Choosing a pu-erh tea: loose leaf vs. bricks or cakes

Pu-erh teas typically come in two forms: either loose leaf, as other types of tea, or in compressed bricks or cakes. These bricks or cakes are often decorated with Chinese characters, and can be decorative items as well as for consumption.

Many pu-erh fans prefer to purchase and enjoy pu-erh bricks and cakes, which they then chip off small pieces of to brew. But others prefer the ease and simplicity of the loose leaf pu-erh, which can be brewed using and infuser or filter. There's no right or wrong answer—and you can enjoy both types of pu-erh! 

Choosing a pu-erh tea: type of fermentation

Pu-erh teas are aged and partially fermented, which gives them a rich depth of flavor. Pu-erh teas may either be "ripe" fermented or "raw" fermented.

How ripe pu-erh (shou cha) is made

After being harvested, pu-erh tea leaves are dry-roasted in a process called “killing the green,” after which the tea is lightly bruised by rolling and rubbing, and then sun dried. The tea is then fermented. Shou cha, or ripened pu-erh, undergoes an accelerated process, similar to composting, by fermenting the tea in a humid environment over a time period of months to years. Although there is minimal heat involved in this process, ripe pu-erh is sometimes also referred to as “cooked” pu-erh.

How raw pu-erh (sheng cha) is made

After being roasted and sun-dried, sheng cha, or raw pu-erh, is pressed into cakes or bricks . It then undergoes a slower, traditional fermentation process, which can take many years. Similar to wine, raw pu-erh grows in the depth and complexity of its flavor as it matures, and often increases in both rarity and price with age. Raw pu-erh is sometimes also referred to as “green” pu-erh.

Choosing a pu-erh tea: flavored vs. unflavored

Pu-erh teas can be enjoyed on their own, but some also come blended with other fruits, herbs, and spices. Pu-erh purists may prefer classic, unflavored pu-erh, while other tea drinkers may want to explore creative flavored blends.

Our pu-erh teas

We carry three loose leaf pu-erh teas. These teas are designed to be accessible to beginner tea drinkers while still providing a rw

1. Caramel Pu-erh Tea

This dark, rich tea combines the sweet decadence of caramel with the earthy depth of flavor of an aged pu-erh to create something akin to dessert in a teacup. Smooth and full-bodied with a naturally sweet finish, this tea is supremely cozy—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Excellent with a splash of milk.

2. Cinnamon Pu-erh Tea

Cinnamon Pu-erh combines dark, aged pu-erh tea leaves with cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel for a warming, restorative blend. Pu-erh is dark and full-bodied, but low in tannins and smoother than black tea.

3. Leaf Pu-erh Tea