Amazingly, the sweet, burnt sugary profiles of Caramel and Toffee blend in perfect harmony with the loose leafed pu-erh. The cup is warming and thick, layered with notes of damp sweet earth, burnt caramel and cream with balanced astringency and medium finish – as an afternoon tea, this one has no peer. Interestingly, while most pu-erh teas are best enjoyed on their own, the unique sweetness of this cup is well suited to a splash of milk. Here’s to the future of Sino-Scottish relations!
What exactly is pu-erh? According to the Bureau of Standard Measurement of Yunnan Province, pu-erh teas are: "products fermented from green tea of big tea leaves picked within Yunnan Province.” Pu-erh teas undergo a unique fermentation process that infuses them with their defining musty character. In China, many people believe that pu-erh aids in digestion by breaking down fat in foods.
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour water into teapot to cover the leaves – pour the water off – in effect you are ‘rinsing’ the tea. Next pour the boiling water into the teapot over the ‘rinsed’ leaves. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). You may add milk and sugar to taste though this is generally not done.
Iced tea brewing method: not recommended – however if you do: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.