What is pu-erh tea, exactly?
Darjeeling may be considered the Champagne of Teas, but it is pu-erh that has the most in common with wine. Unlike other teas, which are ready (and best) to consume straight after production, the best pu-erh is aged for years before it is used. Pu-erh tea is fermented. It may or may not be oxidized, depending on the type of pu-erh (see below). Pu-erh is sold in loose leaf or compressed form. It is compressed into many different shapes, from traditional round cakes to mushrooms, pyramids, coins and other shapes. In China, pu-erh tea is known as black tea; what we know as black tea is called red tea in China.
