pu-erh
Aged Chinese tea
Pu-erh is a fermented tea from China's Yunnan province, distinguished by a post-fermentation aging process that can continue for years or decades.
The tea develops earthy, complex flavors—sometimes described as mushroomy or woodsy.
Aged pu-erh is prized by collectors: This twenty-year-old pu-erh has mellowed beautifully.
Also spelled puer or pu'er.
Southwestern Chinese province
- KunmingYunnan's largest city
- terroirGeography's influence on taste
- high-altitudeElevated atmospheric position
- plantationLarge-scale farming operation
In original state
- ripeReady to eat
- vintageQuality from past eras
- cellaredStored underground for aging
- maturedDeveloped over time
fermented · compressed · cake · brick · wrapper · storage · humidity · decades
Coarse and unpretentious
- woodyMade of tree-stuff
- mushroomyResembling fungi in taste
- camphorAromatic crystalline insect deterrent
- leatherTanned animal skin
tobacco · honey · sweetness · bitterness · astringency · smoothness · thick · brothy
Losing electrons chemically
- microbialOf microscopic organisms
- caffeineMethylxanthine stimulant compound
- theanineRelaxing tea amino acid
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
Yunnan
Southwestern Chinese province
- KunmingYunnan's largest city
- terroirGeography's influence on taste
- high-altitudeElevated atmospheric position
raw
In original state
matured · fermented · compressed · cake · brick · wrapper · storage · humidity · decades · patience
earthy
Coarse and unpretentious
- woodyMade of tree-stuff
- mushroomyResembling fungi in taste
- camphorAromatic crystalline insect deterrent
leather · tobacco · honey · sweetness · bitterness · astringency · smoothness · thick · brothy · mineral
oxidation
Losing electrons chemically
rinse
Wash without scrubbing
pu-erhsencha
Steamed Japanese green tea
jasmine tea · white peony · green tea · chamomile · peppermint tea