Collection: Puerh Loose Leaf Teas

The best way to brew Pu-erh tea is to use freshly boiled water around 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius.

Then, steep the leaves for around 3-5 minutes, according to how strong you want your cup to be --- less time ensures a lighter drink, while longer steeping time provides a bolder flavor. 

Use approximately 1 teaspoon of Pu-erh tea per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Since Pu-erh tea leaves are often compressed into pu'er cakes, such as with our Dark Rose Pu'erh tea blend, it's a good idea to give them a quick rinse with hot water before the first infusion to awaken their flavors.

For a better tea brewing and drinking experience, consider using our brew-in-mug tea infusers or teapots with built-in tea infusers inside!

Experiment with steeping times and tea-to-water ratios to find your preferred balance of taste and strength. 

If you’re looking, there are a few better answers for where to buy pu-erh tea than from The Scented Leaf. Try one of our delicious, unique blends, such as “Dark Rose”, and “Chocolate Coconut,” each made specifically to set off the best flavors that a cup of pu’er tea has to offer.  

It is particularly beneficial to store Pu Erh tea leaves properly, as keeping them away from the elements ensures they can continue to mature and age, providing you with greater flavor over time.

Keep Pu-erh tea leaves in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from strong odors and direct sunlight. Make sure to keep the tea in an airtight container, preferably made of ceramic, clay, or paper. It's also important to store it somewhere where it will avoid exposure to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

The caffeine levels in Pu-erh tea vary depending on factors such as the tea's processing, type, and brewing method. However, Pu-erh tea generally contains less caffeine than traditional black tea and green tea.

A cup of Pu-erh tea can contain around 30 to 100 milligrams of caffeine. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a cup of tea with a moderate caffeine content to help them get through the day.

Yes, there are several different Pu-erh tea types, broadly categorized into two main types: raw Pu-erh tea and ripe Pu-erh tea.

Raw pu-erh tea leaves are processed with minimal oxidation and are usually aged over time to develop a deeper flavor profile. It has a fresh, grassy, and often slightly astringent taste to it.

Raw pu-erh tea also undergoes a natural fermentation process, causing it to slowly change its flavor and complexity. However, this process often takes more time, resulting in a longer production process than ripe pu-erh tea.

On the other hand, ripe pu-erh tea, also known as "cooked pu-erh", undergoes an accelerated fermentation process that involves fermenting the tea leaves in a controlled environment that is warm and humid, ideal for fermenting raw tea into ripe pu'er.

Pu'er teas are also known for having distinct, complex flavors according to their storage environments and aging process, with multiple layers of aroma that include minty, ginseng, and camphor.

Often, both types are sold as compressed tea cakes, but some sell young raw pu-erh tea leaves in loose-leaf form. Among the best pu-erh tea types of pu'er teas are high-quality raw pu-erh tea leaves, as well as naturally aged raw pu-erh, as both are difficult to source and produce a unique taste compared to other forms of pu-erhs.

Pu-erh tea originates from the Yunnan province of southwestern China and is particularly grown from the Camellia Sinensis tea plant. Its production and trade roots can be traced back over a thousand years.

Though its precise origins are not well-documented, it is believed to have been first produced in the Yunnan Province during the Han or Tan Dynasty.

It was considered a staple drink among the local people, as it was a crude, low-cost dark tea.

However, its depth of flavor with aging and processing made it more sought after among many, popularizing it to the point that it is still produced in Yunnan Province to this day.

It is such a significant type of tea that the Chinese government had previously made it so that fermented tea could only be designated as pu'er tea if it came from a certain area of the Yunnan Province.

Pu-erh tea has a long and rich history behind it, making it among our most impressive tea types. Try one of our delicious pu'er tea blends today and discover the flavors made over thousands of years of tradition.

In English, you would pronounce the name "Pu-Erh" as "Poo-air" or "poo-ehr", respectfully. Originally, the name "Pu'er" tea came from the ancient tea-trading town of Pu'er, which was located in the Yunnan province of China.

Being a fermented tea, Puerh tea has many anecdotes indicating that it contains many medicinal properties for those who drink it. Today, researchers are performing several studies on pu-erh tea to confirm these potential health benefits.

Here are some of the possible advantages received from drinking Pu'er tea:

Aid in Weight Loss

One of the most commonly cited benefits of pu-erh tea is its potential to aid in weight loss. This study from 2022 showed that puerh tea could help reduce body weight and body fat by improving fat metabolism. The catechins and caffeine in the tea work together to help increase the body's ability to burn fat.

Antioxidant Properties

Like other types of tea, pu-erh tea contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Antioxidants are believed to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall health.

Supports Digestion

Traditionally, pu-erh tea has been consumed after heavy meals to aid in digestion. Some believe it can help to break down and eliminate fats in food, though scientific evidence is limited in this area. However, the probiotics formed during the fermentation process might positively affect gut health.

Supports Heart Health

Another study showed that pu-erh tea could help lower LDL cholesterol levels (often referred to as "bad" cholesterol) and raise HDL cholesterol levels (the "good" cholesterol). This could mean that drinking pu-erh tea could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is a natural bodily response to injury or illness, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues. The polyphenols found in pu-erh tea may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can contribute to your overall health and wellness.

Potential to Reduce Risk of Certain Diseases

Preliminary research has shown that the compounds in puerh tea might have the potential to reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and more. However, more comprehensive research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Promotes Bone Health

Limited studies suggest that tea polyphenols, including those found in puerh tea, might help maintain bone strength and density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and thus aid in achieving a long span of bone health among the elderly.

Some Additional Considerations

Drinking pu-erh tea can offer numerous benefits, but because of its unique properties, it can also affect non-regular pu'er tea drinks with potential side effects.

Firstly, because it is a fermented tea, you may experience changes in digestion and perhaps even digestive upset, as fermented foods can affect one's gut bacteria concentrations, potentially causing some unexpected discomfort.

In addition, pu-erh tea contains a certain amount of caffeine, depending on its aging process and other environmental factors. Drinking enough of it can cause symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, dehydration, shaking, and more.

Pu-erh tea is a highly enjoyable beverage that can potentially provide numerous benefits to those who drink it in moderation. First, drink it in small amounts to avoid any potential issues and to get used to the flavors and the possible side effects you may experience.

The primary types of tea – black, green, oolong, white, and pu-erh – all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. Puerh tea stands out uniquely amongst these varieties due to its processing, aging, flavor profile, and regional origin. Here are the ways that pu-erh tea differs from other types of teas:

Origins and Production Location

One of the major differences that Puerh tea has from other tea types is that it is native to the Yunnan province of China.

The region's distinct environment and climate give puerh tea its unique characteristics.

Other tea types, such as green and black tea, can come from various areas around the world, including India, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Taiwan.

Processing

Another big difference in pu-erh tea from other tea types is the distinct fermentation process it undergoes compared to other teas.

For example, while black tea is processed to fully oxidize for further depth of flavor, puerh tea goes through additional processing, ensuring that it goes through microbial fermentation in order to produce its unique taste and flavor.

Even further, this process can be done over an extended period or accelerated through controlled means, which is why pu-erh tea comes in its unique raw pu'er and ripe pu'er tea varieties.

Aging

Other tea types, such as white and black tea, are best enjoyed while fresh. One big difference that puerh tea has is that its flavor profile and aroma can improve by undergoing an aging process, similar to fine wines.

Among the most desired teas among collectors is raw aged pu-erh tea, known to have an exceedingly rich, earthy flavor, in some cases even woody or musty. Such complex depths of flavor aren't generally found among Oolong, white, green, or black teas.

Storage Necessity

Because it can be improved with age, pu-erh tea must also be safely stored in a suitable environment to ensure it doesn't spoil or get contaminated. Pu-erh tea leaves must be placed in a humid environment that is well-ventilated, ensuring that it safely undergo its microbial fermentation process.

On the other hand, other types of tea must be left in a cool, dry storage place to stay fresh for as long as possible.

Every type of tea in the world has its unique history and flavor, but pu-erh tea sets itself apart. Try the one-of-a-kind flavor of pu-erh tea by trying one of The Scented Leaf's best Pu-Erh Tea Blends today!

Yes! The Scented Leaf provides a number of loose-leaf tea blends over several delicious tea types. Here are some of our best teas that you should consider:

Cold Brew Tea

Among our most-favored teas are our cold-brew tea packs, made for easily brewing your preferred flavors, such as our "Prickly Pear Lemon Drop" or "Mango Gusher" teas.

All you need to do is place a pack into a vessel with eight cups of cold water or four cups of water, depending on how you want to brew it. Steep overnight or add cold water or ice, and it's ready to serve!

Black Tea

For those who want a bold, bitter pick-me-up with a jolt of caffeine, try one of our many blends of black tea. We carry premium Darjeeling, classic Earl Grey, and more adventurous flavors such as "Mint Fusion" and "Papaya Passion." For the simple and the carefree, The Scented Leaf has tea blends for everyone.

White Tea

For a subtle but flavorful tea experience, try one of our white loose-leaf teas, such as our "Jasmine Silver Needle" or "Strawberry Seduction" blends. These blends are perfect for tea drinkers looking for a mild pick-me-up with simple, luxurious tastes to enjoy.

Green Tea

With a smooth, earthy flavor and strong astringency, our green tea blends are diverse, with delicious mixtures of ingredients such as "Jasmine Leaf", "Coconut Lavender", and "Lemon Ginger." Try one of The Scented Leaf's many green teas, and you'll find a new favorite sooner than later.

Oolong Tea

For those seeking a middle-ground between black and green tea, consider one of our unique Oolong tea blends, like "Hazelnut Vanilla" or our amazing "Apple Cinnamon." With a mild caffeine content and layers of floral, fruity, and nutty flavor, you can enjoy a mellow cup during your workday or on a relaxing evening before bed.

Herbal Tea

Simple, soothing, and highly aromatic, drinking our herbal teas will help you relax and unwind after a long day. For the perfect hot drink before bed, try our "Chamomile" or "Herbal Relaxation" blends. For a unique taste to enjoy with loved ones, consider our "Pumpkin Chai" with Rooibos and black tea.

At The Scented Leaf, we have a vast selection of tea blends for you to enjoy, but above all, our most unique flavor profile will surely come from our blends of Pu-Erh teas. Browse our selection today and discover the incredible taste and enjoyment of Pu-erh tea.