A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Puerh Tea Cake

As a tea company based in China, we’ve noticed that many international brands selling Pu’er tea often provide inaccurate information. At NPTEA, we aim to give you a comprehensive and accurate introduction to Pu'er tea, based on authentic knowledge from the source.

You may have seen various spellings such as "puerh tea," "pu-erh tea," or "pu'erh tea" — all of which refer to the same tea. Pu’er tea originates from Yunnan Province in China and is celebrated for its unique fermentation process and long history. The tea is classified into two main types: raw Pu’er tea (sheng) and ripe Pu’er tea (shou) .  Both types undergo aging, during which their flavors evolve over time.This guide will delve into the history, main production regions, types, and health benefits of Pu’er tea. As a local tea company, NPTEA will help you understand this unique tea from an authentic perspective.

What is Pu'er Tea?
According to the 2008 Chinese national standard GB/T22111-2008, Pu’er tea is a geographically protected product, meaning it can only be produced in specific regions within Yunnan Province. The tea must be made from the large-leaf variety of tea trees (Yunnan Da Ye Zhong), using traditional processing methods to ensure its distinctive flavor. Both Pu’er raw tea (sheng) and Pu’er ripe tea (shou) are included under this designation, and it’s important to distinguish between the two since they have very different flavorsHistorically, Yunnan Province only produced Pu’er tea until 1938, but other tea types like Yunnan white tea and Yunnan black tea (Dianhong) are now also made from the same large-leaf tea trees.

The History of Pu’er Tea
Pu’er tea has a rich history that dates back to ancient China. According to historical data, tea production in Yunnan Province began during the Shang Dynasty, over 3,000 years ago. The P'u people of that era were among the first to cultivate tea in the region, making Yunnan the birthplace of tea cultivation.
During the Qing Dynasty, in 1736, the government established a tea administration office in Pu'er Prefecture to manage tea production and trade, making Pu'er a central hub for tea distribution. Since then, Pu’er tea has gained worldwide recognition, becoming a key product in Yunnan’s tea industry, and contributing to the local economy

Types of Pu’er Tea and Their Flavors
When we talk about Pu’er tea, it’s essential to understand the two primary categories: raw Pu’er (sheng) and ripe Pu’er (shou). These teas have significantly different flavors and processing methods:
Raw Pu’er Tea (Sheng): This tea is unfermented. After harvesting, the leaves are processed through steps like pan-firing, rolling, and drying. Fresh raw Pu’er has a bright, sharp taste, but as it ages, the flavor deepens and becomes smoother.
Ripe Pu’er Tea (Shou): This tea undergoes a unique fermentation process known as "wet-piling" (wo dui). The resulting tea has a rich, dark red liquor and a mellow, earthy taste that’s ready to drink without aging.

Both raw and ripe Pu’er tea can come in various forms, including loose leaf or compressed cakes. Raw Pu’er is typically lighter in color, while ripe Pu’er has a darker hue.

Main Production Regions of Pu’er Tea
Yunnan Province is home to diverse tea-growing regions, each known for its high-quality Pu’er tea. The province is blessed with abundant natural resources, including ancient tea trees that grow in the wild. These trees produce leaves that are thicker and more flavorful than those from cultivated tea gardens. Here are the three main production areas:

Pu'er City: The namesake of Pu'er tea, this region is famous for its high-quality leaves. Notable tea mountains in this area include Konglushan and Jingmai.

Xishuangbanna: This area includes the Menghai and Mengla regions, home to the renowned Six Famous Tea Mountains, including Lao Banzhang and Lao ManEr. The teas from these ancient forests are highly prized.

Lincang: Known for its bright tea liquor and rich flavors, Lincang produces famous teas from Xigui, Daxueshan, and Bingdao.

Pu’er tea is widely known for its health benefits, which include:
Aiding Digestion: The compounds in Pu’er tea help stimulate digestion, making it an ideal post-meal drink, especially ripe Pu’er.In the eyes of Chinese tea lovers, Puerh Ripe Tea is the best tea for upset stomach.
Best Weight Loss Tea: Studies suggest that ripe Pu’er tea may help lower cholesterol and reduce body fat, making it a good option for those looking to lose weight.
Antioxidant Properties: Pu’er tea is rich in antioxidants that help slow the aging process and boost metabolism.
Gut Health: The microbial content in Pu’er tea is beneficial for maintaining a healthy gut, regulating the gut microbiome, and boosting immunity.

How to Store Pu’er Tea
The aging process of Pu’er tea is crucial for enhancing its flavor, and proper storage conditions are essential:
Temperature and Humidity: Store Pu’er tea in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to prevent mold and over-oxidation.
Ventilation: Good airflow promotes the natural aging process, allowing the tea’s flavors to develop over time.
Separate Storage for Raw and Ripe Tea: To avoid flavor mixing, raw and ripe Pu’er teas should be stored separately. While ripe Pu’er is ready to drink, raw Pu’er benefits from long-term aging, often improving after 2-3 years.

Conclusion
Pu’er tea originates from Yunnan Province, the birthplace of tea itself, home to the world’s oldest ancient tea forests. It’s important to recognize that raw Pu’er and ripe Pu’er are distinct in both taste and processing methods. The natural environment in Yunnan provides optimal conditions for growing high-quality tea, with ancient tea trees that require no pesticides or fertilizers. This makes authentic Pu’er tea highly prized and often expensive, especially tea made from ancient tea trees.
At NPTEA, we want to remind international tea enthusiasts that genuine, high-quality Pu’er tea from ancient trees is rare and can be quite costly, even within China. Be cautious when purchasing Pu’er tea from international markets, as truly authentic tea is a treasure.