A well-made, ripe or "cooked", high-mountain Pu-erh, grown in the Cangyuan area of Yunnan Province. Known as Heicha in China.
Lot Notes
The leaves are a rich brown-red color, uniform in size; a mix of leaves and stems that create plenty of body and flavors. Aroma is rich and full bodied. Lot was produced in 2024.
Tea Facts. Farm is at an elevation of 1200 meters. Fertile soils and the climate in Cangyuan are ideal for production of Camellia assamica. Leaves are rich in polyphenols and catechins. Harvesting generally occurs in the morning with initial withering of the leaves by early afternoon. Leaf style and flavor profile is traditional to the area. Known to aid in digestion and lower cholesterol.
Tasting Notes. Intense, rich earthy flavors. taste is smooth and lingers with some warming notes. We find hints of ripe fig.
Brewing Suggestions. For 8 ounces of water, use one rounded tablespoon of leaf. Ripe or Shou Pu-erhs, such as this one, tend to taste richer when steeped strong, so more leaf can be used to gain strength in the cup. Use boiling water and briefly rinse the leaves. Pour that water off and re-infuse the leaves for 3 minutes and taste. Will not get astringent, just stronger. Leaves will yield multiple steeps.
PU-ERH & HEICHA
3-5 grams or 1-1.5 Tablespoons per 6 oz. of water
200° - Boiling
Shou: 3-4 Min.
Sheng: 2-3 Min.
Pu-erh is the only fermented tea. Known as “aged teas” or black teas, Pu-erhs owe their renown to their processing which allows their flavors to enrich over time. Made in two general styles – raw or uncooked known as Sheng; and cooked or ripe, known as Shou or Heicha. Both styles, loose leaf and compressed, are enjoyed as cakes, bricks, and nuggets.
Shou Pu-erhs have an earthy flavor, with a bouquet of peat, roots, mushroom, and malt. Sheng Pu-erh has a wonderful and complex mouthfeel offering earthy aromas of raw beet, potato, and malt. We recommend rinsing the leaves briefly with boiling water before steeping to open the leaves. Ripe Pu-erh does not get astringent, just stronger. It is best to experiment with raw Pu-erh to find your favored taste profile.
-
Delicious and a good value on a per cup basis
I would have never bought such an expensive tea until a friend shared a cup. Oh, my...satisfying, smooth, and delicious! I mention the good value per cup because the leaves can be used over and over an entire day and never turn bitter. This is perfect for my office use. Because the tea is fermented, the leftover leaves make a great amendment to plant soil (doesn't rot, smell, or attract gnats). My office violets are amazing after being fed any leftover tea and used leaves. It's also a great go-to for a nice gift and serving visitors. I always get compliments when I share. Silk Road is a great company to do business with. Thanks!
-
flavor is smooth and fresh.
This tea tastes so fresh and so smooth. It's my favorite so far.