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Throughout chinese tea history Pu-erh
tea is well known for it's unique ability to undergo a post fermentation
process designed for further aging. Like classic wines this aging process
allows these fine teas to develop added complexity to its character
while shedding it's harsh youthful elements. The active microbes living
within the tea has lead Pu-erh tea to be known as the "Living Tea".
This continuous evolution is very exciting for collectors of Pu-erh
tea who likes to follow closely the transformation of their fine teas
after each passing year. Many believe that it is from these active microbes
that Pu-erh tea gets it's many health
benefits and reknown as a traditional medicinal tea with restorative
powers.
A popular and insightful story about
Pu-erh tea tells of a grandfather who makes fine teas for his grandson
to enjoy. Pu-erh teas are stored and left to mature for decades like
classic wines. These premium teas can fetch astronomical prices at auctions
and are worth their weight in gold, often times more.
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Treasured and highly prized throughout
it’s history, Pu-erh tea was once used by traders as tea
money covering vast areas of Asia (China, Mongolia, Tibet and
Russia) |
Pu-erh tea has a wide spectrum of
taste and aroma that is very compelling and at times uncompromising.
Ranging from lightly floral, honey, heather and fruits to harsh peat,
leather, organics, grass, tobacco, wood and deep earth, the taste and
aromas of these fine teas are exceptionally varied. The color of young
Pu-erh tea can start from a golden yellow of summer hay before developing
to a deep reddish brown reminiscent of the sunset after 30 years of
aging. Black Pu-erh has an imposing aroma of heavy earth that is comparable
to the sweet fragrance of mineral deposits emerging from deep within
the forest floor after a heavy downpour. Good Pu-erh tea has excellent
clarity and clean flavors that is warming to both the body and soul.
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