With thousands of years of history and cultural significance in its country of origin, Pu-Erh tea is now undergoing a revolution. Western society is discovering its many health benefits and thanks to the media it is becoming a highly prized commodity and a household treat.
With the rise of artisanal teas, and the desire for unique, high-quality brews that offer a distinct taste and experience, Pu-erh is quickly becoming a favourite. And when you consider the positive effects it has on the physical and mental well-being, it is clear why the humble leaf is experiencing a financial boom.
What Is It?
The place of origin of Pu-erh is the Chinese province of Yunnan and it comes from the largest leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica, an ancient tree with mature leaves. It is a fermented drink, which means that after the leaves have been dried and rolled they go through a microbial fermentation process that can last from several hours to several weeks or even years, depending on the type being manufactured.
These steps not only allow the drink to stay fresh but enable it to improve with age as well. You can also find bulk Pu-erh tea sold as loose leaves or compressed into bricks, a practice that allows easier transportation and preserves the richness of flavour.
The taste can be described in many ways, from smooth and fruity to deep and earthy or mushroomy, a unique experience for the drinker’s palate. As with any product, the taste can vary depending on a number of factors, from the conditions and environment it was grown in, the delicate methods of drying and fermentation to how it is prepared for drinking.
Nevertheless, it has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries because of its many qualities beneficial to our health.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pu-Erh Tea?
Apart from being incredibly delicious, this tea is a natural remedy for a number of ailments, from easing a stomach upset to improving cognitive health. With more studies and scientific research conducted, curious academics are finding evidence to support the long-lived claims of the impressive wellness boost capability.
Aids Digestion and Promotes Weight Loss
The bioactive components in pu-erh tea help reduce the content of lipids in the blood. It introduces healthy probiotics or beneficial gut bacteria, which play a key role in overall digestion and weight management. Studies have indicated that it helps to burn body fat and prevents creating new – which in turn can lead to weight loss.
Reduces Cholesterol
The fermentation process also causes lovastatin development, a naturally occurring chemical used in prescription drugs to lower cholesterol. Drinking pu-erh tea could reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. It increases the excretion of dietary-fat-bound bile acid, thus keeping the fat from being absorbed into the bloodstream and decreasing heart disease risk.
Antioxidant-Rich
Considering the fact that Pu-erh tea leaves are fermented, the antioxidants it contains are at a high level. They support the immune system and prevent damage caused by free radicals, which are responsible for the onset of serious health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Antioxidants also protect against infection, enhance the quality and texture of the skin, prevent hair fall and improve bone strength.
Improves Mental Focus and Reduces Stress
Some research has shown that Pu-erh improves alertness and focus while promoting brain health by increasing delivered oxygen levels. It also contains phytochemicals like gamma-aminobutyric acid which has relaxing effects and contributes to lower stress levels. A warm cup of this drink will help relieve anxiety and help you relax.
Precautions
When consumed in moderation – up to 4 cups a day for adults, there are no serious side effects. Potential downsides are commonly attributed to caffeine. While it does contain caffeine, it doesn’t have the high levels found in other types of tea or coffee.
The actual content present in a cup varies on how long the drink is steeped. The longer the steep time, the more caffeine it will contain. So, you can actually regulate this depending on your preferences and using different ways of brewing.
Brewing Tips
When ordered in bulk Pu-Erh tea can come in bricks or cakes, or loose leaves so there can be different preparation methods. These are some general instructions for brewing a nice cup:
- Bring the water to a boil (some varieties of raw fermented leaves need lower temperatures)
- Add 1 Tbsp leaves per 8oz water and awaken them by quickly rinsing, then pour out the water.
- Repeat this step once more to ensure a high-quality drink.
- Fill the teapot with boiling water and steep for 2 minutes. Keep in mind that the steeping time can change the flavour, so adjust it to your preferences. It starts out lighter and with each infusion grows in flavour and depth.
- Remove the leaves, pour the drink into teacups and enjoy. You can add extras although they are not necessary.
Final Word
The exquisite flavour, the health benefits and complex production make Pu’er tea a powerful drink. A cup in the morning will recharge your batteries, improve your energy levels and enhance your concentration power.
And if you want to bring this delightful flavour to your culinary endeavours, you can use the tea in dessert recipes and cocktails, as a food colouring, or even to freshen your breath. This ‘drinking antique’ has been valued by millions for good reasons and for a long time, so if you haven’t already tried it, now is the time.
