing method. Together with the tea leaves, a piece of tangerine is also put into the teapot to get a really rich drink.

Properties

Pu-erh contains a huge amount of organic and mineral compounds. The most valuable of them are vitamins E, A, group B, bioflavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, essential oils, amino acids, enzymes, catechins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, fluorine, iron, iodine, etc.

Useful properties of pu-erh tea:

• lowers blood glucose levels;
• thins the blood, lowers cholesterol levels;
• lowers blood pressure, cleanses blood vessels;
• improves digestion, promotes normal intestinal motility;
• participates in lipid metabolism, promotes weight loss;
• tones up, increases mental performance;
• removes toxins and toxins.

A properly prepared drink will help to cope with headaches, bad mood, weakness. It helps to concentrate attention, gives clarity of mind, calms down. The effect of pu-erh tea is a charge of vivacity and strength for the whole day, it is not in vain that it is recommended to drink it before lunch in the first half of the day.

The properties of Pu-erh tea make it possible to use it as a means of fighting fatigue, which does not burden the nervous system. The drink is low in caffeine, so it works mildly. You can use it for the prevention of cancer. This is the only tea drink that can be consumed in the presence of stomach ulcers.

Puerh is not drunk often and in large quantities.You can not cook too strong infusion. All this is fraught with an overdose, as a result of which tremors, headaches, and nausea appear. The effect of such a drink can be described as intoxicating.

Pu-erh is stronger than coffee in terms of its tonic properties.

Can Pregnant Women Drink Fermented Black Tea? Its use is undesirable due to its strong tonic and stimulating effect. During pregnancy, this is a threat to increase the tone of the uterus. It is contraindicated on an empty stomach and before bedtime. The product can be harmful at high temperatures, in case of eye diseases, in the presence of kidney and gall bladder stones. Hypertension with frequent pressure surges is also a reason to refuse the drink.

Contraindications also apply to people with frequent stool disorders and those who suffer from enterovirus infections. In this situation, the drink can provoke severe dehydration. Otherwise, the properties of Chinese Puer tea will only benefit health.

How to brew

Most often, pu-erh can be bought in tablets of 15 grams or more. A very small piece of tablet is enough for one serving of the drink. For tea lovers, for its preparation, they purchase sets, in which there is necessarily a special knife for breaking off a portion of the tea leaves from the pressed form.

To brew pu-erh correctly, it is better to use the spill method. It involves the following steps:

• warming up the gaiwan and setting the tea leaves;
• rinsing the tea leaves with boiling water for 2-5 seconds;
• re-pouring boiling water, infusion for 5-7 seconds.

After that, the drink is poured into cups or bowls and drunk. You can repeat brewing up to 10 times, increasing the infusion time to 1-2 minutes. You can watch the video on how to cook pu-erh.

Invigorating fermented pressed tea is a product whose taste, aroma and benefits are difficult to understand and appreciate the first time. In China, it is considered a drink for 100 diseases, which is why it is so highly valued.

Tea varieties. Pu-erh. Part 1 - history and production

Tea varieties. Pu-erh. Part 2. Sheng pu-erh - varieties and brewing methods Tea varieties. Pu-erh. Part 3. Shu pu-erh - history and varieties Tea varieties. Pu-erh. Part 4. Brewing and storage

There are two main varieties of pu-erh - Shen and Shu... It is quite easy to distinguish them, especially if the tea was produced recently.

Sheng pu-erh leaves

Sheng pu-erh has rather large leaves, greenish, sometimes with a brown tint. The tea infusion is light - golden, sometimes with a reddish tint. The smell is light, with the aroma of haze, dried fruit or apples. The dormant tea leaf is green or yellowish green.

Shu pu-erh has smaller leaves, they are strongly twisted, their color is from brownish-gold to velvety-black. The smell of the leaf itself is strong, slightly earthy. The tea infusion is aromatic, the color can be either amber brown or reddish with a ruby ​​tint. In some varieties, the color is even darker, up to the color of coffee and black oil, through which even the bottom of the cup is not visible. The dormant tea leaf is almost black.

Each type of tea has its own connoisseurs. Someone likes the lightness of shen, while others cannot imagine a day without a cup of strong shu, which helps to cheer up. Each person chooses tea for himself. Especially sensitive people do not tolerate strong tea, so you should listen to how you feel when you try a new strain. Pu-erh also has an interesting property that manifests itself if you drink it in a small company. It relaxes and makes people laugh. Quite serious personalities, who were sitting calmly and a little anxiously 10 minutes ago, begin to smile under their breath and laugh at their neighbor's jokes.

If we talk about the effect on the body, it is believed that pu-erh tea promotes weight loss, removes toxins and helps with digestion. Chinese doctors wrote that this tea is useful for people who often eat meat in order to facilitate its digestion.In addition, pu-erh invigorates and warms, which is especially important in winter, when there is cold and wind all around.
There are quite a few factories that produce pu-erh, I will only mention the main areas.

So let's start with shenov.
Sheng pu-erh. They are also "qing" pu-erh, that is, "fresh". They are "green pu-erhs".

Sheng pu-erh cup

As I said before, the main tea picking area in Yunnan is Xishuangbanna District in the south of the province. Tea is also collected in other places, in the Dali district, Nanjiang, Simao and others. The largest factories are located in Kunming, the provincial capital, in Menghai, in Dali. At the same time, there are many small factories and factories that also produce their own brands of tea under their own brand, and sometimes under the brand of the selling company, as, for example, happens with the brand "Zhong Cha" or "Middle (or Chinese) tea" ...
But when you buy tea, then first of all you need to pay attention to the tea itself, and not just to the name.

Pressed pancake sheng pu-erh

So, in front of you is a tea pancake or a brick. The color of the leaves should be fairly light, maybe greenish-brown, slightly gray. Sheng pu-erh, which has been lying for some time, for example, five years or more, usually darkens, approaching shu pu-erh. It is even difficult to distinguish old shens from shu, but then the price of this tea jumps up many times. Such tea has a special taste, bright, seasoned, but without dustiness and roughness, if, of course, the raw materials were good initially.

As a rule, large leaves are taken for shen, as the fermentation processes in them can take a long time, giving the tea a special charm. The flatbread may be written: "Bai nyen gu shu cha", which means, "Tea from the leaves of centuries-old trees." Or even "Qian nien gu shu cha", that is, "Tea from the leaves of millennial trees." And these are indeed the leaves of old trees growing in the Yunnan Mountains. Such leaves can be stored for a long time, giving the tea infusion the aroma of dry apples with a special oily tea infusion. They also write: "Lao shu cha" - "Tea from an old tree" or "Gu shu cha" - "Tea from an ancient tree."

You can often read the name of the mountain from which the tea was collected. For example, tea from the Bu Lan mountain has a tart, fruity-woody taste, it is strong and bright. Ban Zhang tea is more delicate, enveloping, soft, but strong, rich. From Mount Nan Nuo - warm, sweet and slightly smoky, with a hint of prunes.

Puerh "Silver Buds"

If it says "Yin ya", that is, "Silver buds", then the leaves of this tea are covered with a silvery fluff, their taste is delicate and pleasant, the color of the infusion is light honey or amber.

Puerh "Bai Hao"

If "Bai hao", that is, "White villi", then the sheet is covered with white fluff. Sometimes it is also called "White Pu-erh", but this name is not entirely correct. This tea gives a fairly light infusion, but its effect may be stronger than that of other varieties. He clears his head, helps to tune in the right way, sometimes changing the frozen picture of the world.

Buds of wild growing tea trees

Loose buds or "Ya bao"

There is another type of pu-erh, kidney pu-erh, such as in the "Buds of Pine Blades" or "Buds of Wild Old Trees" cake. For this variety, dense buds are collected, processed and loosely pressed. Sometimes there is also a loose option. Such tea is much lighter than pu-erh tea made from leaves, its taste is almost "compote", sweet, with a slight sourness, in the aftertaste comes some astringency. The aroma is fruity, light. Since the buds ferment differently than the leaves, it is better to drink this tea fresh, do not store it for too long.

When brewing, the main thing is not to put too much of the leaf. Otherwise, the tea will turn out to be bitter and uninteresting. Our friend pu-erh seller, who knows a lot about tea, puts 5 grams on a small (about 100 ml) gaiwan. Brew with hot water - just boiled. And do not insist for a long time. Sweetness and freshness are valued in shenas.The taste of this tea plays in different shades - from light fruity notes that make you remember apples and prunes, to rich woody and herbal ones. The aroma may contain light smoke, forest or dry grass, raisins or dates. Sheng pu-erh can give vigor and soothes, warming, gives warmth and sweetness to the whole body.

Puerh varieties counting is probably pointless. Sometimes they write about only two varieties - shu and sheng. These are two types of pu-erh, differing in manufacturing technology.

In general, pu-erh is subdivided in this way, but shu and sheng, in turn, have a huge number of varieties, and they are becoming more and more in connection with the increased demand in recent years.

Sheng pu-erh

Sheng pu-erh after initial processing and pressing naturally ages. Its quality improves over time. But here you need to understand that in order to get a really old valuable grade of pu-erh, you need to keep it under certain conditions. Just because the tea will just lie somewhere, it is not a fact that it will get better. This condition helps to understand the common analogy with aged wine. There, too, special conditions are being created.
I would also like to say that properly aged pu-erh cannot be very cheap, and the pursuit of old pu-erh is hardly justified. We all know how to count, and we understand that for ten years tea should be stored in a special room, it needs supervision. So count it.

Therefore, most likely we can taste green (sheng) pu-erh when young. I'm talking about ordinary consumers who are unable to pay huge sums of money for collectible varieties. However, young pu-erh varieties are also tasty and healthy.

Shu puer

Much easier with shu pu-erh. This is an artificially aged tea. Here age over a couple of years does not play practically any role, except for advertising. It's just a ready-made black pu-erh.

Both the one and the other pu-erh are made from leaves of different trees, different ages, with different climatic conditions, they are processed by different manufacturers. Hence the huge variety of Pu-erhs.

There are attempts to classify, you can try to read what is written on the package. For example, the numbers, if, of course, they are present, mean the following: the first is the year when the given variety began to be produced, do not confuse it with the year of manufacture, then the number of the variety itself, the last digit is the manufacturer. 1 is Kunming, 2 is Menghai, 3 is Xiaguan, 4 is Puer Factory.

But such numbers are not always present on the packaging. Perhaps the seller can tell you which variety you are holding in your hands. Unfortunately, this also does not happen very often. Usually you have to rely on your taste. Well, experience is gained over time.

I would like to say that at first I tried different varieties, pure, with aloe, with lavender, with coffee beans and so on. The list is very long. As a result, I came to the usual pu-erh, without any additions. I like both sheng and shu, it is better in large pancakes. There is a whole leaf, just nice to look at.

And the taste of pu-erh in large pancakes is usually better. But this is so for me.

We must try and look for the one that suits you best. Someone else's experience will tell you little here. Well, maybe for a start.

But what I can share quite seriously is that you don't need to look for ways to brew pu-erh to insert. Or pearl, as they say there. This is all nonsense. Pu-erh is tasty and healthy without these sophistication.

Pu-erh is one of the most unusual and interesting tea drinks. He is loved not only for his exquisite and unique taste, but also for the famous effect of intoxication. Like other teas, this one also has its own varieties. All kinds of pu-erh differ not only in the method of production or aging time, but also in taste, shade, and smell.

Types of Puerh: Sheng Puerh

Sheng Puer is a tea produced in China for many centuries. Processing of this type is carried out using the technology of natural aging.It has been used since the breeding of this variety. The process involves drying the leaves outdoors in the sun. Then pressed blocks are made from them, which will be stored for some time in order to saturate the tea and give it strength.

Earth tea (this is the second name of Shen) is one of the expensive types, since its preparation is a very long process. Therefore, you should not believe the sellers who offer supposedly real brew for a penny. Young harvests are characterized by a delicate aroma of bark and nuts, with a thick and rich taste.

Types of Puerh: Shu Puerh

Shu Puer, unlike Shen, is produced using an accelerated technology that allows you to get a finished product not after years, but after just a few weeks of aging. This technology was developed in the mid 70s of the last century. It allowed microorganisms to develop more rapidly, which shorten the fermentation period. It was this technique that gave impetus to the spread of the popularity of the variety not only in China, but throughout the world. Shu is much cheaper than Shen, but practically does not differ in quality.

Kinds of pu-erh: cherry

Yunnan green tea from the province of the same name in China is used to make the cherry drink. This infusion is based on 7-year-old Imperial Puerh and ripe cherry fruit pieces.

Cherry pu-erh has a huge number of useful qualities. It helps to normalize the functioning of the heart and the vascular system in general. It has tonic properties, reduces the amount of sugar in the blood, and accelerates the process of losing weight. In addition, the drink helps the body to cope with heavy meat foods. It contains components that can significantly improve the metabolism and performance of the gallbladder.

This type of tea has one excellent quality - its medicinal properties increase with the duration of storage.

Kinds of Puerh: Ye Sheng

Ye Shen - green tea. It is kept under special conditions in order to obtain unique characteristics. Wild pu-erh - This is an original tea, consisting of large leaves. Fermentation takes place throughout the entire storage period, due to which it receives a special taste and smell.

Ye Shen has the scent of plums and the scent of a curiosity, which appears due to the leaves of wild-growing shrubs. Especially pleasant are the sweetish notes that leave a long aftertaste in the mouth.

Ye Shen well cleanses the body of cholesterol, removes toxins and toxins, gives vigor and strength. It is recommended to drink it for people who are taking medications with a negative effect on the body.

Types of Puerh: Ye Shu

This tea is created using Shu's own technology, which allows it to be highly fermented. It is kept in special storage facilities (cellars) for 12 years. The main production site is Yunnan province.

After the leaves are collected, they are stored for aging, then placed in a cellar with high humidity, where the tea undergoes an artificial fermentation process. There, they make large piles of them and periodically stir up in order to make the exposure more uniform. Once the tea leaves have reached the desired state, they are subjected to a high-temperature treatment, which closes the fermentation. The finished tea can be left loose or formed into bricks or pancakes.

The brewed infusion has a bright reddish-amber or brown hue. It has a rich taste with hints of nut, its own and unique sweetness.

Ye Shu is not only tasty, but also healthy - it perfectly tones the body, puts in order thoughts, solves most problems with digestion and the gastrointestinal tract.

Types of Puerh: NaiXiang

Milk pu-erh during the brewing process, it becomes a dark red opaque hue and acquires a milky flavor, which is obtained through a special aromatization process at the production stage. This process can be carried out using two types of natural flavors: milk whey or unripe pineapple juice.

The drink is extremely useful as it significantly improves the metabolism, the condition of the epidermis and the digestive system. Due to the large number of positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract, Nai Xiang tea is actively used by alternative Chinese medicine.

Types of Puerh: Gong Ting

Gong Ting Puer is often called the palace drink because it was the favorite drink of the emperors. The aging process of such tea can be up to 7 years or more.

Produce imperial tealike any other of this variety, in the place of Yunnan. Large leaf tea is used for its preparation. The manufacturing process itself consists of aging and double fermentation. Long aging gives the Imperial tea many components necessary for the body.

Gong Ting has a deep red hue and a sweetish flavor. The aftertaste is rich, reminiscent of a decoction of dried fruits.

Types of Puerh: Bai Hao

Bai Hao are compressed buds of aged tea bushes harvested from plantations in Yunnan. The leaves go to the production of Shen and Shu.

By the strength and completeness of the impact white pu-erh similar to Shu or Shen, but radically different in taste. This tea has a herbal flavor, the aroma of fresh mountain air.

In order to prepare it, only a few top leaves and not an open kidney are used, and in some cases only a kidney. After collecting them, they are dried in the air under the rays of the sun and sorted out. Then they are slightly steamed and made from them a cake, which is dried in a special workshop at a temperature not lower than 45 ° C for a week. Due to the fact that a small amount of moisture remains in the material, a fermentation process can occur, which gives the tea a unique taste and aroma.

If the raw material is really of high quality, then during the brewing process you can see how the buds become "alive", acquire a green color.

Types of Puerh: Shu Puer Xiao Tocha

Shu Puer Mini Tocha - This is the most popular and widespread packaging option. It is convenient in that there is no need to measure the volume of tea with a spoon - this is already done at the factory. All that is required of a tea lover is to unwrap the colorful packaging and place the compressed tea in the teapot. After being poured with boiling water, it fills the entire room with a dense and invigorating aroma. This option is convenient for beginners in brewing this variety and for those who spend a lot of time on the road.

In order to properly prepare tea, it is necessary to use 95 ° C water. After pouring the first infusion, it must be drained - this will help the leaves to fully give all the aroma and taste, as well as rid the drink of dust and debris.

Pu-erh tea - useful properties and contraindications of unusual tea

For some countries, tea is a traditional drink: for example, for the people of China, its preparation and consumption can be called a kind of philosophy. Pu-erh tea is especially popular because it has great benefits and original taste.

Pu-erh tea - beneficial properties

In China, the drink is popular not only for its unusual taste and aroma, but also for its great benefits. In Asian countries, it is often called "a remedy for a hundred diseases." Useful substances are important for the proper functioning of internal organs and systems. When consumed regularly, Chinese pu-erh tea helps to strengthen the immune system, which helps to reduce the risk of various diseases.

1. It has a beneficial effect on the activity of the gallbladder and improves metabolism.
2. Helps cleanse the body and liver from harmful substances.
3. Another property is that it improves the functioning of the digestive system, making food easier to digest, which relieves the feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
4. It has a tonic effect, giving a boost of energy. Pu-erh tea will be an excellent alternative to coffee, which has serious contraindications.
5. Helps to quickly cope with hangover syndrome.
6. It has anti-aging properties, which is especially important for women.
7. Recommended for ulcers and gastritis, as it has a positive effect on the stomach.
8. Reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
9. Is the prevention of cancer. Scientists in England have shown that pectin, which is part of the brew, blocks a protein that is involved in cancer.

Pu-erh tea - composition

The leaves have a rich chemical composition, as they contain vitamins and minerals that are important for the body to function. They contain proteins, amino acids, saccharides and alkaloids. Aromatic substances not only give originality to the taste, but also have a positive effect on the functioning of the body and, most of all, on the nervous system. For those who are interested in what kind of tea, what is pu-erh made of, it is important to say that there are statins in it, which persist even after preparation.

Pu-erh tea - increases or decreases blood pressure?

The rich chemical composition of the leaves determines a number of important beneficial properties, as their benefits for hypotonic patients have been proven. When fermented tea is brewed tightly, the blood pressure can be increased. People who have high blood pressure should refuse to drink, as this can negatively affect the activity of the cardiovascular system. It is clear that pu-erh tea and hypertension are two incompatible concepts, but it is important to consider that it is necessary to choose the Shen variety. Theine, which is part of the leaves, promotes vasodilation and improves oxygen metabolism.

Pu-erh tea - how to brew correctly?

One brew is designed for 5-15 servings. At a time, you should brew a one-time volume of pu-erh tea, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are confirmed by doctors in different countries. For the traditional cooking method, special dishes are used. Gaiwan is a deep cup with a lid, but a small teapot with a volume of 150 ml can be used instead. The strainer will help prevent small pieces of tea leaves from entering. You also need a chahai, intended for stirring, and a bowl. There is a certain scheme of how to brew pu-erh tea:

1. First, dry tea leaves are soaked, for which it should be borne in mind that 100 ml of water should fall on 10 g. This must be done using gaiwan. Duration of soaking - 5 minutes. Rinse off the water after the time has elapsed.
2. Boil water in a large kettle and put it in a thermos. Brewing is carried out when the temperature of the liquid is 95 degrees.
3. Fill the tea leaves with water from a thermos and drain immediately. Use the liquid to rinse the cups and chahai.
4. The tea leaves should remain in the gaiwan under the lid for 30 seconds. The leaves swell under the influence of temperature and vapors.
5. Pour in a new portion of water, and after 10 sec. you can pour pu-erh into cups. The next brewing should take 2 seconds. less. Each subsequent preparation may be longer than the previous one.

How to brew Pu-erh tea tablets?

The product in tablet form is produced in the Chinese province of Yunnan and is distinguished by small brown and blue leaves. The amount of tea in one tablet is intended for one person. After brewing, the liquid turns dark brown and tastes and tastes like the leaf version. There are certain rules on how to brew pressed pu-erh tea, which make it possible to obtain the original taste and aroma.

1. Take a pill and gently mash it so as not to damage the leaves, as the tea will become bitter as a result.
2. Pour boiling water over a porcelain or glass teapot. Pour the leaves and fill them with hot water, the temperature of which depends on the age of the pu-erh (fashion - 80-90 degrees, aged - 85-95 degrees, old - 98 degrees).
3. After 20 sec. be sure to drain the water and wait until the leaves cool slightly.
4. Pour water over the leaves again and leave for a couple of minutes. After that, strain the tea and pour it into another teapot.
5. The tea leaves can be used up to ten times.

Pu-erh tea - the effect of intoxication

Many people confirm that after drinking tea, there is a feeling similar to that of a slight intoxication. It should be said that pu-erh is not a drug and it does not cause addiction. The information that after drinking a cup there is an ambiguous feeling is a fact, but this cannot be called "drunkenness" in the literal sense of the word. Relaxing pu-erh tea can tone the body, which leads to a clearer mind, clarity of thought and a feeling of breathing easier. This is due to the presence of certain substances.

1. Tein... Stimulates brain activity and maintains general tone in the body.
2. Theophylline... It has an effect on the central nervous system, changing the mental state, therefore, contraindications relate to serious problems with the nervous system.
3. L-theanine... Ensures the correct transmission of impulses between brain cells and improves performance.

How does Pu-erh tea taste?

The palatability depends on the raw materials used, the preparation process and on the polyphenols and their oxidation products included in the composition. Pu-erh tea, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which is important to consider in order not to harm health, has a tart and multifaceted taste, so you can highlight a note of wood, walnut and prunes. After consumption, a sweet-tart aftertaste with a faint bitterness remains. Many people are interested in what pu-erh tea smells like, so each person can smell the aroma differently. It is often compared to black soil, fish and even socks.

How to drink pu-erh tea properly?

Many people are accustomed to drinking tea with cakes, jam and other goodies, but this habit is not suitable for those who want to get pleasure and feel the taste of pu-erh. The Chinese do not recommend using any supplements. Traditionally, the drink is poured into bowls and drunk in small sips to enjoy the taste and aroma. To get not only taste pleasure, but also useful properties, pu-erh is drunk, taking into account some rules.

1. Tea should not be consumed in large quantities, so it is best to limit yourself to three small cups a day. Experts recommend listening to the prompts of your body in order to exclude contraindications and, if necessary, reduce the dosage.
2. Since pu-erh has an invigorating effect, it is best to drink it at lunchtime. With evening use, insomnia may occur. They drink it in 20 minutes. before and after meals.
3. Pu-erh tea, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which were discovered by Chinese doctors, should not be consumed with sugar, since it not only spoils the taste, but also impairs the benefits. As a last resort, you can use a little honey.

Slimming Puerh Green Tea

For those who want to cope with excess weight, the original Chinese drink will be an excellent way to improve the results from proper nutrition. Pu-erh tea, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have been tested by scientists, has a beneficial effect on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, speeds up metabolism and promotes better digestion of food. It helps to normalize acidity, reduces the amount of cholesterol and sugar in the blood. Pu-erh tea for weight loss is useful for its beneficial properties, to cleanse the body of harmful substances and reduce appetite. It is also a good antidepressant for dieters.

How to drink pu-erh tea to lose weight?

There are two methods of use that will help start the processes of wasting accumulated fats in the body.For the first option, it is necessary to brew mature tea with boiled water and leave for half an hour. Drink the finished drink before meals and half an hour after it. It is forbidden to combine Chinese slimming pu-erh tea with desserts. The second option involves replacing one of the meals with healthy tea.

Pu-erh tea - contraindications

To prevent the drink from harming the body, it is important to consider that it is dangerous for some people. Contraindications apply to women in position and during feeding, so they should limit the amount consumed. For those who are interested in what pu-erh tea is harmful, it is important to know that people with ulcers, gastritis, hypertension and atherosclerosis should refuse it. You can not drink it in large quantities for stomach diseases and on an empty stomach. Contraindications also apply to children.

Legendary Chinese Pu-Erh tea: beneficial properties. The true value of pu-erh tea and contraindications

Very often, real tea experts put on pu-erh tea, whose name appeared back in the distant III century. n. e., along with elite drinks such as brandy or whiskey. The explanation for this lies in the fact that over the years the taste of the drink is revealed more and more, the aroma becomes more saturated, and the beneficial qualities acquire versatility. Aging and a special way of processing make the black drink truly unique and healthy, and the variety of varieties attractive to the most picky gourmets.

Features of the production of pu-erh tea and the beneficial properties of a perennial drink

The usual black tea familiar to everyone, which everyone encounters in life almost every day, is actually considered red in China. But real black tea, which is obtained by special preparation and non-standard brewing, is proudly called pu-erh tea. The name of the tea comes from the place where the very leaves of the bushes were found. They are brewed all over the world to this day.

Unlike other brewing methods, pu-erh tea leaves are carefully processed to become fully fermented. First, the leaves are collected from the bushes, then the raw materials are laid out in piles and periodically irrigated with water. When the leaves dry out a little, they are laid out in an even thin layer and left for a period of 1.5-2 months for natural fermentation. Tea can also be prepared artificially, but with the loss of some properties and aroma. Naturally harvesting tea takes about 7–8 years. During this time of exposure, global changes occur not only in taste and smell, but also in composition. This tea is called shen and has a dark color. Artificial drying takes much less time, as a result, a year later, a tea called "shu" will be ready, the shade of which is an order of magnitude lighter than that of "sheng".

More benefits for the body will, of course, be in ten-year-old tea. But this does not mean at all that artificial pu-erh is not useful. There are about 120 varieties of a healing drink today, and each of them is useful in its own way. They differ in taste, aroma, color. The production technology itself unites all varieties, but otherwise you can please any taste. A fairly popular type of tea today is one that is made from a mixture of young leaves and old ones with long aging.

Elite pu-erh tea: useful properties, compositional features and calorie content

The composition of real black pu-erh tea contains exclusively tea leaves without impurities and artificial flavors. The chemical composition of the drink is as follows:

• kakhetins, anthocyanins and phenolic acids, which are a group of phenolic compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer properties;

• amino acids, on which all characteristics of the drink depend, from quality to color;

• alkaloids, including theine, theobromine and theophylline, give the tea a tonic effect.The drink improves brain activity, dilates blood vessels, accelerates the transport of oxygen through the cells of the body and increases tone;

• saccharides, due to which pu-erh has a sweetish taste;

• vitamins C, A, E, P;

• zinc, chromium, potassium, manganese, fluorine and other minerals;

• statins, they are formed by the processes of fermentation of trace elements in the body. Thanks to statins, cholesterol levels in the body are reduced, stroke prevention is carried out, and the susceptibility to coronary heart disease is reduced.

There are 151.8 kcal per 100 g of black pu-erh. For 1 cup, 1 tsp is enough. dry raw material, which contains 2 g, which weighs only 3 kcal.

What are the beneficial properties of pu-erh tea?

Black classic pu-erh tea cannot be compared with any other similar drinks. The unique composition is literally filled with inimitable qualities. No wonder the popularity of pu-erh in the world is increasing every day. Among the beneficial qualities of puer are:

• improvement of digestion processes;

• stabilization of blood sugar levels;

• fight against constipation;

• reduced chances of having a heart attack or stroke;

• cleansing the body of various toxins, removing toxins, poisons and heavy metals;

• prolongation of youthfulness of the skin;

• improvement of liver function, its gradual cleansing and restoration;

• lowering the level of bad cholesterol in the body;

• promoting weight loss in a mode that is sparing for the body;

• concentration of attention and increased physical activity due to the tonic effect.

Pu-erh tea with its beneficial properties is considered not only a cure for some ailments, but also a means of prevention. It is a potent agent with a wide range of action. Tea is able to cleanse the blood, liver, intestines. Pu-erh makes it effectively, which earned itself a worthy place in the menu of popular diets. The drink has a beneficial effect on the skin, improving and evening out its color. The vitamin-rich composition is reflected in the improvement of the appearance of hair and nails. And the pectin in the composition prevents the development of oncology by blocking the Gal3 protein, which forms such cells.

Does pu-erh tea have contraindications for use? Who shouldn't get carried away with an elite drink

The benefits of the drink are huge and obvious, but Pu-erh tea also has contraindications, like any drug. First of all, this includes individual intolerance to the product. People in old age or with chronic diseases should also not get carried away with historical drinking. By itself, the pu-erh drink is quite strong, and its properties are clearly manifested even with a slight brewing. Therefore, you should not experiment and brew tea tightly.

There are also some circumstances, in the event of which one should forget about an elite drink. Pu-erh tea has contraindications, including:

• high degree of body temperature - drinking plenty of pu-erh tea will provoke an even greater rise in temperature;

• The invigorating effect and tonic effect will not let you fall asleep for a long time, therefore it is strictly not recommended to drink tea before going to bed. At best, the consequences can be sleep and wakefulness disturbances, and at worst, stress for the nervous system;

• For pregnant women, like most other products, Pu-erh tea is not recommended;

• during the period of breastfeeding for women, only one mug of a weakly brewed drink per day is permissible, no more;

• small children under 3 years old should not be given an adult drink either;

• in case of hypertension, you should give up the elixir, so as not to increase the pressure even more;

• exacerbation of the diuretic effect of puerh can be fraught with people with urolithiasis. The drink is able to activate the movement of kidney stones, which causes piercing and sharp pains;

• people who do not know how to brew tea correctly may feel both mild malaise after drinking it, and symptoms of poisoning, up to vomiting.

All contraindications can be easily corrected by the strength of the drink or by limiting the number of cups drunk daily.

Useful properties of pu-erh tea

In the homeland of pu-erh tea (smoked tea), in China, this drink was consumed a thousand years ago. Even then, it was considered curative, therefore it was available only to rich people.

Over time, from the category of medicinal ones, it moved into the category of the most beloved tea drinks by the Chinese. But due to the specifics and labor intensity of production, it has remained one of the most expensive.

Today it can be bought in specialized stores in the form of small tiles or by weight. It is noteworthy that no special conditions are required for storing finished pu-erh tea - it retains its taste for a long time.

The healing properties of pu-erh tea

Due to its unsurpassed health benefits, Pu-erh tea has become one of the most popular in the world. Its tonic and invigorating properties can be compared to good coffee, despite the fact that there is very little caffeine in it.

For memory and attention

Experts believe that pu-erh tea is able to keep the body in good shape throughout a long working day. And if you drink this healthy drink constantly, you don't have to worry about your health.

Drinking a cup on the eve of your upcoming exam is sure to get an A, as this amazing tea helps you focus and clarify your thoughts.

It will be beneficial for people of intellectual activity to include pu-erh tea among their favorite drinks. Good performance will be ensured.

Slimming

For those who want to lose weight, this is an excellent and very effective remedy.

Due to its ability to burn excess fat, pu-erh tea will help to make your figure slim and attractive in a relatively short time.

In addition, it removes toxins and toxins from the body, which contributes to overall health and rejuvenation.

For the liver

The beneficial properties of this tea include thorough cleansing of the liver. The liver, like no other organ, accumulates waste from food. It's easy to guess what the liver of an average mature person looks like and how many harmful substances it contains. It is sometimes difficult to remove toxins and toxins in order to keep the body clean, the liver is sometimes difficult, especially if the owner is promiscuous and unrestrained in food.

The wonderful Puerh tea helps the liver to remove all accumulated debris from the body. For this alone, it can be elevated to the rank of the healthiest drinks.

For the heart and blood vessels

People suffering from hypertension, which negatively affects thinking, are advised to drink such tea constantly, so that their life becomes more fulfilling, full of bright thoughts and adequate actions.

Scientists have noticed another useful ability - to lower bad cholesterol, which plays a significant role in the treatment of hypertension. In fact, for hypertensive patients, Pu-erh tea is an excellent alternative to drugs.

Other medicinal properties

This Chinese tea is useful for diabetics because it significantly lowers blood sugar levels. To maintain the spiritual and physical condition of the body, doctors often prescribe pu-erh to the cores.

The same tea can bring a person out of strong intoxication. To do this, you need to water the patient with pu-erh as often as possible, up to complete sobering up.

Alcoholic patients are also recommended to be treated with this tea. Pu-erh tea helps a person get rid of addiction and start a new, better life. This is a real chance for alcoholics and their families.

For people suffering from gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, pu-erh tea is not contraindicated, but, on the contrary, is very useful. Due to its medicinal properties, this drink can successfully treat inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Having gained popularity in many countries, Pu-erh tea has become a trendsetter in the field of elite drinks and is unlikely to yield its primacy to any other tea. At least in the near future.

How Do I Pick a Good Puerh?

Good quality pu-erh tea has a pleasant aroma, similar to the aroma of dried fruits, sometimes figs.

There are varieties of pu-erh that are slightly earthy. The pressed raw material does not have too small a leaf and does not crumble like tea in bags, large light leaves (buds) are visible, it is easily separated from the base with a special knife, without turning into fine dust.

How to brew pu-erh tea

Porcelain or glass teapots are best for brewing pu-erh tea.

It can also be brewed in individual cups or bowls. One teaspoon of loose tea is enough for one cup.

Brewing pressed pu-erh tea is slightly different from weighing it. Break off a piece from the tea tile, pour boiling water over it and drain it immediately to wash off the industrial dust, then drain it again and leave for 2-3 minutes.

The brewing temperature for green, both loose and compressed tea, ranges from 80 to 90 degrees, for black - from 90 to 100 degrees.

Choosing the right brewing utensils, you can enjoy not only its wonderful taste and extraordinary aroma, but also its amazing delicate color. Meet this healthy tea called pu-erh.

Unique properties of Chinese pu-erh tea. All about the benefits and dangers of this drink

Tea is a traditional and favorite drink for many people. The beneficial and tonic properties of tea have been known for a long time, this is what makes it so popular and in demand. Tea lovers can enjoy many types of drink: white, red, green, black. We should also mention the dark pu-erh tea, which has a specific and very pleasant taste.

History and origin of tea

The drink has several names: pu-erh, dark tea, earthy drink... The modern territory, which is the birthplace of the drink, is several Chinese provinces located in the eastern part of the Tibetan plateau. In ancient times, these provinces were part of the kingdom of Shu, whose capital was called Puer. It is in honor of the capital city that dark tea got its name.

Today tea is grown over a fairly large area: the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, some provinces of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos.

Puer tea production process

Leaves of the large-leaved Yunnan tea tree are used for the production of the drink. The older and larger the tree, the better the tea collected from it. For the production of the drink, they collect fleshy and large leaves containing a lot of juice.

The ancient way of preparing raw materials for tea is a rather long-term process: the leaves are pressed into washers and fermented (oxidized) in a natural way. This process can take decades and the resulting tea was called "raw". In ancient times, if a girl was born, then in the year of her birth, the harvest was harvested and part of the raw material was pressed for fermentation. When the girl grew up and the day of her wedding was appointed, the pu-erh, harvested many years ago, became a rich dowry. In the modern world, tea leaves aged for decades are considered a very expensive and elite type of drink..

The faster way to ferment dark tea has several stages: the leaves are collected, piled up and watered with water. Microorganisms contained in raw materials begin to multiply intensively, thereby increasing the temperature inside the heap with tea leaves and accelerating the production of juice. The fermentation process must be carefully controlled: gradually dry the raw material to avoid decay, then wet it again, accelerating fermentation.

The last stage of tea production is the pressing of fermented raw materials. The form for raw materials can be any - round, square, with impressions of various seals and bas-reliefs.The weight of one puck can be more than 5 kilograms. Particularly popular are small balls designed for one-time brewing.

Types and varieties of pu-erh tea

Dark tea is divided into two types: Shen and Shu... The subspecies differ significantly from each other both visually and in taste and color. When brewed, Shen has a light color and a pronounced fruity taste. Shu is a true dark tea with an astringent taste and a thick, rich aroma with hints of smoke.

By the use of raw materials Puerh is divided into several categories:

• Tea made from small-sized leaves from tea bushes;
• A drink made from large and fleshy tea tree leaves;
• Puerh from elite varieties of tea bushes or trees;
• Mixed (blended) drinks.

By fermentation stage Puerh is divided into the following types:

• Mao Cha is a dried leaf that has not gone through the pressing process. All types of pu-erh are produced from them.
• Sheng pu-erh leaves are leaves that have been pressed but not artificially fermented.
• Shu pu-erh is a drink that has undergone accelerated artificial fermentation. It takes several years of processing to obtain quality tea. During fermentation, bitterness leaves the leaves, the raw material becomes soft. The dried leaves are brownish-red and shiny in appearance.
• Aged Sheng Pu-erh is the most expensive and elite type. This tea undergoes a natural fermentation that lasts for many years. The color of the dried tea leaves is dark green.

Varieties of pressed pu-erh shape

Raw materials for brewing are pressed into washers of various shapes and sizes, which have a dark color and an uneven structure. The shape of the washer depends on which province the tea was produced in and which types of tea bush or tree were used.

• Bean cha... This shape is in the form of a cake or washer. The weight of the cake can range from 100 grams to 5 kilograms. The most popular types of flatbread are Qi Zi Bing Cha (7 packaged flatbreads) or Qiao Mu Bing Cha (the raw material for the flatbread is leaves collected from old and large tea trees).
• Tocha... This form of tea looks like a bowl or nest. This type of tea was produced in the area of ​​the Tojiang River, which is where the name of the form comes from. The weight of the tea pressed in this way ranges from a few grams to 3 kilograms.
• Juan cha (brick). This is the most common and popular form for pressing tea, especially in the old days. The simple form made it possible to bring the raw materials without damage with the help of trade caravans.
• Fan cha (square shape). The weight of a square is several hundred grams. Most often, on the surface of the pressed tea, you can see the imprint of the hieroglyph.
• Dzin cha... This form of pressing tea looks like a mushroom: a cap and a small stem. This form is typical for puerh produced in Tibet.
• Dzin gua... This shape looks like a pumpkin with longitudinal grooves. Tea of ​​this form was made in ancient times for the needs of the imperial palace. Pumpkins that are large in weight are called the human head.

You can buy quality pu-erh tea at good prices in the online store of Chinese tea DostavTea.

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Useful properties of pu-erh tea

For memory and attention

This drink is usually called an elixir that restores strength, improves mood, and tones the human body. At the first symptoms of fatigue, the drink helps to concentrate, improve the assimilation of information. The drink is indicated in cases where concentration and clarity of mind are important during work. People who drink pu-erh regularly have a marked improvement in memory function.

Slimming

Due to its high content of amino acids and the ability to reduce appetite, tea helps to lose weight. This drink is useful in that it increases metabolic processes in the body, and this contributes to rapid and natural weight loss. It has a diuretic effect and normalizes intestinal motility.

The benefits of pu-erh for the liver

The drink helps the liver to better cope with its functions: to cleanse the body of harmful toxins. This product reduces the formation of cholesterol plaques, improves vascular permeability, and has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

Anti-inflammatory properties of the drink

Tea leaves, or rather a white bloom, which protects them from hypothermia, contains essential oils and polyphenols, which, together with tannins, reduce the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the human body. This drink helps to strengthen the activity of the adrenal glands, which helps to minimize inflammation.

The benefits of tea for the digestive system

Puerh improves digestion, especially after eating fatty foods. The drink reduces the feeling of heaviness, helps to quickly process and remove harmful fats from the body. The substances contained in tea reduce the acidity of the stomach, which makes this drink very useful for patients with ulcers or gastritis.

How to brew this drink

Making a drink is a whole ceremony. We wrote about the rules and traditions of the Chinese tea ceremony in this article. It all depends on the type of tea, the time of its fermentation, the type of tea leaves from which it is created. The main thing to consider is it is advisable to brew tea in earthenware or a special thermos... Thus, you can reveal the entire range of taste and aroma of the drink. The water temperature should not be higher than 98 degrees. A strong and tart drink is obtained from Shu Pu-erh, delicate and aromatic - from Sheng Pu-erh. Learn more about how to properly brew pressed pu-erh tea in various forms (tablets, lozenges, etc.). And here you can read about how to cook pu-erh tea according to the “tea canons”.

How to drink correctly

This strong and tonic drink it is not recommended to take on an empty stomach and drink before bedtime... Caffeine and tannins, which it contains, invigorate, can cause tachycardia, if the drink is drunk a lot or it is very strong.

It is not advisable to drink a cooled drink, it will interfere with enjoying the whole gamut of taste and aroma. If tea is brewed for a large company, then you definitely need a large open teapot into which several doses of the brewed drink are poured. This is necessary in order for the pu-erh of the first, second and third brews to mix and become as tasty as possible.

What are the potential harm and inherent benefits of black tea? Our publication will help to understand this.

You can get acquainted with Tiguanin tea and its unusual effect here.

Our article will tell you about white tea, which is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial substances. Read more about the medicinal properties of this drink here.

How to choose a quality pu-erh

The tea leaves should look beautiful and “healthy”. Shu pu-erh has dried leaves with a slight sheen and a reddish-brown color. Folded and compressed leaves should not be crumbled, broken, or have any plaque. Sheng pu-erh leaves are green or brown in color. There should be no dirt, debris, scraps of fabric or paper in the compressed raw materials.

The smell of dry tea should be pleasant and rich, not have any "chemical" or specific impurities. Good dry pu-erh smells like nuts, smoke, tree bark, dried plants, but not mold, perfume or fruit.

Before buying, it is advisable to ask the seller about where and when the drink was produced. Tea lovers never buy a lot of dry drink from an unknown seller.It is better to buy a brew for one tea party, make sure of its quality and great taste, and only then buy as much tea as you need. Pu-erh can be stored for a very long time with proper care.

Tea storage

You need to store tea so that the leaves moisture, foreign odors, dust, grease did not get in... The package should be tightly closed, the sun's rays should not fall on the leaves. Mold caused by moisture spoils the drink. If a white coating appears on the tea leaves, the drink is hopelessly spoiled. It is not recommended to wash off or clean off mold spores, it is better to throw away the tea.

For storing pressed tea forms, it is recommended to use a wooden box with a tight-fitting lid. It is recommended to ventilate the drink once a week and dry it in open sunlight for no more than an hour. Such care of tea leaves will only improve the taste of the drink, because in fact, the raw material undergoes another fermentation during drying and airing.

Contraindications and potential harm

This healthy drink has practically no contraindications. It is not recommended to drink it if you are intolerant to caffeine, since it is this substance that is contained in the drink. Because of caffeine, tea is not advised to drink before bedtime, it is better to cheer up with a healthy drink in the morning. With inflammation of the kidneys, you need to take the drink with caution, the diuretic properties of tea can provoke an unwanted load on the diseased organ.

Pu-erh tea is a healthy drink with a history of over 700 years. The healing properties of Chinese tea make it popular and in demand all over the world.

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Properties, composition and varieties of pu-erh tea

Pu-erh tea is a legendary Chinese tea, which is more than ten centuries old. He is the pride of China and the choice of true gourmets. There are many varieties and each is distinguished by its exquisite taste.

Pu-erh tea is also called enzymatic or "live", because fermentation is constantly taking place in the leaves of the plant. Pu'er got its name in honor of the city of the same name, where a tea market existed since ancient times.

Pu-erh tea began to be produced in the 8-9th century AD, during the Tang Dynasty. For centuries it has been revered and highly regarded by the inhabitants of the Tibetan plateau.

China's pride is produced exclusively in Yunnan province. The climate with suitable humidity, clean air, mountainous terrain with dense forests favor the growth of the tallest trees with fleshy juicy leaves, rich in aromatic and mineral substances.

In those centuries, tea was transported by horse, so they tried to pack it very compactly. Then they began to make flat cakes. The journey took many days, so the leaves were pressed while still green, and when they arrived, the goods were already dry, ready for use.

In Europe, they learned about the wonderful product only by the middle of the 20th century, and in Russia even later. It is not surprising, because China has long been a closed country, and kept its secrets in the strictest confidence.

Production

Pu-erh tea is kept over steam and then packaged in a special way

The leaves of the plant, called maocha, are moistened with steam after harvesting and kept for a month under certain temperature conditions. Then the maocha is fried and packed. Thus, an "aged" type of tea is obtained. If you press the maocha straight away, you get Pu'er green tea.

Such a product is stored from one to five years. The longer the holding time, the more it is appreciated for its quality and taste. This is the only one of all types of tea that only improves its properties over the years.

There is a legend about this product. If a child was born in a tea-making family, the parents would make a cake and store it. When the child grew up and was about to start his own family, a cake of old tea was sold.This money was enough to get married, because the price of Pu-erh increased every year.

Pu-erh tea is composed of useful substances, including phenols, minerals, amino acids

Pu-erh tea has the following chemical composition:

• Phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, catechins, phenolic acids. They have antibacterial, anti-cancer, antioxidant properties.
• Amino acids that directly affect tea quality, smell, color and taste.
• Alkaloids, namely theophylline, theobromine, theine. The presence of these compounds explains the tonic effect of tea. As a result of their action, the work of the brain is activated, the vessels expand, the delivery of oxygen to the cells improves, and the general tone of the body rises.
• Sugars, which give a sweetish taste.
• Vitamins A, E, C, R.
• Minerals such as potassium, zinc, fluorine, manganese, chromium.
• Statins. They are produced by microorganisms during fermentation. Statins help lower cholesterol, improve the quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease. Helps prevent stroke.

The energy value of Pu-erh tea is as follows (per 100 g.):

• proteins - 20 gr. (80 kcal),
• fats - 5.1 gr. (46 kcal),
• carbohydrates - 6.9 gr. (28 kcal),
• calorie content - 151.8 kcal.

The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is as follows: 53%, 30%, 18%.

The product consists only of tea tree leaves, no artificial flavors are added to it. A special feature is that old leaves, which are several hundred years old, are added to the young maocha. This gives the drink an exceptional character and sophistication.

There are many varieties of this amazing product, but there are two main ones: Shen and Shu. These two varieties are completely opposite to each other.

Green maocha

the green variety of pu-erh is called shen

Shen is green tea with natural fermentation processes. Such a variety requires a long "aging" and only then becomes a full-fledged product, ready to use.

To obtain such a drink, branches with 3 and 4 leaves must be collected, since it is in them that the greatest amount of minerals accumulates. The leaves are only dried naturally in the sun. This is what keeps the fermentation processes in them. Maocha darkens over time as a result of oxidation. When brewed, the "young" drink resembles white, while the five-year-old tea acquires a honey-amber color and approaches black.

Shen has a sweet taste with hints of ripe fruit and an alluring aroma of the forest.

Aged maocha

the black variety of pu-erh is called shu, or aged maocha

Another black tea is Puer Shu. This variety goes through the stage of artificial "aging". The maocha is moistened and covered with a cloth. The temperature inside the heaps rises and the fermentation process takes place. Similar fermentation processes take place in kefir and wine.

Thanks to this technology, the reaction of the drink becomes alkaline, so it can be consumed on an empty stomach, unlike the green variety.

Shu's color becomes saturated, dark brown. On the palate, woody notes are caught, a certain chocolateiness, and the best varieties have an aftertaste with notes of camphor and mint.

It is also called earthy, because the aroma of dry tea often evokes associations with earth. Others say that tea smells like a village, bark. Someone associates it with manure. However, these associations are quickly forgotten, and this strange product becomes a favorite.

Since ancient times, Pu-erh has been considered a means of beauty, youth, health and longevity. It perfectly tones, warms and helps burn fat in the body.

Types of varieties

Pu-erh comes in a wide range of species

Each of the two main varieties can be classified into subspecies.

By raw materials used:

• from small leaves,
• from large,
• mixed,
• from the raw materials of the famous tea yard.

By release form:

• loose,
• pressed,
• resin of tea,
• in lumps,
• in the form of a tangerine.

Pressed in the form:

Useful properties and contraindications

Pu-erh tea is a source of beauty and health

Pu-erh tea has medicinal properties. It helps with the work of the digestive system, accelerates metabolism, lowers blood cholesterol levels. This is the only tea that can be consumed by people with gastric ulcer. In addition, it activates the gallbladder and liver.

Pu-erh tea has the opposite effect. Varieties with a short aging period are able to relax, calm down, relieve stress, but a variety with a longer aging period is unusually invigorating and tonic. It is one of the most low-caffeine tonic drinks available.

What else is Pu-erh tea useful for? It is called the source of beauty and health. With regular use, it removes toxins and toxins from the body. As a result, the skin acquires a well-groomed healthy appearance, and excess weight goes away. By consuming 2-3 cups of this healing drink a day, you can get rid of those extra pounds. No wonder it is included in many weight loss programs.

Pu-erh tea warms and invigorates - its beneficial properties are obvious. Another plus of the product is that it is completely natural, without the presence of artificial additives.

Strongly brewed drink gives the effect of light intoxication.

Despite the invaluable benefits, Pu-erh tea has contraindications, although insignificant, but still has. Do not consume the green beverage on an empty stomach. Due to the stimulation of gastric acid production, severe heartburn and pain can occur.

Brewing rules

Pu-erh tea should be poured with boiling water in a teapot, then drained and brewed like regular tea

How to brew Pu-erh tea correctly

The drink is brewed in a teapot. Tea is taken from a proportion of 4 grams. for 150 ml. water. The standard proportion for tasting is 6 grams. per 100 ml of water. The water should not be boiled for a long time. The optimum temperature for brewing is 95 ° C. Pu-erh tea is poured over with water and immediately drained. Then it is re-filled with water again. As a result, the smell of dampness is removed. The drink is infused for 10 minutes, after which it can be consumed. Quality tea withstands about 15 brews.

How to brew pressed Pu-erh tea

There is another brewing method. The classic cooking option is cooking in a glass teapot. When small bubbles begin to rise from the bottom of the kettle when the water heats up, one cup of water is drained. Then, when boiling, the water is poured back. After boiling again, the kettle is removed from the heat and the water is quickly stirred with a spoon to form a funnel. Previously, a piece of about 3 cm is separated from a piece of tea with a knife and soaked in cold water. Prepared tea is placed in hot water and infused for up to 20 minutes.

Pu-erh tea is a delicious drink for true gourmets; over the years it does not lose its valuable properties, but only increases them.

Pu-erh tea (video)