Pu-erh 101

A lot of customers have been asking about Pu-erh tea, so, I thought I would provide a bit of insight into this really magical brew...

Pu-erh is a category of tea, just like Black tea is a category of
tea. And, just like there are different types of black tea (Darjeeling,
Assam, Earl Grey, etc.), there are countless types of Pu-erh teas. The one
special thing about Pu-erh tea unlike all other teas (White tea, Oolong tea,
Green Tea, and Black Tea) is that it is the only tea that is intentionally
aged, just like a fine wine or cheese.

With that unique processing method, Pu-erh has an incredibly different
flavor and effect than all other teas. Pu-er is dark, rich, smooth, and
robust with an incredibly deep flavor that often is characterized by notes
of chocolate, espresso, and even coffee--but it is tea! In the US we are
only just beginning to discover the variety and deliciousness of Pu-erh tea,
and Samovar Tea Lounge is currently the largest supplier of certified
organic fair trade pu-erh.

In China Pu-erh is known as a"slimming" tea because of its digestive
benefits when sipped with meals,especially with rich, hearty, or oily meals.
Now, how to decide WHICH Pu-erh is right for you? The best way is just to
taste away! The flavor of the different types of Pu-erhs ranges from more
chocolaty and espresso like (Jingmai Beencha and the Maiden's Ecstacy), to
more oceanic (Menghai Select), to more green (Sun dried Green Beencha and
Green Toucha).