04/23/2022
WHAT IS PU-ERH TEA AND ITS HISTORY?
Pu-erh tea, categorized by some tea makers as one of types of “black teas”, originates from the Yunnan province of China and is named after the town of Pu-erh where the tea was first developed. As a post-fermented tea, the Pu-erh tea leaves go through a microbial fermentation process after being dried and rolled, causing the leaves to darken and change in flavor, which allows the teas to improve with age like a fine wine. Many pu-erh teas are able to retain their freshness for up to fifty years! Pu-erh teas can be made in compressed brick or in loose leaves.
Pu-erh tea is made from a larger leaf strain of camellia sinensis tree called Dayeh, which are ancient trees with mature leaves that are believed to be between 500 and 1000 years old. These trees are usually grown in temperate regions. The best time to harvest is in mid-spring although they can be harvested anytime year-round. Affected by various conditions and environmental factors, the Pu-erh tea flavors give the tea drinker’s palate of rich experience that can be smooth, fruity, peaty, grassy, musky, herbal and earthy.
HISTORY
Pu-erh tea can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) in Yunnan region of China. The trade of Pu-erh tea began in the Tang Dynasty (618 BC-907 AD), became famous during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and was very popular in the Qing Dynasty (1636 BC-1912 AD).
What was known as the Tea Horse Roads came from the fact that Pu-erh tea was used to be transported by mules and horses in long caravans along established routes. Traders usually barter for tea in the markets of Pu-erh County and then carry the tea by caravans back to homes.
There had been increasing demand for teas that could be easily transported and did not spoil on long journeys. Many tea suppliers came up with ways to preserve teas. It was found that once the leaves were fermented, the tea not only kept fresh but it actually improved with age. It was soon discovered that pu-erh tea also helped with digestion and provided nutrients to diet. Because it was so affordable, it quickly became a popular household amenity. Pu-erh tea was so prized that it became a powerful tool for bartering amongst traveling merchants.
TODAY
In modern Chinese society, pu-erh tea is still a highly prized commodity. A well-preserved pu-erh tea still maintains its value and remains as an excellent household treat.
In western society, the popularity of pu-erh tea has just started in the mainstream population of tea drinkers with the new hype generated by mass-media about its many salubrious effects. It is only a matter of time before the beauty, value, and benefits of pu-erh tea become common household knowledge.
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At JTTW, we are excited to provide you with our classic organic Pu-erh teas, including both raw tea and ripe tea. These high quality ancient Pu-erh teas are sourced from the legendary Pu-erh Town of Yunnan Province, China, the home of the Pu-erh Tea. Pu-erh tea offers great health benefits, includin...