What is Pu-erh tea? Origin, production & taste explained.
Pu-erh tea is a unique fermented tea from the Chinese province of Yunnan.
Its deep aroma, earthy note and centuries-old tradition make it a true rarity among teas.
This article will tell you what Pu-erh tea is, how it is made, and why it is so highly valued.
Origin: Pu-erh tea originates in Yunnan.
Genuine Pu-erh tea comes exclusively from the southern Chinese province of Yunnan .
There, the tea plants Camellia sinensis var. assamica grow at altitudes of over 1,000 meters.
in a subtropical climate with ideal conditions for high-quality tea.
The name "Pu-Erh" comes from the city of Pu'er, which was inhabited for centuries.
it was an important trading center for tea.
From there, the tea was transported along the so-called Tea Horse Roads.
exported to Tibet, Laos and Southeast Asia.
Production: From picking to fermentation
Pu-erh tea is made from large, strong leaves, which are first picked and then...
They are steamed and rolled . Then they are dried in the sun .
The crucial step is fermentation :
During storage, microorganisms transform organic compounds in the leaf –
This is how the characteristic earthy, deep aroma is created.
Depending on the manufacturing process, two main types are distinguished:
- Sheng (raw): Naturally fermented over years. The flavor changes over time – often fruity when fresh, later mild and deep.
- Shou (mature): Accelerated fermentation over weeks. Mild, round, with notes of wood, earth and dried fruit.
Read more about the differences:
Sheng vs. Shou – The two types of Pu-erh tea
Taste & Character: Why Pu-Erh is so special
The taste of Pu-erh tea is unmistakable: deep, round, sometimes earthy or mossy,
with a gentle sweetness in the aftertaste. Depending on maturation and origin, the profile varies greatly –
Some teas have a slightly mineral taste, others almost chocolatey.
"Pu-Erh is like wine – it only gets better with age."
The fermentation process creates aromas that are not found in any other tea.
This depth of flavor is what makes Pu-erh tea so appealing to both collectors and beginners.
that makes it so fascinating.
Preparation: How Pu-erh develops its full aroma
Pu-erh needs hot water to develop its characteristic aroma.
(95–100 °C) and short brewing times. Traditionally, it is prepared using the method of
Gong Fu Cha is prepared – with many short infusions in small vessels.
Learn step by step how to properly prepare Pu-erh:
Pu-erh tea preparation – instructions & tips
Storage & Maturation
Properly stored Pu-erh tea can mature for decades.
Through contact with air and microorganisms, its flavor becomes increasingly complex.
An odor-free environment and good air circulation are important.
and constant humidity .
More on this in the article:
How to properly store and mature Pu-erh tea .