Brewing Tea, Pu-erh Tea - Try Loose Leaf Or Cake!

When brewing tea, Pu-erh tea, whether from cake form or loose leaf can bring on a taste like no other tea. Itcan have a taste of either musk, dirt, or even tobacco.

Please don't let this deter you from trying this wonderful dark brew. Pu-erh teas have a more robust flavor, making this brew an acquired taste.

I always live by the motto: Try a new thing at least once. That being said, here are a few tips for brewingPu-erh Tea.If you need to brush up on brewing basics. Click here for tips to brewing tea.

Basic How To Steps For Brewing Pu-erh Tea.

These steps can be used for either the loose leaf or cake form of Pu-erh tea.

Here is what the water should look like at this temperature.

What does "turbulent water look like?

When the water reaches a full rolling boil. This is referred to as turbulent waters!

How long to brew?

First always follow the time frame provided by your tea merchants. This should be on the label.

Pu-erh tea can be steeped many times...from 10 to as many as 20 times.

A Few Additional Tips for Brewing Pu-erh Tea.

Brewing tea, Pu-erh tea from cake form is no different than brewing loose leaf tea. The only exception is that you will have to break off a piece of it in order to brew a successful cup.

In order to not break up the leaves, you will need to pry off the leaves in layers. Do this by using a special Pu-erh knife, if you have one. A regular butter knife will work as well also.

The water to Pu-erh tea ratio is the same as brewing any loose leaf tea - about 1 teaspoon per cup. Unlike other teas you will need to rinse or wash the leaves 2 times before brewing your first cup. After the water comes to a boil pour over the leaves for a period of 5 to 10 seconds.

Doing this will prime or awaken the Pu-erh tea leaves. The third time; brew the leaves for the right amount of time and enjoy.Each time you re-brew you will notice different flavors emerge and others simply disappear.

For each additional brew, increase the steeping time for just 10 seconds.Again I always say: Follow the tea merchants instruction first, then adjust to your personal tastes. If you like togive Pu-erh tea a try, find a merchant that has this tea in either cake or loose leaf form. Enjoy...

Learn more about Pu-erh Tea.

Many of the pu-erh teas are brewed in little yixing tea pot sets.

If your prefer you can brew them in a press pot.

Check out the many health benefits of Pu-erh