Puerh and Dark Tea
Fermented Tea that may help lower cholesterol, diabetic control, detox, and aid digestion.
Pu-erh is a fermented tea from Yunnan Province, China, the only tea category that actively improves with age, like a…
Pu-erh is a fermented tea from Yunnan Province, China, the only tea category that actively improves with age, like a fine wine or whiskey. Sheng (raw) pu-erh starts bold and astringent and mellows over years into something smooth and extraordinarily complex. Shou (ripe) pu-erh undergoes controlled heap fermentation that mimics aging in months, delivering rich, earthy, dark-chocolate character ready to enjoy immediately. Pu-erh is prized for its digestive properties and collectability.
Water Temp
200-212F (93-100C)
Steep Time
20-30 seconds (gongfu) / 3�4 minutes (western)
Amount
5-7 g per 6 oz (gongfu) / 3 g per 12 oz (western)
- Heat fresh filtered water to 200-212F (93-100C).
- Measure 5-7 g per 6 oz (gongfu) / 3 g per 12 oz (western) into your infuser or teapot.
- Steep for 20-30 seconds (gongfu) / 3�4 minutes (western), then remove the leaves promptly.
- Good quality Puerh and Dark Tea can be re-steeped 2–4 times — add 30 seconds each round.
Shou (ripe) pu-erh tastes earthy, woody, and smooth — notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and forest floor. Young sheng (raw) pu-erh is bitter and camphor-like. Aged sheng becomes smooth and complex, with honey, apricot, and leather.
Sheng (raw) pu-erh is traditionally aged — it starts bold and evolves over decades. Shou (ripe) pu-erh undergoes controlled heap fermentation that mimics aging in months, making it smooth and earthy right away.
Traditional Chinese medicine has long associated pu-erh with digestive support, and modern research suggests the fermentation produces beneficial microbial compounds. Many people drink it after heavy meals. It is a low-risk, pleasant habit, not a medical treatment.
Pu-erh needs to breathe — never seal it in airtight plastic. Store in a cool, dark place with moderate humidity (60–70%). A clay vessel or unbleached paper wrapper is ideal. Avoid refrigerators and strong odors.
Yes — aged pu-erh cakes from reputable producers appreciate in both quality and value. Factory-pressed cakes from the 1990s and early 2000s from producers like CNNP, Menghai, or Xiaguan are particularly sought after by collectors.
