Pu erh Tea Cake

Pu erh tea cake, a traditional Chinese delicacy, presents a unique dimension to the broad spectrum of tea. Originating from the Yunnan province in China, this distinct variety of tea is named after the city of Pu'er. Unlike the common perception of tea as loose leaves, Pu erh is processed, compacted, and shaped into 'cakes' for ageing.

This distinctive preparation method, coupled with a meticulous fermentation process, imparts a deep, rich flavour and aroma to the tea. The resultant product is not just a beverage, but a sophisticated experience that stimulates the senses and embodies centuries of Chinese tea culture.

History of Pu erh Tea Cake

The history of Pu erh tea cake dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a period renowned for the flourishing of arts and culture in China. The unusual form of Pu Erh, as compressed tea, emerged out of practical necessity.

Tea was a valuable commodity, and its compact shape allowed for easier transportation along the ancient Tea Horse Road. The tea leaves were pressed into cakes, bricks, or tuos (bird's nest shape) and carried by horse caravans to Tibet, where it was often traded for Tibetan horses.

The process of making Pu erh tea cake is both an art and a science. Fresh tea leaves undergo initial processing, including withering, pan-frying, rolling, and sun-drying. The resultant `maocha` is then carefully weighed and steamed to make it pliable, and skillfully shaped into cakes using a cloth bag and mould.

These are then dried under the sun, which allows for slow, natural ageing. The unique fermentation process of Pu erh tea cake involves microbial fermentation, where beneficial bacteria and fungi are encouraged to grow on the tea, intensifying its flavour and health properties over time.

How to Brew Pu-Erh Tea Cake

1. Preparing the Tea Ware: Start by gathering your tea ware. You will need a teapot or gaiwan, a fairness pitcher, tea strainer, a tea pick, a kettle for boiling water, and teacups.

2. Rinsing the Tea Cake: Take your tea pick and carefully pry a piece from the Pu-Erh tea cake, usually 5-7 grams for every 150 ml of water. Place the tea leaves inside the teapot or gaiwan.

3. Washing the Tea: Pour hot water into the teapot or gaiwan till it's full, and then immediately discard this water. This step, known as 'washing the tea', helps to rinse off any dust or impurities and 'wakes up' the tea leaves.

4. Steeping the Tea: Pour hot water again into the teapot or gaiwan, and cover it with the lid. Allow the tea to steep. The steeping time can range from 10 seconds to 1 minute, depending on personal preference. The shorter the steeping time, the lighter the flavour, and vice versa.

5. Decanting the Tea: After steeping the tea, pour it through a strainer into the fairness pitcher. This ensures that the tea leaves don't continue to steep in the residual heat and turn the tea bitter.

6. Serving the Tea: Pour the tea from the fairness pitcher into the teacups and serve. The first infusion is ready.

7. Multiple Infusions: One of the excellent qualities of it is that it can be re-infused many times, each time revealing a new layer of its complex flavour. Simply repeat steps 4 through 6 for each subsequent infusion, adding a few seconds to each steeping time.

Tasting Notes: With a unique, earthy taste and aroma. Its dark liquor is usually full-bodied with no astringency, and the flavours can range from sweet to nutty. The layers of flavour in Pu erh become more pronounced with each infusion, revealing its complexity and depth.

Caffeine Content in Pu erh Tea Cakes

The caffeine content in Pu erh tea cakes can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, including the type of tea leaves, the age of the leaves, and the brewing method. Typically, a steeped cup of Pu Erh tea contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee but more than most other types of tea.

It's estimated that an 8-ounce (240-millilitre) cup of Pu erh Tea can contain between 30 to 70 milligrams of caffeine. It's also worth noting that the caffeine content may increase with each subsequent infusion. Consequently, individuals sensitive to caffeine should monitor their consumption of it carefully.

Benefits of Pu erh Tea Cakes

Pu erh tea cakes are renowned for their health benefits. The fermentation process that Pu-Erh undergoes is thought to impart numerous beneficial properties, including aiding digestion and weight loss, reducing cholesterol levels, boosting energy levels, and improving skin complexion.

In addition, the antioxidants present in Pu erh may help protect against oxidative damage and slow down the aging process. It is also known to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Learn more about Pu erh Tea Benefits on our tea and coffee blog.

These are a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of tea. With its unique taste and numerous health benefits, Pu erh tea cake is an essential part of Chinese culture and undeniably one of the most sought-after varieties of tea in the world. Try it yourself - you won't regret it!