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The composition of pu-erh tea is black. In Chinese traditions - pu-erh tea, its beneficial properties and contraindications

In the treatise of the Chinese philosopher Xu-Tsze-Shu "Ancient Instruction on Tea" it is said that cheerful guests should be treated with wine, sad ones - with ordinary tea, which will help relieve fatigue and strengthen mental strength. And close friends should be treated to the most best tea and enjoy a heart-to-heart conversation with them. With wine, the Chinese, of course, was wrong - it’s not worth regaling anyone with alcohol, even enemies. However, the fact that he mentioned tea is indicative - this is the importance given to this drink since ancient times: it is a symbol of calmness, tranquility, wisdom.

What is the best tea? There can be no unequivocal answer to such a question, because there are more than 1.5 thousand varieties of this wonderful drink (by the way, here you can already read about several of its varieties:,). However, they occupy a special place among such an impressive variety, which is not at all surprising. And not only because the Celestial Empire is the historical homeland of tea and that it is one of the five world leaders in its production. After all, it is in China that the unique and rapidly gaining popularity of pu-erh tea is grown and processed, the effect of which for healing and cleansing the body is already recognized at the level of traditional medicine.

Tea that grows on a tree

The Chinese have always surprised and continue to amaze the whole world with their indefatigable ingenuity. So pu-erh, their brainchild, is not like any of the teas and is able to surprise and delight even the most fastidious connoisseurs of this drink with its taste.

An important factor influencing its taste qualities and price, is the raw material. Leaves for the production of elite varieties of such tea are collected not from bushes, but from trees, whose age can reach several hundred years. Moreover, these trees are wild (growing in the forest, in natural conditions, without human intervention) and cultivated (transferred to plantations, where they are provided with care according to all the rules of agricultural technology). This is reflected in the names of some varieties ("Wild Puer", "Royal Wild" and others). There are also plantation bushes, the leaves of which are used for blending, as well as for the production of flavored milk pu-erh.

But the most important thing in the production of this tea is the fermentation time. Naturally, the larger it is, the higher the pu-erh tea is valued, its properties change, the taste only improves, becoming softer and fuller, absolutely without any bitterness, with a pleasant astringency.

Based on the technology of fermentation, there are 2 varieties of pu-erh: raw (Shen) and ready-made (Shu). For both, the same raw materials are used, but the color, taste, aroma and, of course, the price are completely different.

Characteristic	Shen pu-erh	Shu pu-erh
leaf color	light, with a greenish tint	dark brown, almost black
Infusion color	light, translucent	dark, opaque
The taste of the infusion	tart, light nutty notes, sweet and fresh aftertaste	strong taste, with hints from fruity to chocolate-caramel
Aroma	soft, with hints of dried fruits, woods	sharp, fruity

But it must be emphasized that the taste and aroma of the infusions of these teas change over time and largely depend on the raw materials used.

The manufacturing technology at the initial stage of both pu-erhs is the same: selected (the largest, “fleshy”) tea tree leaves are first slightly dried in the sun, then moistened with steam and stored for about a month in a room where a certain temperature and humidity are maintained. It is during this period that fermentation occurs under the influence of internal factors (endogenous enzymes). Next, the tea is dried, and the internal fermentation is completed. And then, for each of the pu-erhs, its own processing begins.

Shen and Shu: what's the difference?

If the leaves are immediately pressed, then this is Shen pu-erh (“raw”), which is stored for many years, undergoing spring fermentation under the influence of anaerobic microorganisms. This tea matures gradually. Naturally, the older his age, the more valuable he is. You can only learn about puer tea aged for more than 30 years from those who were lucky enough to try it: such a drink is considered a national treasure in the Celestial Empire, therefore its export outside the country is prohibited - the Chinese are not ready to fill up the markets of other countries with all their goods. Connoisseurs say that in our country you can buy a real Shen with a maximum of 10 years of exposure.

But if, at the end of drying, the tea leaves were not pressed, but collected in a heap, moistened and began to be brought to condition under specially created conditions, this is nothing more than the production of Shu pu-erh (“ready-made”) using accelerated fermentation technology. This technology was introduced over 40 years ago to meet the growing demand for pu-erh. After soaking the leaves with moisture, they are laid in an even layer and left for external fermentation. After about 1.5 months, when the tea leaves become brown, glossy and acquire a specific smell, they are again subjected to drying in the sun. Then it is sorted, packaged in loose or pressed form. The full production cycle of Shu Pu-erh is from 2 months to a year.

Experts emphasize that Shen Pu-erh can be used for its intended purpose after at least 3 years of storage, when the leaves completely leave the bitterness, but it acquires its uniqueness after 10-20 years of fermentation. Shu is suitable for brewing immediately after packaging, however, with proper storage, its organoleptic characteristics are noticeably improved, in particular, the taste and smell of dampness characteristic of “wet heaps” disappear.

You have to know how to cook it!

Over the past 10 years, interest in has acquired a literally all-Russian scale. Many articles have been written about their excellent taste, everyone recognized their benefits. So, pu-erh tea - how to brew it in order to get real pleasure from this "imperial", as it is sometimes called, drink? Experts give the following recommendations:

Need to apply the right dishes: a kettle for boiling water with a temperature indicator, an earthenware teapot, a jug for pouring brewed tea (so that it does not overstay), cups or bowls.
Filtered softened water is heated to 80-90 degrees, the teapot is rinsed in advance, pu-erh is poured into it at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 cup (if it is loose) or 3-5 g (if pressed). Next, the kettle is filled to 1/3 hot water, which serves to rinse and steam the tea leaves and therefore immediately merges.
Then pu-erh is filled with water already for brewing, which lasts from 1 to 3 minutes. The resulting infusion is filtered into a jug, from which you can slowly pour tea into cups and begin to enjoy its aroma and taste. You can brew the same portion of pu-erh at least 5 times.
It is recommended to drink pu-erh a little cold and without sugar.

The healing properties of pu-erh

AT medicinal properties the Chinese themselves believe sacredly of this tea, they even counted their number (as many as 22). However, European medicine also recognizes that pu-erh has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating the process of digestion. It has excellent antispasmodic, diuretic and choleretic properties. Pu-erh prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques, strengthens the walls of blood vessels. This drink is able to "wake up" even the laziest immune system, help the body in its opposition to various infections. Puer tea perfectly invigorates, helps to stay in good shape all day, and can also decorate the sad days of the diet.

Pu-erh tea is good for everyone, it can only cause harm to health only if there is an individual intolerance, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Agree, not such a large set of contraindications?

Pu-erh tea is often compared to a good aged wine: every year it gets better and better. There are two types: raw (shen) and mature (shu). Shen pu-erh is unfermented tea leaves. In turn, shu pu-erh is tea prepared using wet stacking technology (tea is produced under the influence of moisture, microorganisms and high temperature). In addition, pu-erh can be loose or pressed.

Pu-erh should not be drunk on an empty stomach.

The chemical composition of pu-erh tea

Chemical pu-erh depends on its place of growth and the type of tea. So, for example, tea grown in Shuangjiang County has a high content of polyphenols: this figure is 43% (while the average level of this component in other tea leaves is 30%). And in the leaves of the Jinchang tea tree, which grows in Malibo County, there is too little caffeine (only 0.06%). For comparison: in the leaves of the Xinping tea tree (Xinping County) - 6%. In general, there are over 700 chemical elements: there are amino acids, aromatic substances, proteins, polyphenols, statins, sugars, vitamins and other active ingredients.

Useful properties of pu-erh tea

You can talk about the benefits of this elite drink indefinitely. According to experts, pu-erh is “tea from a hundred diseases”. It is believed that this drink is able to normalize arterial pressure and heart rate.

However, this elite tea is useful for gastrointestinal tract. Unlike green tea, which is contraindicated for stomach ulcers, gastritis and duodenitis, pu-erh does not increase the acidity of gastric juice, so you can drink it even with such diseases. Pu-erh also improves metabolic processes and normalizes liver function. And this tea also helps to remove heavy metals and toxins from the body, minimizes the consequences alcohol poisoning.

Excessive consumption of this drink can cause insomnia.

In addition, pu-erh has anti-inflammatory properties, so this tea is recommended to drink with colds. Also, this elite drink has a beneficial effect on the condition of the organs of vision and teeth. Pu-erh tea is also recommended for depression.

Pu-erh also lowers the level of glucose in the blood, so it is prescribed for diabetes. At the same time, this drink helps to lose weight and preserve youth; it is not for nothing that it is called the "elixir of beauty and health."

Puer- the famous noble tea, which is produced exclusively in China. This is one of those drinks that every tea drinker should definitely try at least once in their life. If you decide to taste Pu-erh tea, the effect of it may be a little unexpected - this drink is famous for its intoxicating effect. What causes it and how does it affect the body?

What is puerh tea

Pu-erh refers to post-fermented types of tea. This means that it is not produced in the same way as other varieties. After assembly, the leaves are subjected to approximately the same processing as green tea. But fermentation is done last. Moreover, it can be both artificial and natural.

Pu-erh tea can be found in several forms of pressing:

cake;
bowl;
brick;
square;
mushroom;
pumpkin.

Pu-erh tea is the best and most unusual drink known today. One of its interesting features is that the taste only improves with time. While other varieties deteriorate. In this drink can be compared with a good long-aged cognac. But there is another interesting nuance - the famous effect of pu-erh tea.

effect of pu-erh tea

First of all, the effect of pu-erh tea is manifested in an emotional way. It has been shown to relieve stress and tension. If a person is loaded with problems, it becomes easier for him to solve them. The mood improves. Many note the joy that appears spontaneously. This is the same effect of intoxication.

It is important! It affects not only the mood, but also the body. Breathing evens out, becomes deeper. Stress and stiffness go away, muscle tension subsides.

But the effect of pu-erh tea is manifested not only in a one-time effect on the body and soul. With prolonged use, it affects the body as a whole:

helps to digest heavy and fatty foods and facilitates the work of the digestive tract;
strengthens the cardiovascular system;
thins the blood and helps to get rid of cholesterol plaques that accumulate in the vessels;
Helps cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. Some lovers of drinking alcohol relieve hangover syndrome with pu-erh, and they note that the remedy is very effective;
speeds up metabolic processes. This effect of pu-erh tea is used by many for weight loss;
acts as a means of preventing oncological diseases, which are so common today;
helps relieve spasms and relieves headaches;
provides good help with constipation, stimulating bowel function;
perfectly tones and invigorates. Puer is the most invigorating drink, and in terms of the effectiveness of exposure, one cup of it can be compared with a synthetic energy drink. And if you drink it constantly, a person becomes energetic, easy-going, cheerful. At the same time, the older the tea leaves, the stronger the effect will be. For this reason, it is not recommended to drink the drink in the afternoon. This can cause sleep problems or even insomnia;
promotes skin rejuvenation a large number antioxidants contained in it;
improves concentration and memory;
strengthens the body as a whole.

It is important! Some gourmets prefer to drink the drink exclusively with milk. He has enough unusual taste and it is very useful, since the beneficial effect of milk is added to the properties of tea.

It is believed that such tea can be drunk even with exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or inflammatory processes in the body. But this only applies to warm tea. Hot drink can do harm. In addition, there will be no benefit from tea if it is not prepared correctly.

How to brew a drink

To action the drink was fully manifested, and you could feel the famous effect of pu-erh tea, it must be brewed correctly. Pu-erh is ready to drink only after three years of aging, but its taste can be further improved if stored for 10-15 years or longer.

The effect of tea depends on the method of brewing. In addition, for the process to go smoothly, you need to pay attention to some of its components:

water temperature. The temperature should be selected depending on the fermentation. Different varieties differ in the degree of fermentation. For example, shu pu-erh is a heavily fermented tea, and therefore boiling water at 90-95 ° C is required to brew it. If you are going to brew sheng pu-erh, a weaker tea, then the water should not exceed 90-95°C. The temperature also depends on the aging time of tea - the older the tea leaves, the higher the temperature is needed;
water quality. For brewing any tea, not just pu-erh, it is recommended to use only purified water. Boiled water is not very suitable for this purpose - it does not contain any useful substances. In addition, it spoils the taste of the drink. Therefore, spring water or bottled water, which can be bought at any store, is ideal.

It is important! Some people simply pour boiling water over the tea leaves, but this approach is completely wrong with regard to pu-erh. At the same time, the correct preparation process is absolutely simple.

As for the amount of tea leaves, it should be taken 1 small spoon per person or 150-200 ml of water. It is easy to separate as much as needed from pressed pu-erh using a special or ordinary knife, as well as hands.

Pu-erh is brewed in a clay teapot or gaiwan. Before adding tea inside, rinse the teapot with boiling water to warm it up well. To enhance the aesthetic pleasure of preparing a drink and drinking tea, shake the teapot a couple of times and, opening the lid, enjoy the unforgettable aroma of dry tea leaves.

It is recommended to pre-rinse the tea leaves to remove dust. This will also separate the leaves from each other a bit if you are using pressed puerh. Rinse the tea leaves for about 10 seconds, after which the water must be poured out. If you are using heavily fermented pu-erh, it is best to rinse it twice.

It is important! Water for brewing must be of a special temperature. Use freshly boiled water, as repeated boiling will impair the aroma and taste of the drink.

Add water to the kettle and steep for 8-10 seconds. After this time, the infusion is immediately poured into a chahai - a special container. Tea must be drained to the end, otherwise it will continue to infuse, and after the second brewing it will be too strong.

From chahai, the infusion can be poured into cups. Drink it slowly, in small sips, enjoying the taste and aroma.

The time of the second and subsequent brews should increase. And every time the taste properties of the drink will be different. Puer connoisseurs claim that it can be brewed about 10 times, especially if it is of high quality.

Puerh tea, the effect of which you will feel on yourself, does not do any harm to the body if it is properly brewed and not consumed too much. Therefore, follow the instructions for its preparation, and enjoy your tea!

Chinese tea is divided into six main categories, one of which is occupied by Pu-erh. It is a dark variety of tea, but not black, as it ripens solely under the influence of external factors, and not its own enzymes.

The initial stage of processing Puer is similar to the process of preparing green tea leaves. However, fermentation takes about 1.5-2 months, and even after that, the tea is not ready to drink. To acquire useful properties and fully ripen the leaves, at least a year must pass!

Pu-erh is the only type of tea that acquires its valuable properties under the influence of time. Puerh varieties, produced over 100 years ago, have a considerable value, have an amazing aroma and exquisite taste. As part of this tea, leaves of tea trees of different ages are skillfully combined, and the oldest of them are several hundred years old.

There are such types of Pu-erh:
Shen - This raw variety tea. Its leaves have a peculiar green tint. When brewed, the drink is light, translucent, with a slight sourness and a pleasant sweet aftertaste. The aroma during tea drinking is amazing: a slight smell of raisins, notes of prunes and sweet dates are mixed into a single, bright composition. You should not "overexposure" this tea, otherwise an unpleasant bitterness may appear.
Shu is a cooked, aged variety with rich brown leaves. During brewing, the drink is dark and thick, with a mild taste and a slight chocolate smell.

Pu-erh tea properties

Since ancient times, this unique drink has been considered an indispensable tool for maintaining health, youth and beauty. It perfectly tones up, although it contains a minimal amount of caffeine. During production, no synthetic odor enhancers are added to the leaves - the tea has a natural aroma and a refined aftertaste.

In his chemical composition includes the following substances:

Amino acids
saccharides
Phenolic compounds (catechins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids)
Alkaloids (theine, theophylline)
Zinc, chromium, manganese, potassium, fluorine
Vitamins P, A, C, E

One hundred grams of the prepared drink contains 20 g of proteins, 7 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of fat, and total value is 152 calories. Pu-erh can be found in pressed and loose form. Tea "tablets" surprise Puerh fans with a variety of shapes pressed into a square, pancake, brick or flat cake.

Harm

Harm Puer

This tonic tea has a powerful effect on the body and has many contraindications. If misused or improperly brewed, Pu-erh can be harmful. It is strongly not recommended to use a freshly brewed drink on an empty stomach - severe pain and heartburn may occur.

You should be careful when using Puer, because:

Strong Pu-erh tea has a strong diuretic effect;
You can’t drink an “overexposed” drink, since in this case the Puer’s harm will be considerable - vomiting, arrhythmia, intestinal upset and sudden pressure surges may appear;
You should not drink Puer before going to bed - this is fraught with insomnia;
Tea of this variety is contraindicated for pregnant women and children under the age of 10-12 years;
With caution, Puer should be taken by people diagnosed with such ailments as urolithiasis, glaucoma, inflammation of the kidneys;
If the proportions are violated during the brewing process, the drink may be too strong, causing symptoms of intoxication.

This tea is not recommended to be taken in large volumes even by the most knowledgeable and sophisticated gourmets, as the abuse of the drink can result in heart palpitations and poor health. It is not recommended to take Puer at a high temperature. In order for Puer to be beneficial and not harmful, you should purchase it in specialized stores and follow the correct brewing technique.

Benefit

Benefits of Pu-erh tea

In Chinese medicine, this valuable drink takes pride of place and is famous for its effectiveness. medicine from many ailments. The benefits of Puer have been repeatedly proven by scientists from France, who told the world about the unique ability of this tea to reduce the dangerous level of cholesterol accumulated in the body.

Puer benefits:

Invigorates and fills with energy;
Cleanses the body from the accumulation of toxins, toxins, deposits of heavy metals;
Activates the liver;
Blocks the growth of oncological formations;
Stimulates digestive functions;
Accelerates metabolism;
Promotes weight loss;
Leads to normal blood sugar balance;
Promotes healthy functioning of the gallbladder;
Does not increase stomach acidity;
Helps hypotensive patients cope with low blood pressure.

Properly prepared tea is a healing source of vigor, health and well-being. This is the only kind of tea that is allowed to be consumed by patients with stomach ulcers. However, it should be remembered that the harm of Pu-erh with improper brewing can be significant. Therefore, for people who have health problems, before the first use, it is better to consult a specialist and learn about the intricacies of making a drink.

How to brew Pu-erh

The ceremony of drinking this noble tea begins with brewing. Properly prepared Pu-erh has unique healing properties and an amazing aroma that is revealed throughout the entire tea drinking. The benefits of Puer and its healing effect will be noticeable if you keep the time right - a strong drink is obtained already 10 minutes after the bay.

Rules for brewing Pu-erh:

To prepare a drink, you must use a clay or porcelain teapot of a small volume.
To feel the fullness of the taste of Pu-erh, it is better to use purified water without heavy impurities.
In order for the delicate taste of tea to manifest itself, it is necessary to use not bubbling boiling water, but water of 90-95 degrees.
Be sure to preheat the kettle before brewing.
With the first water, Pu-erh is washed from tea dust, and also warmed up for the best brewing. To do this, a portion of tea is poured into a teapot and poured with hot water (90 degrees). After 10 seconds, the water drains.
The second time the tea is poured for a period of 3 to 10 minutes. To obtain light tea, 1-2 teaspoons of leaves are taken per 150 g of water, and lovers of a strong drink can double the dosage.
Traditionally, Pu-erh is brewed at least 10 times. It is believed that the richness of taste and the benefits of Pu-erh is best manifested at 5-6 brewing. The infusion time of each subsequent bay increases.

The procedure for brewing pressed and loose tea is identical. From a whole piece of Pu-erh in tablets, you need to carefully break off a small piece, trying not to damage the leaves. You can not cut the formed tablets - it is better to break them with your hands or use a special knife. Remember: it is necessary to peel off the leaves from the pressed cake correctly by inserting the knife from the side, between the fibers of the tea.

How to drink Puerh tea

Fragrant Pu-erh tea is poured into small bowls and drunk in small sips. In order for all guests to have the same strength of tea, the wise Chinese, after brewing, pour it into a special jug - Chahai. Tea drinking lasts about half an hour, and then the brewing procedure is repeated. No honey or sugar is added to Pu-erh - tea is best combined with dried fruits and dark chocolate.

The Chinese appreciate peace and harmony, so they treat the tea ceremony with special trepidation, turning it into a magical ritual. While drinking, you need to relax and concentrate, without being distracted by extraneous noise and unpleasant thoughts. You can carry out the procedure on the floor, sitting comfortably on soft pillows and turning on quiet relaxing music. Happy tea!

Puer- Chinese post-fermented tea comes from the Yunnan province. This tea has a certain aging, the longer it is, the better pu-erh is considered. With time, the quality of pu-erh only gets better, unlike other types of tea, which, as a rule, lose their benefits and taste over time.

For the production of pu-erh, raw materials are subjected to natural or artificial aging. With natural aging, tea is aged for about 7-8 years, during which time slow fermentation processes take place, as a result of which the composition of substances in tea and its taste and aroma change.

With artificial aging, the raw materials are subjected to active fermentation, piled up and sprinkled with water. So it preet for 30-100 days. After that, it is dried and kept for about a year.

There are two types of pu-erh: Shen Puer(raw pu-erh), and Shu Puer(cooked pu-erh).

Pu-erh is both pressed and loose. More common pressed puer, it is pressed into various shapes such as pancake, nest, brick, square, gourd.

Raw pu-erh has a green tint, and the leaves of cooked pu-erh are dark in color, respectively, brewed Shu pu-erh has a very rich dark color, unlike Shen pu-erh. The first is sour with a taste of prunes, and the second resembles the taste of chocolate.

Useful properties of pu-erh tea

Pu-erh is able to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, relieves constipation, and promotes the process of digestion. Pu-erh tea reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Pu-erh tea is also effective when you want to lose weight. Thanks to the beneficial properties of pu-erh tea, there will be good health and a beautiful appearance.

Pu-erh invigorates and tones very well, so it is recommended to drink it in the morning.

Store Puerh necessary in well-ventilated rooms with medium humidity. High humidity is not recommended to prevent mold from forming on the tea.

Puer loves air and dislikes light. For storage, rooms that do not get sunlight and extraneous odors are more suitable.

At home, pu-erh tea is best stored in the package in which it was purchased, or you can wrap it in natural fabric.

How to brew pu-erh tea

For brewing pu-erh, take about 4 grams of tea leaves per 150 ml of water. Before brewing, it is recommended to wash the pu-erh from dust. After that, it is poured with boiled water of about 90 degrees. For brewing pu-erh, earthenware or porcelain dishes are most suitable.

Good news for those who love tea with milk, because pu-erh with milk match very well. Must try milk pu-erh.