Pu'er Tea: How to Brew and Enjoy this Unique Fermented Tea

Shu Pu'er Tea

Pu'er tea, also known as Pu-erh tea, is a type of fermented tea that originated in the Yunnan province of China. This tea has been around for centuries, and its unique fermentation process gives it a distinct earthy flavor that sets it apart from other types of tea.

In this blog article, we will explore what Pu'er tea is, its history, its varieties, its health benefits, and how to brew and enjoy it with the Qi Aerista Smart Tea Brewer.

What is Pu'er Tea?

Pu'er tea is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant and is produced in the Yunnan province of China. The leaves are harvested, dried, and then undergo a natural fermentation process, during which they are exposed to humidity and bacteria. This process takes place over a period of several months to several years and is what gives Pu'er tea its unique flavor profile.

The aging process of Pu'er tea is what sets it apart from other teas. Unlike other teas that are meant to be consumed fresh, Pu'er tea improves with age. Over time, the tea's flavor becomes smoother, more complex, and more pronounced. Some Pu'er teas can age for over 50 years, and the flavor profile can change dramatically as the tea ages.

The result of this aging and fermentation process is a tea that has a deep, rich flavor that is often described as earthy or woody. It has a distinct aroma that is reminiscent of damp soil, which many people find appealing. Pu'er tea is also known for its health benefits, which include aiding in digestion and reducing cholesterol levels.

One of the most interesting things about Pu'er tea is that it can be enjoyed in several different ways. Some people prefer to drink it straight, while others like to mix it with other teas or spices. Some even enjoy it as a tea ceremony, where the tea is slowly brewed over several hours.

History of Pu'er Tea

Pu'er tea has a long and storied history, dating back over 1,000 years. It was first produced in the Yunnan province of China, which is known for its rich biodiversity and favorable climate for tea production. In the early days, Pu'er tea was often consumed by travelers and traders as a way to refresh themselves on long journeys.

Over time, Pu'er tea became increasingly popular among the Chinese people, and its production and consumption spread throughout the country. Today, Pu'er tea is enjoyed by tea enthusiasts all over the world, and it is widely recognized as one of the finest types of tea available.

Types of Pu'er Tea

There are two main types of Pu'er tea:

1. Raw Pu'er tea (also known as "sheng" or "green" Pu'er tea): This type of Pu'er tea is made from fresh tea leaves that are allowed to undergo a natural fermentation process. The leaves are dried and then aged for years, during which time they undergo a slow and gradual fermentation process. Raw Pu'er tea is typically light in color and has a fresh, grassy flavor with floral note, though this profile will differ depending on its age.

2. Ripe Pu'er tea (also known as "shu" or "black" Pu'er tea): Ripe Pu'er tea is made by taking raw Pu'er tea leaves and artificially accelerating the fermentation process. This is done by piling the tea leaves in a warm and humid environment, which causes them to ferment quickly. Ripe Pu'er tea is typically dark in color and has a rich, earthy flavor.

Pu'er tea is available in two main forms: loose-leaf and compressed. Loose-leaf Pu'er tea is the most traditional form, and it is made by simply aging the leaves. Compressed Pu'er tea, on the other hand, is made by pressing the aged tea leaves into cakes or bricks. This process makes the tea more convenient to transport and store.

Processing of Pu’er Tea

The processing for Pu'er tea can vary depending on the specific variety and style of tea. For Raw (Sheng) Pu'er, it generally involves the following steps:

1. Withering: Freshly picked tea leaves are spread out to wither and dry in the sun or indoors, which reduces the moisture content and makes them easier to handle.
2. Fixation: The withered leaves are then quickly heated to slow the oxidation process. This is usually done by pan-firing the leaves or passing them through a machine that applies heat.
3. Rolling: The withered leaves are rolled, often by hand or with a machine, to break the cell walls and release the enzymes that will initiate the fermentation process.
4. Drying: The rolled tea leaves are dried to remove the remaining moisture.
5. Aging: Sheng Pu'er is traditionally aged for several years before being consumed to allow for the development of complex flavors and aromas during natural fermentation.

For Ripe (Shu) Pu'er, it generally involves the following steps:

1. Withering: Freshly picked tea leaves are spread out to wither and dry in the sun or indoors, which reduces the moisture content and makes them easier to handle.
2. Fixation: The withered leaves are then quickly heated to stop the oxidation process. This is usually done by pan-firing the leaves or passing them through a machine that applies heat.
3. Rolling: The withered leaves are rolled, often by hand or with a machine, to break the cell walls and release the enzymes that will initiate the fermentation process.
4. Piling: The tea leaves are piled up in a warm and humid environment to promote fermentation, typically for several weeks or months, during which time the enzymes oxidize the tea's polyphenols and produce new flavors and aromas.
5. Drying: The fermented tea leaves are then dried to remove the remaining moisture. Shu Pu'er can be consumed immediately after production.

Health Benefits of Pu'er Tea

Pu'er tea is also known for its health benefits. It has been shown to improve digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and boost the immune system. It is also believed to help with weight loss, as it has a natural ability to increase metabolism. In addition, Ripe (Shu) Pu'er tea is said to help with stress relief, and its calming properties are said to help with sleep.

How to Brew Perfect Pu’er Tea with Qi Aerista

Brew Pu'er Tea with Qi Aerista Smart Tea Brewer 

It is commonly recommended that you rinse the Pu’er tea leaves with hot water before brewing, as this will help expand the compressed tea leaves and improve the flavor of the tea.

Therefore we will adapt a slightly different procedure to brew the perfect cup of Pu’er tea with Qi Aerista Smart Tea Brewer. Here are some simple steps to follow: 

1. Start by adding 2 to 3 cups of water to the brewer’s pot.
2. Place your Pu’er tea leaves in the infuser basket. One teaspoon of tea leaves per cup of water added is a good starting point, but feel free to adjust to your liking.
3. Place the infuser basket onto a separate container such as a jar or bowl.
4. Place the pot onto the base. Turn on the brewer.
5. Select the Pu’er tea type and press HEAT. The preset heating temperature is 100°C/212°F.
6. Once the heating is done, the brewer will notify you with 3 beeps. Pour enough hot water into the infuser basket to fully wet the tea leaves and start the drainage process.
7. After all the water has been drained, place the infuser basket onto the pot and close the lid.
8. Place the pot onto the base.
9. For Raw (Sheng) Pu'er, select the Oolong tea type and press BREW. The preset brewing temperature is 90°C/194°F. For Ripe (Shu) Pu'er, select the Pu’er tea type and press BREW. The preset brewing temperature is 96°C/205°F. The preset brewing time for both is 3 minutes. You can adjust the settings on your Qi Aerista app.
10. Qi Aerista completes the brewing process automatically. It first heats the water to the target brewing temperature. Then the patented infusion system kicks in and brews the tea within the preset brewing time.
11. Once the brewing is done, tea leaves and finished tea will separate automatically. The tea will enter the keep warm mode for up to 60 minutes.
12. When ready, just pour out the tea and serve. Sit back and enjoy your perfect cup of Pu’er tea with Qi Aerista.

Pu'er tea is a unique and flavorful type of tea that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its fermentation process gives it a distinct earthy flavor that is unlike any other type of tea. Whether you prefer raw or ripe Pu'er tea, this tea is sure to delight your senses and provide you with a range of health benefits. So the next time you're looking for a new tea to try, consider giving Pu'er tea a try – you won't be disappointed!