How Pu-erh Tea is Made
Pu-erh tea is a type of Chinese tea that has been fermented. This gives pu-erh tea a very distinct taste that many tea drinkers enjoy. If you're curious about how this type of tea is made, read on to learn more.
Pu-erh tea is made from a special variety of the Camellia Sinensis plant called Yunnan big leaf. The leaves are typically harvested in the spring and then allowed to wither and dry in the sun. Once the leaves have dried, they are then rolled and twisted. This helps to break down the cell walls of the leaves, which makes it easier for the fermentation process that's to come.
The next step is to pile the leaves and add water. This creates an environment that's ideal for bacteria and fungi to grow. The leaves are then left to ferment for anywhere from several weeks to several months. During this time, the leaves will turn from green to black as they undergo chemical changes.
Once fermentation is complete, the leaves are dried once again. They are then sorted and graded according to quality. The best leaves are typically used to make what's known as sheng pu-erh tea, while lower quality leaves are used to make shou pu-erh tea. The leaves are then steamed, rolled, and pressed into cakes or bricks. And that's it! That's how pu-erh tea is made.
Pu-erh tea is a unique type of Chinese tea that undergoes fermentation during its production process. This gives pu-erh tea its distinct taste that many people enjoy. Now that you know how this type of tea is made, why not give it a try? You might just be surprised by how much you like it.
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