Stash Pu-erh Tuo Cha

The process of making Pu-erh tea has been a closely guarded secret in China for centuries. Pu-erh is named after a market town in the Yunnan province where the tea is collected from growers in Southwestern China.

Pu-erh comes from a special broad-leafed tea plant which is said to be related to ancient prehistoric tea plants. Pu-erh is carefully processed, with a second fermentation which reportedly gives the tea its unique earthy characteristics and health benefits. Celebrated since the Tang dynasty, Pu-erh is highly regarded in China as a general tonic, for digestion of fatty foods and relief of indigestion.

Modern medical science has shown that the health benefits of Pu-erh may be more than just Chinese folklore. Since 1970 scientific studies in China, France and Japan suggest that this tea may help reduce body weight and lower cholesterol in the blood stream. Pu-erh is very popular in Europe where it is recognized as a diet aid.

This legendary tea has been hard to obtain in America until recently, and its unique flavor has often been misunderstood. It is a tea that actually improves with age, like some fine wines. Aged Pu-erh can be incredibly expensive.

Pu-erh Tuo Cha has long, dusty brown leaves which are hand-formed into the shape of tiny bowls or "tuo chas" (birds nests) and individually wrapped. Pu-erh brews a reddish-black cup which can range from a mild, but very distinctive earthy flavor, to a deep malty flavor. It seems to taste like the soil that it was grown in, more so than any other tea.

Pu-erh is especially nice after a big meal. Try our specially selected Pu-erh Tuo Cha and discover for yourself why this tea has been treasured in China for centuries.

Tip: One tuo cha makes one cup (8 ounces) of tea but may be brewed many times. The tuo cha may be brewed with or without its paper wrapping. There are approximately 40 tuo chas per 100 gram package.

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