Puer Shen Tea: properties and unique taste. "Shen Puer" and "Shu Puer": differences

Puer tea refers to ancient drinks. It appeared in China and has more than one century. Tea has unusual flavor and aromatic qualities. In spite of this, Puer gained wide popularity not so long ago. It can be purchased in specialized shops in loose form or in the form of a pressed mold.

Puer tea - what is it?

Puer tea grows in the Chinese province of Yunnan. There are several hundred large and small industries. They produce tea of different quality, ranging from consumer products and ending with exclusive varieties. Initially, Puer was produced in the form of a pressed mold. This was due to the simplicity and ease of transportation, storage. Today tea is found in the form of placers, and pressed molds are more a tribute to tradition than necessity.

Despite the fact that tea has many varieties, only two made Puer tea popular: Shen and Shu. The first species is the oldest. In China they call Shen Puer "green", "fresh", "raw" tea. It has been natural fermentation for many years. Over time, raw materials do not deteriorate, but only improves the taste. Shu Puer appeared in the 20th century. This is due to the increased demand for tea. Shu is produced for a period of 1 month to 1 year and is called "aged". It refers to highly fermented teas.

Shen and Shu Puer: differences

The main thing that distinguishes these teas from each other is the process of processing tea leaves. The technology of Shen Puer's production is quite simple. Tea leaves are slightly damp in the open air. Then the raw materials are pressed into molds. The process of making Shu Puer is much more complicated. Sweet leaves are piled up in the fresh air. Then they are watered and covered with a cloth, so that the process of debate begins. As a result, the leaves will be more dark, they will change their taste and aroma. Ready tea is pressed into molds.

These teas have a number of differences. Puer Shen of a lighter shade, can be light brown. In the aroma of brewed tea, you can clearly catch a fruit note. The infusion is a translucent light brown color. After taking a sip, you can feel a pleasant sourness, which gives way to a sweet aftertaste.

The color of Shu Puer tea leaves can be dark brown or black. The aroma of the infusion is quite heavy, earthy, with a woody note. It has a dark brown color, and the taste echoes the smell. It is heavy, with a touch of oak.

Shen Puer Tea: Properties

In addition to excellent taste, the drink is very useful. It normalizes digestion and metabolism, lowers cholesterol, removes toxins. Shen struggles with the development of cardiovascular diseases, has bactericidal properties. It has a beneficial effect on the liver, skin, strengthens the teeth, cleanses the blood, maintains the body's water balance, improves eyesight.

How to brew?

To make tea, you need to take clay or china dishes, but in no case not metal. Under the influence of tea, it will be oxidized, and the taste of the drink will change. The volume of dishes should be 150-300 ml. At this amount of water, 5-7 g of tea is sufficient, i.e. 1 teaspoon. Then it is necessary to heat the water to form bubbles, but do not boil it. After this, wait a minute for the temperature of the liquid to drop to 95 degrees. It is recommended to dip boiling water with boiling water. The tea itself must first be rinsed in cold water, then poured hot and immediately drained. With subsequent brewing infusion can be consumed.

There is another way to wash the tea. It is brewed twice with boiling water and drained off. The third and subsequent infusions can be drunk. This treatment is necessary for the disinfection of tea leaves and better opening of taste and aroma. If for the production of Shen Puer used raw materials are of high quality, then it can be brewed from 9 to 15 times. And each time you should increase the time of insisting. However, one must remember that the heavily brewed Puer Shen can be bitter. There is a rule: one teapot can brew one Shen. Over time, the walls of the dishes appear plaque, which can not be removed with abrasive detergents. It is believed that in this teapot the drink acquires new shades of taste and aroma.

How to drink?

Tea is recommended to eat after eating. It is known that the Chinese do not drink tea with sugar. Sweeteners interfere with the taste of the drink. With Puer, one should not rush. First you need to take a sip and hold the drink in your mouth, then take a slow swallow. If you follow the rule, the tart bitter taste will give way to a pleasant sweetness.

How to choose?

There are several rules that will help you buy quality Shen Puer tea.

1. It is best to give preference to famous companies. Thanks to significant financial investments in production, the owners acquire high-quality raw materials and employ qualified technologists. But do not rely solely on the brand. It happens that the plant has produced an unsuccessful part. Also, there is a risk of counterfeiting.
2. The appearance of tea leaves is very important. It should not cause any unpleasant emotions. The leaves should be even, of the same size, of a pleasant color.
3. Once again make sure of the quality of the purchase you can after brewing tea. The opened leaves should be smooth and beautiful.
4. Present in the aroma and aftertaste of the drink notes of prunes indicate a high quality of tea.

How to store?

If you plan to use tea in the near future, then there is no special requirement for capacity or location. If there is a goal to keep Shen Puer for a long time, it is better to follow the recommendations of tea connoisseurs.

1. Protect from direct sunlight.
2. The storage location should not be leakproof.
3. Make sure that there are no odors around the tea, for example: perfumes, seasonings and spices, citrus fruits, etc.
4. Keep only with other Shengs.

Everyone who has decided to get acquainted with Puer tea must have patience. Perhaps the first tasting will disappoint, but do not despair. Regardless of whether it was Puer, Shen or Shu, he should be given a second chance. The taste of tea is revealed not immediately, but gradually. And having felt all the charm of this drink, abandoning it will be very difficult.