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Useful properties of pu-erh tea. Puer tea - useful properties and contraindications

Tea with the poetic name Puer is now one of the most popular in the world. It has been cultivated for 3 thousand years. Yes, yes, in the Chinese province of Yunnan, a camellia was found, the age of which is exactly that. Her leaves are now being sold at auction. And in the Hong Kong Museum you can admire this tea with a respectable age of 300 years. It is from the holdings of the last emperor of China. And it is simply a unique specimen. Because the exposure for this type of tea means a lot. She makes him truly unsurpassed in his healing properties.

The value of the Chinese legend

Why is he so valued? Because age for Puer is the best thing that can happen to him. It is over the years that he acquires more and more healing power, and the taste and aroma become the sweet dream of a tea gourmet.

Since the middle of the 17th century, the technology of cultivation and production has remained unchanged. Real elite Chinese Pu-erh tea is harvested by hand and crushed in the same way, which only adds to it even more value.

To obtain true Pu-erh, it is necessary that at least three years of storage under certain conditions pass. And for a very long time, leaves collected from the most ancient trees acquire a price of up to 100 thousand dollars per 350 grams. In China, there was even a tradition after the birth of a daughter to fold young Pu-erh for storage. And when she turned 20, he became her dowry, and quite respectable.

There is one interesting fact: if the tree is planted in another place, the Pu-erh tea obtained from it quickly deteriorates from long-term storage. Perhaps the answer lies in the soil of Yunnan province?

Manufacturing

Production takes place in several stages.

Collection of leaves. Here special, large and dense, leaves of the most ancient and tall trees are needed.
Drying. Moisture is removed from raw materials. This stage is called "killing the green".
Twisting or wrinkling. Giving the leaves the desired shape. Produced by machines, but in some places still done by hand.
Drying under the sun. Raw materials are laid out in a thin layer for greater process efficiency. This stage can also be carried out with the help of fire, but there will be a completely different quality.
Languor. Raw materials are piled up and wetted with water. So Puer tea is saturated with moisture. All heaps are given the same shape, and, then, the fermentation process begins.
Drying + cooling. After fermentation, the leaves are again dried in the sun. Dried, they are sieved.
Pressing. Steam pressed. After softening, it is given the shape that is needed. Then it goes into storage. Conditions are strict, certain humidity and temperature must be observed. True real Pu-erh is obtained after at least three years of such storage.

Two types are produced: Shen Puer - light and Shu Puer - dark. The production of Shen after the 4th stage goes its own way, it ages naturally, Shu - artificially. Color, taste and aroma are completely different. But they are both equally useful. What is Puer useful for? Let's consider further.

Useful properties of Pu-erh

For the first time in writing, Puer is mentioned in the 17th century. In the area where it was grown, the population has always been distinguished by excellent health and longevity. For more than one hundred years, it has been considered an amazing drink of eternal youth and beauty.

Pu-erh tea contains at least 700 elements that are beneficial to humans. Only 500 of them have been studied, and the rest have not been solved.

Microorganisms that are in the leaves are contained in natural yogurt, but in much smaller quantities.

Healing abilities of the plant and infusion:

It helps to focus when needed. That is, it increases concentration.
Tones, eliminating lethargy, drowsiness, fatigue. Fills with incomparable energy.
Clarify the mind and mind.
Improves eyesight.
Satisfies thirst.
Neutralizes the action of any toxic substances. It can even remove radioactive elements.
Reduces fever. It easily copes with colds and strengthens the immune system.
It sobers up with severe intoxication and cures alcoholism.
Accelerates and improves digestion. It has a very mild effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Takes care of the airways and cleans them.
Helps to lose weight.
Normalizes bowel function. Relieves constipation.
Regulates the fluid balance in the body.
Cures diarrhea.
Normalizes the cleaning function.
Has mucolytic properties.
Protects the heart.
Strengthens teeth and gums. Heals the mouth.
Blocks the feeling of hunger.
Stops the aging process. Rejuvenates the skin.
Heals hereditary diseases.
Increases Qi energy (the natural force of the universe).

Not mentioned here are the properties of Pu-erh tea: reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, help in anti-cancer therapy (especially in the initial stages), reduce sugar, cleanse the liver, and eliminate bad cholesterol. It is also allowed for peptic ulcers due to its mild effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Another benefit of Puer is that it thins the blood, and this is of great importance for those who suffer from thrombophlebitis. And, in general, he takes good care of the blood vessels. If you take 2 or 3 cups of weak infusion per day, you can forget about atherosclerosis and other potential health threats associated with arteries, veins and capillaries. It can be attributed to almost medicines which he was for a long time in China.

For women, Puer tea is indispensable in terms of weight loss. It is even called the "drink of harmony." With the ability to burn fat and remove toxins, as well as a diuretic effect, it quickly brings the figure into shape. Regular use allows you to lose a few centimeters at the waist. The calorie content of the drink is 2 kcal. There is evidence that regular use of the infusion for a month led to a weight loss of 7 kilograms.

But Chinese Pu-erh tea also has contraindications.

Puer tea: contraindications for use

Avoid or limit the use of:

with sensitivity to caffeine;
for any serious illness.

Strong Puer tea is contraindicated in the following ailments and conditions:

nervous excitability;
psychasthenia;
insomnia;
kidney disease;
pregnancy and lactation;
glaucoma.

Since Pu-erh has a strong tonic effect, it should not be used by children under 10 years old, because their body is very susceptible to such influences.

Today, instead of putting money in the bank, it is customary in China to buy Pu-erh. Perhaps this tea is indeed a worthy contribution!

For some countries, tea is traditional drink: so, for the inhabitants of China, its preparation and use can be called a kind of philosophy. Pu-erh tea is especially popular because it has great benefits and original taste.

Pu-erh tea - useful properties

In China, the drink is popular not only because of its unusual palatability and aroma, but also great benefits. In Asian countries, it is often called "a remedy for a hundred diseases." Useful substances are important for the proper functioning of internal organs and systems. When consumed regularly, Chinese Pu-erh tea helps to strengthen the immune system, which helps reduce the risk of various diseases.

Favorably affects the activity of the gallbladder and improves metabolism.
Helps cleanse the body and liver of harmful substances.
Another feature - improves performance digestive system, due to which food is easier to digest, which eliminates.
It has a tonic effect, giving a boost of energy. Puer tea will become great alternative coffee, which has serious contraindications.
Helps to quickly cope with a hangover.
It has anti-aging properties, which is especially important for women.
Recommended for ulcers and gastritis, as it has a positive effect on the stomach.
Reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
It is the prevention of cancer. Scientists in England have proven that pectin, which is part of tea leaves, blocks a protein involved in cancer.

Pu-erh tea - composition

The leaves have a rich chemical composition, as it contains vitamins and minerals that are important for the functioning of the body. They contain proteins, amino acids, saccharides and alkaloids. Aromatic substances not only give originality to the taste, but also have a positive effect on the functioning of the body and, most of all, on the nervous system. For those who are interested in what kind of tea, what Puer is made of, it is important to say that there are statins in it, which remain even after preparation.

Pu-erh tea - raises or lowers blood pressure?

Rich chemical composition leaves causes a number of important useful properties, so their benefits for hypotensive patients have been proven. If you strongly brew fermented tea, you can increase the pressure. People who have should give up the drink, as this can adversely affect the activity of the cardiovascular system. It is clear that pu-erh tea and hypertension are two incompatible concepts, but it is important to consider that it is necessary to choose the Shen variety. Thein, which is part of the leaves, promotes vasodilation and improves oxygen metabolism.

Pu-erh tea - how to brew?

One brew is designed to prepare 5-15 servings. At a time, a one-time volume of Puer tea should be brewed, beneficial features and contraindications of which are confirmed by doctors in different countries. For traditional way cooking use special utensils. Gaiwan is a deep cup with a lid, but instead of it you can use a small teapot with a volume of 150 ml. The strainer will help to avoid getting small pieces of tea leaves. You also need a chahai designed for mixing, and a bowl. There is a specific scheme for how to brew Puerh tea:

First, dry brew is soaked, for which it should be borne in mind that 10 g should account for 100 ml of water. This must be done using a gaiwan. Soaking time - 5 minutes. Wash off the water after the time has elapsed.
Boil water in a large kettle and pour it into a thermos. Brewing is carried out when the temperature of the liquid is 95 degrees.
Fill the tea leaves with water from a thermos and immediately drain it. Use the liquid to rinse cups and chahai.
The brew should remain in the gaiwan under the lid for 30 seconds. Under the influence of temperature and vapors, the leaves swell.
Pour a new portion of water, and after 10 seconds. you can pour pu-erh into cups. The next brewing should last for 2 seconds. less. Each subsequent cooking may be longer than the previous one.

How to brew pressed pu-erh tea in tablets?

The product in tablet form is produced in the Chinese province of Yunnan and is distinguished by small brown and blue leaves. The amount of tea in one tablet is intended for one person. After brewing, the liquid turns dark brown and it has the taste and benefits, as in the case of using the leaf version. There are certain rules on how to brew pressed pu-erh tea, which make it possible to get original taste and aroma.

Take a tablet and crush it gently so as not to damage the leaves, as this will make the tea bitter.
Pour boiling water over a porcelain or glass teapot. Pour the leaves and fill them hot water, the temperature of which depends on the age of the pu-erh (fashion - 80-90 degrees, seasoned - 85-95 degrees, old - 98 degrees).
After 20 sec. the water must be drained and wait until the leaves cool slightly.
Pour water over the leaves again and leave for a couple of minutes. After that, strain the tea and better pour it into another teapot.
Tea leaves can be used up to ten times.

Pu-erh tea - the effect of intoxication

Many confirm that after drinking tea there is a feeling similar to the sensation, as with a slight intoxication. It is worth saying that pu-erh is not a drug and it does not cause addiction. The information that after drinking a cup there is an ambiguous feeling is a fact, but this cannot be called "intoxication" in the truest sense of the word. Relaxing pu-erh tea is able to tone the body, which leads to clarity of mind, clarity in thoughts and the feeling that it has become easier to breathe. This is due to the presence of certain substances.

Thein. Stimulates brain activity and maintains overall tone in the body.
Theophylline. It affects the central nervous system, changing the mental state, so contraindications relate to serious problems with the nervous system.
L-theanine. It ensures the correct transmission of impulses between brain cells and increases efficiency.

What does pu-erh tea taste like?

Taste qualities depend on the raw materials used, the preparation process and on the polyphenols and their oxidation products included in the composition. Puer tea, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are important to consider in order not to harm health, has a tart and multifaceted taste, so you can highlight a note of wood, walnut and prunes. After consumption, a sweet-tart aftertaste with a slightly perceptible bitterness remains. Many people are interested in what Pu-erh tea smells like, so each person can feel the aroma in different ways. Often it is compared with black soil, fish and even socks.

How to drink pu-erh tea?

Many are accustomed to drinking tea with cakes, jams and other goodies, but this habit is not suitable for those who want to enjoy and taste pu-erh. The Chinese do not recommend the use of any additives. Traditionally, the drink is poured into bowls and drunk in small sips to enjoy the taste and aroma. In order to get not only taste pleasure, but also useful properties, they drink pu-erh, taking into account some rules.

You can not drink tea in large quantities, so it is better to limit yourself to three small cups a day. Experts recommend listening to the prompts of your body in order to eliminate contraindications and, if necessary, reduce the dosage.
Since pu-erh has an invigorating effect, it is best to drink it before dinner. Evening use may cause insomnia. They drink it in 20 minutes. before and after meals.
Puer tea, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which were discovered by Chinese doctors, should not be consumed with sugar, as it not only spoils the taste, but also worsens the benefits. In extreme cases, you can use a little honey.

Green tea pu-erh for weight loss

For those who want to cope with excess weight, the original Chinese drink will be an excellent way to improve results from proper nutrition. Puer tea, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have been verified by scientists, has a beneficial effect on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, speeds up metabolism and promotes better digestion of food. It helps to normalize acidity, reduces the amount of cholesterol and sugar in the blood. Pu-erh tea for weight loss is useful for its beneficial properties, cleanse the body of harmful substances and reduce appetite. It is also a good antidepressant for those who are on a diet.

How to drink pu-erh tea to lose weight?

There are two methods of use that will help start the processes of wasting accumulated fats in the body. For the first option, you need to brew mature tea with boiled water and leave for half an hour. Drink the finished drink before meals and half an hour after it. It is forbidden to combine Chinese pu-erh tea for weight loss with desserts. The second option involves replacing one of the meals with healthy tea.

Puer tea - contraindications

So that the drink does not harm the body, it is important to consider that for some people it is dangerous. Contraindications apply to women in the position and during the period of feeding, so they should limit the amount consumed. For those who are interested in why pu-erh tea is harmful, it is important to know that people with ulcers, gastritis, hypertension and atherosclerosis should refuse it. You can not drink it in large volumes with diseases of the stomach and on an empty stomach. Contraindications also apply to children.

The benefits and harms of Puer tea is a question of interest to all fans right image life and wellness oriental teas. In order to give an answer, it is necessary to carefully study the composition and properties of the drink.

Production and origin of Puerh tea

The homeland of Puer is China, although at present such tea is grown in Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries of the world. Initially, the raw materials for the drink were collected only from a special large-leaved tea tree that grew in the Chinese province of Yunnan. Now tea is also obtained from the leaves of ordinary tea trees.

The uniqueness of tea is due to the technology of its production:

First, the collected leaves are slightly withered, rolled, and then subjected to fermentation - that is, they are moistened and left to lie for a period of 50 to 100 days.
Then the fermented tea is dried and pressed into various forms - briquettes, tablets, cakes.
Then at least another year they let it lie down, otherwise the drink will not acquire its delicate taste and useful properties.

Pu-erh is a unique tea that only gets better with long storage. Of course, the tea that can be found in ordinary stores is not aged for long - a few years at most. But the aging period of a collection drink can be 10-20 years, and the valuable properties are only gaining strength.

Types and varieties of Puer tea

There are only three main types of drink:

Black Shu-Puer is a dark-colored drink with pleasant chocolate notes in the aroma.
Green Shen Puer- a drink of translucent light green color with a sweetish aroma, reminiscent of the smell of raisins, dates and prunes. The taste of Shen Pu-erh is slightly sour, the aftertaste is sweet.
White Puer - resembles Shen Puer, but has a whitish tint of leaves, and smells of honey and meadow grass.

Any of the varieties of the drink necessarily belongs to one of the three types. And the varieties are mainly distinguished as follows:

Royal - the upper leaves of the tea tree serve as raw materials for manufacturing. Usually undergoes a process of normal, non-accelerated fermentation for many years. It gives a different effect depending on the strength of the tea leaves, weak royal tea relaxes, strong tea tones.
Palace - an elite variety with long exposure and double fermentation. It has a complex rich aroma and taste with woody, grape, nutty and chocolate notes.
Milk - a white drink with a slightly caramel taste and aroma, not as specific as other varieties.

Tea is also subdivided by shape - it can be pressed into pancakes and flat squares, have the shape of a bowl or mushroom, brick or pumpkin.

The chemical composition and calorie content of Pu-erh tea

The main value of the drink lies in the richest composition. Each sip of any Pu-erh contains:

all the main vitamins - C and E, A and P, PP, vitamins B;
the elements iron, potassium, fluorine, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium;
more than 15 amino acids;
organic acids;
polyphenols and alkaloids;
tannins and vegetable protein.

The calorie content of 100 g of the product is about 152 calories, while 20 g of the total amount is occupied by proteins, another 7 g is carbohydrates, and 5 g is allocated to fats.

Useful properties of Pu-erh tea for men and women

Regardless of the type and variety, the drink has the following useful properties:

governs arterial pressure and has a tonic effect - this is the special benefit of green Pu-erh;
accelerates metabolic processes in the body and improves digestion;
serves as a cancer prevention;
removes slags, toxins and heavy metals from the body, reduces harm to the liver and blood vessels;
normalizes blood sugar levels.

The benefit of Puer for women is that tea helps to take care of the figure - thanks to its cleansing properties, the drink contributes to effective weight loss.

And the benefits of Puer for men lie in the fact that regular consumption of the drink has a beneficial effect on potency and prevents the development of prostate tumors. Tea is also used to get rid of a hangover, it quickly removes intoxication and discomfort.

Benefits of Pu-erh tea

For some body systems, this tea will be of particular benefit. Best of all, the drink affects digestion and blood vessels, it is also useful for the brain, as it improves attention and concentration.

For weight loss

Puer is one of the best drinks For those who want to quickly lose weight and not gain those extra pounds back. Tea speeds up metabolism, reduces appetite, helps to break down fatty tissues, so drinking Pu-erh to lose weight is very useful. Excess weight goes away in a short time and subsequently does not return.

For digestion

Puer is a unique tea that does not increase stomach acidity. Therefore, you can use it even with ulcers and gastritis. It helps with heartburn, "sluggish" stomach, poisoning, colitis and duodenitis. Tea contributes to the normal absorption of food and helps to normalize the process of bowel movement.

Under reduced pressure

Pu-erh raises or lowers blood pressure? The tonic properties of the drink are very useful for hypotensive patients. Tea raises blood pressure, while not harming the body, returns vigor and physical strength.

For the circulatory system

With regular use, Pu-erh qualitatively improves blood composition: it reduces “bad” cholesterol and sugar levels, removes toxins and harmful substances.

For the nervous system

A quality drink has a wonderful tonic effect. Puer tea invigorates even better than coffee and, but it does not harm the body. The drink helps to focus and concentrate, improves clarity of thought.

Is it possible to Puer during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Unfortunately, for pregnant women, the beneficial properties of tea will rather be harmful. Pu-erh is a tonic and diuretic drink, therefore it can negatively affect the quality of sleep, worsen the general condition of a woman, or even lead to a miscarriage.

The same applies to the lactation period - the invigorating properties of tea can harm the baby and negatively affect the nervous system. It is better to return a healthy drink to the diet no earlier than 4 months after childbirth.

Can children drink Pu-erh tea?

In some cases, a tonic drink can be valuable for teenagers. For example, Puer, and black teas are very useful for schoolchildren during periods of intense intellectual stress.

However, for the first time Pu-erh can be offered to children no earlier than 6 years old, and even then it is very weak and in small quantities, no more than a cup a day. Pu-erh, brewed in the usual way, it is allowed to enter into the children's diet only after 12 years.

Attention! Before offering an invigorating tea to a child, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician about whether the properties of the drink will harm the child's body.

How to brew Pu-erh at home

Chinese tonic tea is sold in several forms: loose, pressed, tableted. Depending on the variety, the methods of brewing the drink also differ slightly.

Pu-erh in tablets

Tableted Pu-erh cannot be brewed immediately. To begin with, the tablet is thoroughly kneaded, placed in a teapot and poured with hot water. After 2 minutes, the water is drained. The first brewing is required to clean the petals of the tea. After that, Puer is again poured with hot water, insisted for another 4 minutes and drunk.

Pressed Pu-erh

In supermarkets and specialty stores, Pu-erh is often found in briquettes, flatbreads, bowls and mushrooms, with a uniform surface or embossed patterns and symbols.

In order to brew such tea, you need to break off or cut off a small piece, put it in a cup or small teapot and pour boiling water over it. After 2 minutes, the first cleansing brew is drained, the leaves are poured again with hot, but not boiling water, and they wait 4 minutes until the tea is infused.

Loose Pu-erh

Chinese tea is also sold in the usual loose form for buyers. Brewing it is very simple - in the amount of a couple of teaspoons of Pu-erh, you need to pour it into a teapot, pour boiling water, rinse and drain the tea leaves. Then for another 3 minutes, wet tea is again poured with hot water and poured into cups.

Rules for drinking Pu-erh tea for the benefit of the body

To maximize the benefits of Pu-erh tea, tips on how to properly brew this drink will help. In order for Puer to please with a delicate taste, it is necessary to observe classical technology cooking:

as a rule, only ceramic or glass small teapots with preheated walls are used to brew a drink;
it is always recommended to drain the first brew. It is only needed to clean the tea leaves and prepare them for further infusion.

Pu-erh is not brewed for a long time, it takes only half a minute to prepare weak tea, strong Pu-erh is kept for 3-4 minutes before drinking.

At what temperature to brew Pu-erh

Unlike ordinary tea, it is not customary to pour Pu-erh with boiling water. The optimum water temperature is 90-95 degrees, in this case the tea reveals its taste and aroma to the maximum, but does not lose its beneficial properties.

How many times can you brew Pu-erh

High-quality Chinese tea is allowed to be brewed up to 20 times in a row. True, the time of infusion each time needs to be slightly increased. The optimal number of brewing cycles for Pu-erh is 5-6 times.

How and when to drink Pu-erh tea

If used improperly, even useful Pu-erh can be harmful. There are a few important rules to remember:

you can’t drink Puer on an empty stomach, otherwise the tonic drink will cause heartburn and cutting pains in the abdomen;
sugar is not added to Pu-erh, because it reduces the benefits of tea and changes its taste properties for the worse;
It is undesirable to drink Puer tea at night - the invigorating effect of this drink will be harmful and prevent you from falling asleep peacefully. You can drink a cup of Pu-erh no later than 3 hours before going to bed.

The drink can be brewed not only in hot water, but also in milk. The benefit of Pu-erh with milk is that such tea has a wonderful relaxing effect, while not dulling attention and concentration.

Advice! The drink should not be abused - it is recommended to drink no more than 2 cups per day.

The benefits and harms of Puer tea for various diseases

Chinese tea not only has a subtle pleasant taste and invigorating properties, but also has a healing effect in certain ailments.

With diabetes

Since quality tea lowers blood sugar levels, it is extremely beneficial for both types of diabetes. True, it is not recommended to abuse the drink: the daily norm should be no more than 1 cup. Of course, at the same time, sugar cannot be added to tea, otherwise the drink will only harm.

For gastritis and stomach ulcers

Chinese Pu-erh is the only tea allowed to be consumed even with exacerbations of gastritis and ulcers. It does not increase acidity and does not irritate the mucous membranes, so you can use it half an hour after eating on a full stomach. The benefits of Pu-erh black tea for gastritis will be higher than the benefits of green varieties of the drink.

With cholecystitis

Tea is not harmful for inflammation of the gallbladder if you drink it in small quantities. It is recommended to drink the drink 20 minutes before meals in the amount of half a glass in small sips.

With pancreatitis

In case of acute inflammation of the pancreas, it is better not to drink the drink and give preference exclusively to water. But a week after the exacerbation is over, Chinese tea can be returned to the diet. However, at the same time, the drink should be brewed very weakly, and the maximum amount should be 2 cups per day.

Side effects and contraindications

A healthy drink has a number of contraindications and can be harmful in certain diseases. Namely, you can not drink it:

with chronically elevated pressure - hypertension;
with atherosclerosis - the drink strengthens only healthy blood vessels, and with an existing disease, there will be no benefit from it;
with serious heart diseases - the tonic effect of the drink can be harmful;
with chronic kidney ailments - tea has a strong diuretic effect;
with a cold - tea does not reduce the temperature, but additionally contributes to its increase;
during pregnancy and lactation;
with glaucoma;
with individual intolerance to caffeine, in small doses present in this tea.

Does pu-erh tea cause allergies?

Puer manufacturers claim that the tonic drink cannot cause allergies. However, practice proves the opposite: some people feel bad even from small portions drink, and here it is hardly possible to talk about an overdose. When you first use Chinese tea, you must be careful and carefully observe the reaction of your own body so as not to get harm.

Is it possible to drink Pu-erh tea while driving?

The invigorating properties of the drink and its ability to improve concentration can be very beneficial for drivers. However, you need to remember about precautions: if you drink too much tea, the effect will be similar to the state of alcoholic intoxication.

Important! Before driving, you should drink no more than 1 cup of Chinese tea, and it is better to do this in advance and on a full stomach.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of Pu-erh tea depend on how carefully you use it. If you do not exceed the normal daily dosage and drink tea only after meals, in the absence of contraindications, it will reveal all its beneficial properties and will be very valuable for the body.

Aged tea that gives youth, energy and strength is Chinese Pu-erh. It is considered the true wealth of this country and is carefully stored in state granaries. There are legends about the unique properties of this drink, but not everyone can understand its taste and properties.

Description, production

In China, there is a tradition at the birth of a child to press into a cake of the highest quality and lay it in storage until the child grows up and enters an independent life. In 20-25 years, this cake, called Puer tea, will cost a lot of money, which will be enough for many undertakings of a young man.

This tradition is still observed among those people who are employed in tea production. Pu-erh is really an expensive product, and the longer it is aged, the higher the price. What is Puer tea and how is it produced?

Pu-erh is tea that has undergone a long 100% fermentation for at least 3 months. In general, this type of tea does not have an expiration date. The longer it is stored, the richer its composition, aroma and taste become.

Its production process includes the following steps:

collection;
sorting;
drying;
warming up;
steaming;
fermentation;
drying;
pressing;
re-fermentation.

For pu-erh, juicy large leaves are collected on a young shoot. Usually these are 2-4 leaves, and the larger and fleshier they are, the better. The main region where this tea is produced is Yunnan province in China. A special variety grows here, in the leaves of which there are fewer amino acids and more catechins. This property allows the fermentation process to almost never stop during the entire storage period. Under the influence of bacteria, temperature and other organic substances, catechins are converted into aromatic compounds, which give pu-erh such a multifaceted taste and aroma.

Long-term fermentation tea cakes

After collection, the leaves are sorted, torn and damaged are removed, laid out on flat surface for several hours so that the sheet loses some of the moisture and becomes softer. Then it is heated in the sun and kept over steam. After such preparation, the raw materials are placed for fermentation in a warm, dark room. Fermentation lasts about a month.

The next step is drying followed by pressing and storage for final fermentation. Such naturally produced pu-erh is called shen pu-erh, or raw. The term of its fermentation, as well as the period of storage, is unlimited.

There is another variety - shu pu-erh, or mature. Here, the oxidation process occurs with the direct participation of a person in a short period of time. In terms of properties, this type is similar to sheng pu-erh aged for years, but with a less multifaceted taste and aroma.

History indicates that this type of tea was known in China as early as the 3rd century BC. It can be said that tea pressing was an accidental way to preserve the quality of the product. So that during long-term transportation, tea leaves do not absorb moisture and do not rot, they were steamed and pressed in bags. In this form, tea was delivered safe and sound to the palace of the emperor and his nobles.

Today, pu-erh looks like a cake, a mushroom, a ball, a brick. The shape can be almost any, as well as weight. There are also crumbly types, which in terms of properties are no different from pressed ones and even in bags.

Varieties

Yunnan is one of the largest provinces in China. There are many tea plantations and industries, each of which is famous for a certain tea. In general, about 120 varieties of pu-erh are known. They differ in the season of harvesting raw materials, leaf size, fermentation period and so on. There can be a lot of nuances in production technology. It is difficult to say which of the Pu-erh varieties is better. Each of them has subtle differences that are not always clear and perceptible to the layman.

In China, there are several factories that produce the best pu-erh - these are Menghai, Jinglong and Xia Guan. Of the varieties of tea produced here, the highest quality are Xia Guan Ji, Chatou and Menghai V93.

When brewing, the tangerine peel also falls into the teapot.

Recently appeared on the market New Product- pu-erh in mandarin. This is loose tea (shu pu-erh), which is placed in a mandarin peeled from pulp and sent to a special oven for drying. During drying, the tea leaves are saturated with the aroma of mandarin and acquire new notes in taste. The tangerine packaging itself also looks original.

The description of the product also indicates the method of brewing. Together with tea leaves, a piece of tangerine is also placed in the teapot to get a really rich drink.

Properties

The composition of pu-erh includes a huge amount of organic and mineral compounds. The most valuable of them are vitamins E, A, group B, bioflavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, essential oils, amino acids, enzymes, catechins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, fluorine, iron, iodine, etc.

Useful properties of pu-erh tea:

lowers blood glucose levels;
thins the blood, lowers cholesterol;
lowers blood pressure, cleanses blood vessels;
improves digestion, promotes normal intestinal motility;
participates in lipid metabolism, promotes weight loss;
tones, increases mental performance;
removes waste and toxins.

Properly prepared drink will help to cope with a headache, bad mood, weakness. It helps to concentrate attention, gives clarity of mind, calms. The effect of pu-erh tea is a charge of vivacity and strength for the whole day, it is not for nothing that it is recommended to drink it before lunch in the first half of the day.

The properties of pu-erh tea allow it to be used as a means of combating fatigue, which does not burden the nervous system. The drink has little caffeine, so it acts gently. It can be used to prevent cancer. This is the only tea drink that can be consumed in the presence of stomach ulcers.

Pu-erh is not drunk often and in large quantities. You can not cook too strong infusion. All this is fraught with an overdose, as a result of which trembling appears, headache, nausea. The effect of such a drink can be described as intoxicating.

According to tonic properties of pu-erh stronger than coffee

Can pregnant women drink fermented black tea? Its use is undesirable due to its strong tonic and stimulating effect. During pregnancy, this is a threat to increase the tone of the uterus. It is contraindicated on an empty stomach and at bedtime. The product can be harmful at high temperatures, with eye diseases, in the presence of kidney stones and gallbladder. Hypertension with frequent pressure surges is also a reason to refuse the drink.

Contraindications also apply to people with frequent stool disorders and those who suffer from enterovirus infections. In this situation, the drink can provoke severe dehydration. Otherwise, the properties of Chinese Pu-erh tea will only benefit health.

How to brew

Most often, pu-erh can be bought in tablets of 15 grams or more. For one serving of the drink, a very small piece of the tablet is enough. Tea lovers purchase kits for its preparation, in which there is always a special knife for breaking off a portion of tea leaves from a pressed mold.

To properly brew pu-erh, it is better to use the strait method. It involves the following steps:

warming up the gaiwan and laying the tea leaves;
washing the tea leaves with boiling water for 2-5 seconds;
re-filling with boiling water, insisting 5-7 seconds.

After that, the drink is poured into cups or bowls and drunk. You can repeat the brewing up to 10 times, increasing the infusion time to 1-2 minutes. You can watch the video on how to cook pu-erh.

An invigorating fermented pressed tea is a product whose taste, aroma and benefits are difficult to understand and evaluate the first time. In China, it is considered a drink from 100 diseases, which is why it is so highly valued.

Despite the centuries-old history of pu-erh tea, it began to enjoy great popularity in the world relatively recently. Today it is one of the most fashionable and sought-after drinks. It can be found in many specialized outlets in the form of loose tea familiar to us or in the form of pressed briquettes.

In general, there are more than one hundred and twenty varieties of pu-erh tea, but among them there are two main types - shen and shu. The first type of tea is made according to traditional technology and undergoes natural fermentation. After special treatment and pressing, it is aged in dry rooms for several years. During this time, microbes, interacting with tea leaves, endow them with special qualities and properties. The taste of fresh sheng pu-erh is usually sharp and somewhat viscous, but over time, with proper storage, its taste characteristics change for the better. The most optimal aging time for this type of tea is twenty years or more. Elite varieties of such a drink can be aged even for more than three centuries.

For the production of shu pu-erh tea, a faster manufacturing method is used - artificial fermentation. Thanks to her, the leaves reach the desired state in just a few months. A drink made from such raw materials comes out dark and very much resembles sheng aged for 15-20 years, but, nevertheless, is somewhat inferior in taste and, of course, is not a unique product. Now, due to the large demand for pu-erh, manufacturers often use cheaper and fast way fermentation, so it is shu pu-erh tea that is mainly found on sale, while shen is quite difficult to find.

Composition of pu-erh tea

calories

100 ml of finished Pu-erh tea contains 1-2 kcal. And the daily calorie intake for an adult of active age and normal physique averages 2200 kcal per day.

Table of measurements in mass and calories of dry Pu-erh tea:

The nutritional value

The beneficial properties of this drink are explained by the fact that it contains amino acids, alkaloids, saccharides, vitamins, minerals, statins. This helps tea stimulate the work of internal organs, including the liver. And it is known that the liver contributes to the healing and rejuvenation of the body from the inside and out. Thanks to alkaloids (theine, theobromine, theophylline), body cells are actively saturated with oxygen, blood vessels expand and brain function is activated.

Energy value of the product in grams (g) per 100 g:

Macronutrients	Content (gr.)	%Daily Value
Squirrels	20	18,6
Fats	6,9	6,4
unsaturated fats	2,1	1,8
monounsaturated fats	1,7	1,5
Polyunsaturated fats	1,3	1,1
Carbohydrates	6,9	5,8

100 g of dry Pu-erh tea contains 106-118 kcal, which is about 6% of the daily requirement.

Vitamins and minerals

As part of pu-erh tea a large number of vitamins and microelements, the benefits of which are unchanged for everyone. For those who do not have obvious contraindications, it is recommended to use one to three cups of this richest healing drink daily.

Table of vitamins:

Mineral table:

Pu-erh tea, the benefits of which can improve the vitality of each person, can be purchased at any large supermarket. On sale you can find tea prepared using different technologies. Along with very expensive offers, there are affordable options.

Useful properties of pu-erh tea

Oriental medicine names 22 useful properties of pu-erh, which allow you to effectively deal with a variety of ailments, so in China they gave it the name "tea from 100 diseases."

Modern studies have shown that the product can be useful not only as a remedy, but also as a prophylactic.

It turned out that it is able to block a protein involved in the development of cancer cells. Therefore, it can be considered effective way prevent or stop the development of cancer.

To remove radionuclides, toxins, slags, salts of heavy metals from the body. Also, tea has excellent antioxidant and rejuvenating properties;

To improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines, eliminate constipation, cleanse the digestive system from decay products. Pu-erh normalizes the processes of digestion, makes it possible beneficial substances better absorbed. Since it is low in calories and has a slight diuretic effect, it is perfect for those who want to lose weight;

To preserve youthful skin, strengthen hair and nails, and give a healthy and radiant appearance. For women, tea is especially useful as a means to prevent and eliminate wrinkles;

To cleanse and improve the liver. The product is recommended to be regularly included in the menu for those who like fatty and spicy foods, drink alcohol. For men, a drink is an excellent remedy to get rid of a hangover;

To enhance mental activity, improve concentration and increase efficiency.

Contraindications to the use of pu-erh tea

Despite the fact that the benefits of this tea are unambiguous, it has some contraindications for use. For the most part, this is due to individual intolerance and characteristics of the organism. Contraindications in the use of tea are also taking into account age categories, as well as the presence of some chronic diseases. In addition, Pu-erh tea cannot be drunk with strong brewed infusion. Since even a low intensity drink has pronounced properties.

Contraindications to the use of pu-erh tea:

At a high body temperature, you can not drink a drink, as it will provoke an even higher temperature;

A few hours before bedtime, it should not be consumed because of the strong tonic and invigorating effect. This will certainly lead to a failure of sleep and rest, which is fraught with stress for the nervous system of the body;

Pu-erh tea is not recommended for women during pregnancy;

During lactation, one cup of weakly brewed pu-erh tea is allowed per day;

Children under 3 years of age are not recommended to drink tea;

Those suffering from hypertension should not get carried away with strong tea, as the drink contributes to an increase in pressure;

Due to its pronounced diuretic properties, tea should be used with caution by patients with urolithiasis. The fact is that it provokes the movement of kidney stones, which with large stones will lead to acute pain;

Improperly brewed tea can cause tea intoxication, which is accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and vomiting.

Types and varieties of pu-erh tea

Dark tea is divided into two subspecies: Shen and Shu. Subspecies differ significantly from each other both visually and in taste and color. Sheng when brewed has a light color and a pronounced fruity taste. Shu is a true dark tea that has an astringent taste and a thick, rich, smoky aroma.

According to the use of raw materials, pu-erh is divided into several categories:

Tea from small-sized leaves from tea bushes;

A drink made from large and fleshy tea tree leaves;

Pu-erh from elite varieties of tea bushes or trees;

Mixed (blended) drinks.

According to the stage of fermentation, pu-erh is divided into the following types:

Mao Cha is dried but not pressed leaves. All types of pu-erh are produced from them;

Shen pu-erh are leaves that have undergone a pressing process, but have not undergone artificial fermentation;

Shu Puer is a drink that has undergone accelerated artificial fermentation. To obtain high-quality tea, several years of processing are needed. During fermentation, bitterness leaves the leaves, the raw material becomes soft. Dried leaves are brownish-red in color, shiny in appearance;

Aged Shen Pu-erh is the most expensive and elite type. This tea undergoes a natural fermentation that lasts for many years. The color of dried tea leaves is dark green.

Rules for brewing pu-erh tea

How to brew Puerh tea

A drink is brewed in a teapot. Tea is taken from a proportion of 4 gr. for 150 ml. water. The standard proportion for tasting is 6 gr. per 100 ml of water. Water should not be boiled for a long time. The optimum temperature for brewing is 95°C. Pu-erh tea is filled with water and immediately drained. Then it is refilled with water again. As a result, the smell of dampness is removed. The drink is infused for 10 minutes, after which it can be consumed. High-quality tea can withstand about 15 brews.

How to brew pressed Pu-erh tea

There is another method of brewing. Classic variant cooking is boiling in a glass kettle. When small bubbles begin to rise from the bottom of the kettle as the water is heated, one cup of water is drained. Then, when boiling, the water is poured back. After boiling again, the kettle is removed from the heat and the water is quickly stirred with a spoon to form a funnel. Previously, a piece of about 3 cm is separated from a piece of tea with a knife and soaked in cold water. Prepared tea is placed in hot water and infused for up to 20 minutes. Puer tea is delicious drink for true gourmets, it does not lose its valuable properties over the years, but only increases them.

Recipe for pu-erh tea with milk

For those who do not like the characteristic bitterness of tea, a recipe for making it with milk, which softens the taste, will be suitable. First you need to take half a liter of milk, and preferably as fat as possible, two teaspoons of tea leaves. Put the milk on the fire and let it boil. At the same time, rinse the tea in cold water for a minute, then drain the water. When the milk boils, put the tea leaves and butter in the amount of 20-30 grams. Boil for five minutes. Then add cinnamon and honey to taste. Let cool for a couple of minutes.

The use of pu-erh tea in cosmetology

Pu-erh is also actively used by modern cosmetologists. So, many beauty salons offer masks based on pu-erh, which help cleanse the skin, activate cell renewal processes, and therefore rejuvenate.

Tea lotions are used to combat cellulite. This product is valued in SPA hair care. You can prepare the most useful products at home.

Nourishing mask

It is necessary to grind one tablespoon of this tea, mix it with one tablespoon of kefir and three of the same spoons olive oil. Also add two tablespoons of flour or starch.

Balm for hair restoration

To prepare an effective restorative balm, you need to mix five tablespoons of the strongest pu-erh tea, egg yolk and a large spoonful of natural honey. The product is applied to freshly washed and slightly damp hair along their entire length, insulate and hold for half an hour. Rinse better warm water. This procedure will strengthen the hair, they will stop splitting and gain an attractive shine.

Do not add milk, honey or lemon to it. Experts recommend combining pu-erh with the active use of brown rice. This will remove all toxins from the body faster.