Pu-erh is a special type of tea that is produced exclusively in China using unique technology. The collected leaves are subjected to artificial or natural aging. There are two types of this tea, which are made from the same raw materials, but differ in the degree of processing. Shu Puer has dark brown leaves, Shen Puer has green leaves.
A bit of history
Even before cars appeared around the world, fermentation (the ripening process of ripped tea leaves) occurred during transportation to the consumer. After shortening the delivery time, during which the tea did not have time to gain the necessary “power”, a new technology was developed. It consisted of artificial fermentation. That is how these two famous types of tea appeared - “Shen Puer” and “Shu Puer”. The first was made according to the initial (of course, long) technology, the second - according to the new (artificial and fast).
Shu Puerh Harvesting Technology
The production procedure for this tea was developed in China in 1970. Leaves are collected from the fields, dried and fried at low temperature in special boilers to minimize the effects of tea oxidizing enzymes. Then it is subjected to simple drying in the sun until that time, until almost all moisture (90%) has evaporated from it. Such leaves are called tea prefabricated.
The leaf processed by the farmer goes to the plant. There tea is poured into piles, crushed on the sides, watered with water and covered with a special cloth on top. After a while, the fast fermentation process begins - the tea preters, and the heaps collected from it warm up to 60 ° C. For uniform ripening, they are tedded once a day and again covered with matter. And so it goes on for about 40-45 days. During this time, special workers control the temperature and humidity, which can cause fermentation of tea, as a result of which it can simply rot. Then it is subjected to final drying and pressing into so-called pancakes.
Tea "Shu Puer": properties
In the homeland of tea, in China, many consider him an assistant in the fight against many ailments. Even studies conducted in France have proven that Shu Puer tea prevents cholesterol levels and vascular congestion. Also, the use of this drink helps to eliminate toxins from the body, helps to cope with extra pounds, energizes the whole day, rejuvenates the body, improves intestinal motility and even reduces the risk of cancer.
"Shu Puer": how to brew?
The preparation of this tea requires special attention, since if this process is carried out incorrectly, it can not only not be beneficial, but also harm. Shu Puer is brewed as follows:
- To warm the dishes in which tea will be infused, rinse it with boiling water.
- Next, take about 150 ml of water. Its temperature should be slightly below 100 ° C (about 95). To do this, wait about a minute after it boils.
- Pour Chinese Shu Puer tea with water and immediately drain it. This is done to wash off tea dust and heat the leaves for further brewing.
- Now again fill with water and wait a few minutes until the drink is infused.
The taste of Shu Puer tea
If tea is assembled and prepared according to all the rules, it will have an unusual aroma of walnut, caramel or chocolate. But to taste it is very similar to a strawberry drink. Moreover, it is noted that the fresher the leaves of tea, the more fragrant and tastier it will be. Therefore, many experts say that it is not worth storing it for more than 10 years.
Contraindications
It is not recommended to use Shu Puer tea:
- children under 10 years old;
- with kidney stones;
- during the bearing of the child;
- with eye disease;
- at elevated body temperature;
- with insomnia;
- at elevated pressure;
- with some diseases of the stomach.
Basically, "Shen Puer" and "Shu Puer" is not recommended when caffeine is contraindicated.
Some recommendations
- Puer brewing time should be short. The fact is that, unlike some teas, he literally immediately after pouring water gives her all his useful properties. At the first brewing, 20-30 seconds are quite enough, with subsequent ones, the time needs to be increased by 5, 7, 10 and 20 seconds.
- To make tea, it is best to use clay or porcelain teapots. But for the possibility of observing the brewing process, many do it in glassware.
- Many Chinese people do not like to leave a drink “for later”. That is why they take exactly as much water as will be drunk at a time.
- The best quality tea, if all the rules were followed during its preparation, is obtained after the 2-3rd brewing.
- The taste of puer will be especially pronounced if the water for it is purified and soft.
- The longer you brew, the stronger the tea. But at the same time, the lipids, phenol and essential oils contained in it will be more and more oxidized. This will significantly worsen the taste, aroma and reduce the beneficial properties of tea.
- If the tea smells of mold, then we can talk about its corruption and violation of storage conditions. You do not need to use such a puer.
- You should not drink some medicines with tea - it contains tannins that form tannin, which prevents the drugs from being absorbed.
- If the tea has a ripe or earthy odor, then this means that it is immature. But get rid of it is not worth it. You can just put it in a cool place where there is good ventilation and humidity not more than 70%. Let it lie there a couple of years for final ripening. After this time, you can enjoy its pleasant taste and aroma.
What is harmful tea?
Despite all the positive properties of Shu Puer tea, it can be hazardous to health. But, as a rule, this happens only when it is improperly brewed or used. For example, if you drink yesterday’s drink, it’s very likely that bacteria that multiply in tea due to the high content of sugars and protein in it will enter the body.
It should not be used before meals, as it helps to thin the saliva, as a result of which the food seems tasteless and there is a decrease in the body's absorption of protein. Therefore, the best time for tea drinking is 20-30 minutes before and after a meal.
When drinking strong tea, you should be prepared for headaches and insomnia. The reason for this is simple - the drink contains a large amount of caffeine.