Dear Teabauchery,
I LOVE pu’erh tea. It’s the best! I want to drink it all the time! But a good pu’erh is hard to find – without breaking the bank. Is there a place online – or in Southern California – you recommend for finding a wide variety of reasonably priced and delicious pu’erhs? Also, what brewing methods do you recommend for pu’erh teas? Thank you!
Prefer Unfortunately Expensive Rarities
Dear ‘Prefer Unfortunately Expensive Rarities,’
Good pu’erh is hard to find – although it really depends on how much you are willing to pay for it. If you don’t want to ‘break the bank,’ then figure out how much you are willing to spend on what can become a potentially expensive habit.
At the Los Angeles International Tea Festival last August, I attended an illuminating lecture on pu’erh by Linda Louie. Personally, I’ve never had la crème de la crème of pu’erh, but now I know a little bit more on how to obtain it.
I suggest that you visit Linda Louie’s tea company, Bana Tea. Her website has some good pu’erhs that may fit within your budget. She has pu’erh— ripe or raw—ranging from $18–$920. There are samplers for even less.
Since you live in Los Angeles, you may want to visit Bird Pick Tea and Herb (either in Culver City or Pasadena), and ask for a demonstration on how to prepare and brew pu’erh. As a former employee, I can tell you that the ‘tea-ristas’ are pleased to share their tea knowledge.
General Brewing Instructions:
For now, try to use either a (1) glass teapot, (2) Japanese gaiwan, (3) or Chinese yixing teapot for brewing. Start by pouring boiling water in the teapot and teacups to wash and pre-warm them. Put the tea in your teapot and ‘rinse’ it with hot water for two to three seconds (just cover the tea leaves). If it is ripe puer, rinse the tea twice; for raw, rinse once. Discard the water you used to rinse the tea. Next, pour hot water into the teapot and you will be ready to drink it in about twenty seconds. Fortunately, you can keep brewing your tea for at least ten – or more – infusions!
For more information, check out my video about Pu’erh:
Sincerely,
Alexa Teabauchery
Editor’s note: Dear Teabauchery will answer reader questions about every aspect of tea, dispensing well-researched – and often witty – advice! You may send your questions to teabauchery@tching.com
I had the same initial reaction to Pu’erh tea – it definitely took some time to appreciate the rich flavor- especially being a green tea lover. Those who enjoy black tea will have an easier time I suspect. Also, the better qualities of tea are much smoother. I’ve found most tea shops sell a variety of pu’erhs and are typically happy to provide a taste before purchase. My herbalist husband tells me that pu’erhs are great for digestion so be sure to have some on hand when you’ve over eaten or just having general GI distress. It works every time.
Great post…and, being in the Southern California area I’m now especially excited to make a visit to Bird Pick Tea & Herb. (also agree about Bana being a great resource for Pu-erh)
One of the great tea bloggers recently profiled here is Jen Piccotti of An International Tea Moment. Our online selection is all about taste and is it delicious. If you’re just getting into pu-erh, she said this about one we carry at caltcb.com
California Tea and Coffee Brewery Vanilla Mint Puerh – The ultimate gateway tea to true Puerh addiction. Purists might disagree with my inclusion of a Puerh blend, but when one comes across such an inviting blend that is so harmoniously balanced, AND it can introduce an entirely new genre to a palate, I say “bring it!” I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m not a fan of vanilla in tea, and yet, the subtle vanilla and mint mellows the unfamiliar fermented tea flavor that is an acquired taste for many. If you’re intimidated by Puerh, begin your journey here.”
Personally, I’ve been searching for great tasting teas for a decade, and this is one that even new loose tea drinkers period (not seasoned palates) go Wow! about. There’s a rich, almost chocolati-ness to it for me, and very smooth and rich…and almost impossible to ‘muck up’ in the brewing process, and some other pu-erhs can be for beginners.
I’v