Yunnan Pu-erh Leaf Tea

Some say that Yunnan Province, in the extreme SW tip of China, is the original birthplace of tea.

This is a rich, fertile, and often very inaccessible region.  Deep in Yunnan’s mountainous rural heart lies the market village of Pu-erh, where these extraordinary aged teas were first traded.

Technically a type of green tea, Pu-erh yields an almost red liquor with a distinctive, rich, mellow, sweet flavour and a delicious aroma reminiscent of stables.

To brew put one tsp of tea per person in a pot or Mug Infuser and add fresh, boiled water that has been allowed to cool for a minute.  Leave for 10 secs to rinse the tea, then discard the water.  Pour on fresh water, brew for 30 secs and serve without milk.   The leaves can be re-used several times – perhaps as many as 6 – 8 times.

Alternatively you can treat Pu-erh like a strong blend and brew for a much longer time, say 5 mins or even longer.  Please be aware that this would be strongly disapproved of in China! This brewing method produces a much stronger brew which some Westerners prefer.