Pu-Erh Cake White Tea Wenshan - 14oz

White Pu-Erh - Wenshan

Loose - Formed - White Tea 

CUP CHARACTERISTICS:Delightful astringency and body with light creamy nut notes. 

INGREDIENTS:White tea (Pu-Erh style) 

INGREDIENTS FROM:China 

REGION(S):Yunnan Province 

GROWING ALTITUDE(S):1500 - 4900 feet above sea level 

GRADE(S):Compressed OP (Orange Pekoe) 

MANUFACTURE TYPE(S):Special pu-erh process, Small batch hand crafted 

ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL:Low 

CAFFEINE LEVEL:Low 

KOSHER:Yes 

VEGETARIAN:Yes 

VEGAN:Yes 

ARTISANAL NOTES:Packed in Canada. 

INFUSION:Emerald green 

INFORMATION:
With a 5000-year-old product like tea, developments are always news. While pu-erhs have been around for centuries, white pu-erh only appeared in marketable quantities around the year 2000 - at the time, big news! Before 2000, white teas of any sort were produced in such limited quantities that to even dream of experimenting with them was unheard of. Certainly, extremely small quantities of white pu-erh had been produced in the past, but these were generally scooped up by the cream of Chinese society, government officials or tea loving high rollers in Hong Kong and Macau. This all changed with the democratization of the Chinese economy. This development saw a rise in the overall standard of living in China and with it, new interest rare specialty teas.

These rare teas, white pu-erh among them, are generally only produced for the internal market. From time to time however, they can be purchased and brought over to the West. (The trick is to be in the right place at the right time.) We were thrilled to have been at the right time and place for the release of this tea. From our first tasting in Yunnan, we knew it was a standout. Making it is something of an art - artisans hand select the buds and top leaf of the broad-leafed white tea genus. Next, the crop is piled on a table and selected leaf by leaf for perfect color and form. The tea is then fermented very mildly and hand sorted a second time.

[Now, we'll stop for a moment. Fermented white tea? Yes. In order to be officially labeled as pu-erh, even traditionally unfermented teas, (white varieties included), must be fermented.

According to the Bureau of Standard Measurement of Yunnan Province, pu-erh teas are officially: "products fermented from green tea of big tea leaves picked within Yunnan Province."

After fermentation, the tea is pressed into traditional pu-erh molds, steamed, packaged and stored. The finished cup is superb, weaving sweetish layers that hint at musk, earth, damp moss, leaves after rain and subtle orchid leading to a light lingering finish - a stunning tea. (We put this one in the life-altering category!)

Aging white pu-erh: Like fine wines, pu-erh can be aged for many years. As the tea ages it continues to ferment - its profile reacts to its environment and the leaf takes on new characteristics. Interestingly, white pu-erh, since it has only been produced in large quantities for a handful of years, has not built up a vintage history. As such, there is much speculation as to how time will treat the delicate cakes. The general consensus in the trade is that white pu-erh will age gracefully, developing a wonderfully sweet, noble, musty character.

Enjoying white pu-erh now: It is perfectly acceptable to enjoy this tea now. In fact, white pu-erh is often recommended to new pu-erh drinkers because of its mild flavor. So go ahead, break off a piece and brew a pot. 

STEEPING TIME

We recommend 3-5 min

We recommend 3-5 min. 

SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS:
MILK NO, SUGAR NO, LEMON NO, MINT NO 

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE:100C/212F 

HOT TEA BREWING METHOD:
Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Break tea apart and place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz/200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). 

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher):(To Make 1 Liter/Quart):
Break tea apart and place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!) 

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):
Break tea apart and place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!) 

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY:We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses. 

RECOMMENDATION:We recommend the use of our 1 Cup of Perfect Tea measuring spoon for best results. Please contact Blue Monkey Tea to place an order. 

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT:For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.