Pu-erh tea – the secret to longevity, flavour, and a slim figure?

Did you know that there is a tea that ages like fine wine, with both its flavour and health properties improving over time? This is precisely what Pu-erh tea is – a unique infusion that has been highly regarded for centuries by the people of Asia. Red Pu-erh tea is not just about an extraordinary flavour; it is also a treasure trove of beneficial properties for our bodies. Why should you incorporate it into your daily tea ritual? You'll find the answers in this post!

Summary:

1. Where does the name “Pu-erh” come from, and why is it called “red tea”?
2. Where does Pu-erh tea come from?
3. How is Pu-erh tea made?
4. What does Pu-erh tea taste like?
5. Pu-erh tea – for weight loss and more

Where does the name “Pu-erh” come from, and why is it called “red tea”?

The name ”Pu-erh”, also written as “Pu’er” or “Pu erh”, originates from the Chinese city of Pu’er, which has historically been a significant tea trade centre. It was from here that this exceptional tea was distributed to other regions of China and, later, to the entire world. Although Pu-erh tea is no longer exclusively produced in Pu’er, its name has remained synonymous with this variety.

But why is Pu-erh tea called “red tea”? In Europe, teas are classified based on the colour of the dried leaves or infusion – for instance, black teas (such as Assam) are named for their dark leaves. In contrast, China classifies tea differently – the Chinese “red tea” is what we know as “black tea”. So, where did the European term ”red Pu-erh tea” come from?

Pu-erh tea owes its nickname to the colour of its infusion, which shimmers with deep brown hues, subtly leaning towards red. This is why, in the West, it is commonly referred to as “red tea”, even though, according to Chinese classification, Pu-erh belongs to the hei cha category (dark or fermented teas).

What is the origin of Pu-erh tea?

Pu-erh is a tea with a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years. It originates from Yunnan province in southwest China – a region known for its exceptional climatic conditions that favour the cultivation of high-quality tea. It is in these mountainous areas that red Pu-erh tea is produced, gaining global recognition thanks to its unique fermentation process.

Traditionally, Pu-erh undergoes a process of aging – which can last from several months to even decades! The longer the tea is aged, the deeper and more complex its flavour becomes. In practice, this means that some older tea varieties are valued as highly as the finest wines or whiskies.

Before it becomes “red Pu-erh tea”, it begins as green tea, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, specifically the assamica variety. These are tea bushes with larger leaves that grow in the mountainous regions of southern and western Yunnan. After harvesting, the leaves undergo withering, rolling, and drying, similar to other teas. However, this is where the similarities end. What happens next is what makes Pu-erh tea truly unique.

How is Pu-erh made – red tea with a unique taste?

The production process of Pu-erh tea is unique and sets it apart from all other tea varieties. It is precisely this method that gives Pu-erh its intense aroma, deep flavour, and rich health benefits. The production of Pu-erh tea involves several key stages:

1. Harvesting the leaves.
   

   As mentioned earlier, Pu-erh tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to produce green, black, or white tea. However, in the case of Pu-erh, larger and more mature leaves are collected, which contain higher levels of compounds essential for fermentation.

2. Withering and roasting.
   

   After harvest, the leaves are left to wither naturally in the sun, followed by light roasting to remove moisture and halt enzymatic oxidation, ensuring controlled fermentation later.

3. Rolling and drying.
   

   The next step is rolling the leaves to shape them appropriately, followed by drying in open air. At this stage, the so-called “raw tea” (mao cha) is formed, which can then be processed into one of the two main types of Pu-erh.

4. Fermentation.
   

   There are two primary fermentation methods, resulting in two types of Pu-erh:

   • Sheng Pu-erh (“raw”) – naturally aged tea that matures over time (from several years to decades). Over the years, it develops a smoother and richer taste. At first, sheng Pu-erh may resemble strong green tea, but as it ages, it gains deep, earthy notes.
   • Shou Pu-erh (“ripe”) – a fermentation process that is artificially accelerated by repeatedly moistening the leaves and storing them in warm, humid conditions. This method, developed in the 1970s, speeds up production while achieving a flavour similar to aged sheng Pu-erh. As a result, shou Pu-erh has a characteristic dark colour and an intense, earthy aroma.


5. Shaping and further aging.
   

   Pu-erh tea can be stored as loose leaves, but it is often compressed into various shapes – cakes (beeng cha), bricks, or small balls (tuo cha). Compression helps the tea age better and enhances its flavour over time.

Thanks to this specific method of processing, red Pu-erh tea increases in value over time, much like fine wine. The fermentation process allows it to develop a unique bouquet and exceptional health benefits, making it one of the most prized teas in the world!

So, what exactly does Pu-erh tea taste like?

Pu-erh tea has an intriguing taste and an exceptionally intense aroma. It offers earthy, slightly smoky notes, sometimes accompanied by fruity or spicy undertones. The infusion has a full, slightly oily body that coats the palate, leaving a long, rich aftertaste. Often, just one brew is enough to experience all the flavour layers that evolve as you drink.

Many people believe that Pu-erh tea tastes bitter, which may deter new tea enthusiasts from trying it – but this is a myth! When brewed correctly, Pu-erh should be smooth, deep, and pleasantly complex, without any harsh bitterness. In fact, red Pu-erh tea is one of the least bitter teas since the fermentation process reduces tannins, which are responsible for the astringency found in black or green teas.

Due to its strong character, the flavour of red tea is often softened with various additives, which give it a new dimension. These ingredients bring out a milder, fruitier character in the tea. In our store, you can find both classic Pu-erh tea and flavoured variations:

• 🌿 Classic Pu-erh tea without additives – perfect for those who enjoy strong, traditional flavour and deep aroma.
• 🌹 Pu-erh tea with rose – a subtly floral, slightly sweet taste that perfectly complements the tea’s natural earthiness.
• 🍍 Pu-erh tea with tropical fruits – an exotic and refreshing blend, ideal for those who prefer milder, fruitier notes.

Pu-erh tea – for weight loss and more

One of the reasons why Pu-erh tea is gaining popularity beyond Asia is its weight-loss supporting properties. Many fans of this infusion call it a “fat burner”, and scientific research confirms that regular consumption of red Pu-erh tea may contribute to weight loss.

How does Pu-erh tea aid in weight loss?

Studies have shown that Pu-erh tea can support weight loss in two ways:

• It accelerates fat-burning by stimulating metabolism.
• It reduces fat storage by inhibiting fat biosynthesis in the body.

Experiments conducted on groups of overweight individuals compared Pu-erh tea extract consumption with placebo groups. The results were clear – those who consumed Pu-erh tea experienced significant reductions in visceral fat and waist circumference. This suggests that the active compounds in the tea can genuinely support weight management.

Does drinking red tea for weight loss really work? Many Pu-erh enthusiasts swear by its benefits in helping them maintain a slim figure. However, it’s essential to remember that weight-loss effects do not come from drinking Pu-erh alone! Drinking Pu-erh is often accompanied by lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet and increased physical activity, which further support weight reduction.

Now that you know what makes red tea stand out and what benefits it offers, it’s time to try it yourself! In our store, you’ll find a variety of Pu-erh teas – from the classic versions to aromatic blends. Choose your favourite and discover why Pu-erh red tea is so popular!

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Pu'er tea.
2. X. J. Zou, Y. H. Ding, B. Liang, The mechanisms of weight-cutting effect and bioactive components in Pu-erh tea, Dongwuxue Yanjiu, 2012.
3. T. Y. Yang, Weight reduction effect of Puerh tea in male patients with metabolic syndrome, Phytotherapy Research, 2014.