The Chinese tea history of Pu-erh
tea is fascinating. Pu-erh tea is one of the oldest type of tea in China
with a rich history of over 1700 years that can be traced back to the
Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD). During it's height of popularity Pu-erh
tea was freely traded and even used as money for the bartering of goods.
Premium Pu-erh tea was offered as a tribute tea to the Emperor of China
and to this day Pu-erh tea remains a highly valuable commodity. Pu-erh
tea is revered in China as a traditional medicinal tea with many health
benefits. It is regarded by tea connoisseurs as the King of Tea
for it's unique flavor and aroma.
 |
Premium Pu-erh tea is classified as a highly valuable commodity
and was frequently offered as a tribute to the Emperor of China.
For this reason it became known as a “Tribute Tea”.
|
Pu-erh tea also known as “puer”
or “po lei” in Cantonese gets it's name from the city Pu-erh
in south western China, where the trade for Pu-erh tea was conducted.
Not far from Pu-erh city in the areas of Xishuangbanna and Simao, south
of Yunnan Province the cultivation and processing of Pu-erh tea was
carried out to this day. With elevations of up to 2000 metres, it is
high up in these mountains where the air is cool and crisp, amidst scenes
of unspoiled beauty and fertile lands that the tea plantations for this
unique tea can be found. The secrets for processing Pu-erh tea are carefully
guarded and in the past trespassers mistaken as spys have been known
to be killed on private tea plantations. To this day the tea secrets
for Pu-erh production remains ruthlessly guarded and it is only in China
where genuine Pu-erh tea can be produced. continue
 |
Pu-erh tea plantation in Xishuangbanna |
|
