Beneficial Properties of Pu-erh – What is Real Chinese Pu-erh?
What is Pu-erh? Admit it, when we pronounce this unusual foreign word, we feel a hint of nobility in its sound. Indeed, the name fully corresponds to reality. When you get acquainted with the properties of real Pu-erh, you will be convinced of this statement’s objectivity.
If you are a connoisseur of Eastern tea ceremonies, you know what Pu-erh is. But if you are a simple lover of traditional black or green tea, this name may be unfamiliar. What is Pu-erh? It is one of the most elite, noble, and ancient large-leaf fermented Chinese teas, gaining popularity worldwide. If you want to get closer to elite Chinese varieties, gourmets and tea lovers recommend starting with good Pu-erh. And don’t be surprised if the so-called “narcotic effect” of Pu-erh tea slightly intoxicates you. But more on that later. To make it clear, we will continue our narrative in the following sequence:
- Learn what Pu-erh tea is.
- Discover the famous intoxicating effect of Pu-erh.
- What does Pu-erh tea look like?
- Varieties of Pu-erh.
- Beneficial properties of Pu-erh tea.
- Description of Pu-erh.
- What are the benefits of Pu-erh tea?
- Contraindications for Pu-erh tea.
- How to choose Pu-erh?
- Where to buy real Pu-erh?
What is Pu-erh Tea?
The description of Pu-erh tea is quite simple. It is an exclusive post-fermented tea produced only in China. Experts in elite teas say that everyone should try this drink at least once in their life. It ranks among the best-selling teas worldwide. What does Pu-erh look like and why do many value and love it so much?
The unique properties of Pu-erh tea come from a certain leaf variety and production process. Only large, juicy, fleshy leaves are used, picked from old, massive tea trees aged 100 years or more. Making this type takes a lot of time. The harvested leaves are piled up and sprinkled with water, which stimulates juice production and starts natural oxidation. Specialists strictly control the process: the raw material is dried, moistened again if needed, but rotting is not allowed. The last stage is pressing into special cakes (tablets). Shapes and weights vary widely.
A unique property of Pu-erh tea is that it not only does not spoil with age but improves and becomes more expensive. It is often compared to fine vintage cognac or wine aged for decades in cellars. The older the Pu-erh, the higher its price. Aging is a sign of high quality, better taste, aroma, and beneficial properties.
In ancient China, there was a tradition: when a wealthy family had a girl, tea cakes were prepared. When the girl married, the Pu-erh cake was part of her dowry, considered valuable and a sign of wealth.
Types of Pu-erh Cakes
- Disc or cake – weights from about 100 grams to 5 kg.
- Nest or bowl – weight can vary but does not exceed 3 kg.
- Brick or parallelepiped – no specific requirements.
- Cube – weighs several hundred grams; one side usually has a hieroglyph imprint.
- Mushroom – rare Pu-erh from Tibet.
- Pumpkin – surface with a longitudinal groove, originally for royal families only.
Pu-erh Tea: Black or Green? Varieties of Pu-erh
It is logical to ask: is Pu-erh black or green tea? Surprisingly, Pu-erh has two types – black (called “Shu”) and green (“Sheng”).
Shu Pu-erh (black) is produced by accelerated fermentation with constant water addition. The leaves turn brownish-black, sometimes with golden hues. The dark brew ranges in color from red to brown to black. The aroma is earthy, smoky, sharp, and slightly bitter.
Sheng Pu-erh (green) is made by traditional methods, resulting in large greenish-brown leaves. It brews into a golden-red or sometimes yellowish lighter infusion. The aroma resembles dried fruits with a light smoky note.
Milk Pu-erh properties
Many gourmets are enchanted by Milk Pu-erh. They claim it has an unmatched taste, making tea drinking exotic and even romantic. It is said to suit women better, who prefer a milky aroma with a chocolate-cream aftertaste. Intriguing, isn’t it? We are sure some women already want to try this rare drink.
Milk Pu-erh has the same properties as classic Pu-erh but differs in part of the production process, taste, and aroma. After fermentation and drying, the leaves are aromatized by treating them with milk whey or its extract. Then the raw milk Pu-erh is dried again and stored for many years.
Milk Pu-erh has a unique aroma combining natural smoky notes with milk scent, accompanied by a creamy chocolate aftertaste.
Narcotic Properties and Effects of Pu-erh Tea
Ready to taste Pu-erh? Be prepared for a somewhat unexpected effect. Initially, it manifests emotionally. Most people notice that with each sip, tension and stress ease. Pu-erh invigorates not briefly like coffee but for hours. After drinking it, you feel energetic and cheerful for several hours. Many report spontaneous bursts of joy. This is called the “narcotic property” and intoxicating effect of Pu-erh.
Beneficial Properties of Pu-erh Tea
Is Pu-erh beneficial? To answer, let’s consider Pu-erh’s properties. In China, it is said to cure 100 diseases.
- The so-called “narcotic” effect of Shu and Sheng Pu-erh is called “clear mind” in China, meaning it improves focus, brain activity, and relieves stress.
- L-theanine and theophylline relax the body while invigorating it, with long-lasting effects. As a result, calmness, endurance, better sleep, and improved overall health occur.
- Theine (caffeine’s cousin) tones more gently than coffee, stimulating brain function, uplifting mood, calming irritation.
- Geophylline positively affects the central nervous system, cleanses respiratory pathways, helps quit smoking and alcohol addiction, enriches blood with oxygen, making one feel light and free.
- Alkaloids cleanse the body of free radicals, aid in food poisoning, dilate vessels gradually with regular intake, improving heart function.
- Tannins and catechins improve insulin sensitivity, easing life for diabetics by stabilizing blood glucose levels.
- Reduces thrombosis risk, kills bad cholesterol, lowers heart attack and stroke likelihood.
- Pectin prevents cancer by destroying harmful proteins and blocking blood supply to malignant cells.
Impressive, isn’t it? The benefits of Pu-erh for humans are not just great, they are enormous! And that’s not the full list. Experts discover new properties yearly. Still, regular drinking of elite Pu-erh:
- strengthens the body,
- tones and invigorates better and milder than coffee (old Pu-ers are compared to energy drinks),
- calms and normalizes psychological state,
- improves attention and memory,
- rejuvenates skin and body at the cellular level,
- burns excess fat,
- stimulates bowel function gently,
- removes excess fluids and bile,
- strengthens immune and cardiovascular systems,
- relieves spasms and headaches,
- cleans blood vessels of cholesterol plaques,
- detoxifies the liver,
- reduces cancer risk.
The benefits of Pu-erh tea cannot be underestimated. Of course, to gain its full benefits, you must know the brewing method and especially how long to infuse the leaves. Proper preparation is the key to fully extracting all useful substances from the tea leaf. But that is another story you can explore on our blog.
Contraindications for Pu-erh Tea
- During pregnancy, limit intake to 1 cup and consult your doctor initially.
- Do not drink during kidney or gallstone disease exacerbations as it may provoke movement of sand and stones.
- Not recommended for people with high irritability; occasionally one cup before lunch is acceptable.
- Should be avoided by people with hypertension and atherosclerosis.
- It is believed that properly brewed tea from quality leaves in small amounts does not harm the body.
How Often Can You Drink Pu-erh?
To avoid negative effects, the ideal amount is 1–2 cups per day.
How to Choose Pu-erh Tea?
Now you know the benefits of Pu-erh tea. The next step is: which Pu-erh to choose and how to choose Pu-erh tea?
When buying, focus on four main criteria:
- green or black,
- pressed or loose,
- Pu-erh variety,
- tea year (age).
If you are new to tea art, consult a tea shop or online store with knowledgeable staff to help make the right choice. Of course, you can buy on your own by randomly selecting from a catalog and try the famous Pu-erh. Either way, you will enjoy this rare drink with exceptional taste, aroma, and health benefits. You will still win!
Where to Buy Real Pu-erh Tea?
Only from trusted sellers who provide not only direct supplies from China but also proper storage. Note! Pu-erh should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. At “Miy Chai,” this is ensured at a high level. If you risk getting moldy tea, better contact “Miy Chai”! The product quality meets standards.
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