What is Pu erh Tea? – Ripe

Most people have never heard of pu erh tea, and those who have are left wondering what is pu erh tea and what makes it special.  It’s all in the fermentation, at least as far as ripe pu erh is concerned.  For starters, pu erh is comprised of two types: raw and ripe.  Raw is the unfermented type, whereas ripe is fermented.  Aging is an important aspect of pu erh tea.  It is far more important for the raw type than the ripe, though even ripe will improve with age… normally.  Aging is a feature unique to pu erh.  In China, pu erh is actually an investment.  There is even a pu erh futures vehicle offered by a Shanghai investment firm.  Most if not all investment centers around raw pu erh and the particular famous brands which produce them. Continue reading →