Are you a fan of Chinese teas? Then you certainly know Pu Erh, originating from the Yunnan province. To be enjoyed as an infusion, this variety comes in different forms. Thus, you will find it sold in loose form, compressed into cakes or nests called TuoCha. Here's the essential information to know about Pu Erh tea styles.
Discovering the tradition of TuoCha
TuoCha is one of the most well-known forms of Pu Erh tea. Mistakenly, it's sometimes thought to be a variety. In fact, it's simply a style of presentation. The manufacturing process is always the same, regardless of the final appearance of the product.
According to tradition, Pu Erh tea comes from wild trees that grow on the mountains in the Yunnan region of China. The large tea leaves are harvested and then dried after being spread out in the sun. Next, they are moistened and stored in a warm room. This causes a fermentation phenomenon characteristic of Pu Erh tea. Finally, the leaves undergo another drying period, before being sorted and then compressed into nest shapes.
To achieve this result, the pressing is done in bamboo molds that have a bowl shape. Generally, when Pu Erh tea is marketed as TuoCha, it is packaged in small quantities. This can then vary between 100 and 500 grams.
Pu Erh tea presented in cake form
Another common form of presentation for Pu Erh tea is compression into a cake. The manufacturing process is similar to that of TuoCha. Again, producers select leaves from wild tea trees, which grow naturally in China's Yunnan province. Pu Erh indeed benefits from a protected geographical indication that certifies it comes exclusively from trees in this region. The production steps remain the same: harvesting, sun-drying to promote oxidation, then fermentation.
Afterwards, the tea is compressed into cakes of varying weight and size. Generally, you'll find Pu Erh packaged in 357 grams when it comes in this form (sometimes in 400 or 500 grams). Originally, the purpose of pressing was to facilitate storage and transport of this post-fermented tea. Moreover, it allows for easier preservation, which is advantageous since Pu Erh is known to improve with aging.
You might then wonder how to start a cake to prepare your infusions? This indeed requires having some accessories that allow you to preserve your Pu Erh tea longer. You can, for example, use a knife or a pick, specially designed not to damage the dried tea leaves.
Yunnan tea sold in loose form
Like other teas, Pu Erh is also sold in loose form. This doesn't change its manufacturing method, nor its qualities and virtues. The leaves are simply not compressed after the sorting stage. This form is more common in Western countries. You will then find packaging of different weights. However, you should note that when it comes in loose form, post-fermented tea will age faster than in compressed cakes or nests. It will therefore be less easy to preserve.
Whatever form you choose, you will enjoy savoring a cup of Pu Erh tea to appreciate its typical taste with woody notes.