Sheng Pu-erh Tea (Yunnan Pu-erh Tea) 100g

From the images and external references, we can tell:

• Producer: The wrapper shows this tea comes from Yunnan Yutian Ecological Tea Factory (雲南雨田生態茶廠 - Yúnnán Yǔ Tián Shēngtài Chá Chǎng). The brick reflects the style of Tibetan Pu-erh bricks that were popular in the mid-20th century. It appears to be made using a method inspired by the traditional recipes developed in the 1950s, most notably the 1956 Tibetan-style bricks, originally designed for long-distance transport and storage of tea destined for Tibet.
• Original Size: The brick originally weighed 2000 grams (2kg), as stated on the packaging (淨重:2000克). Like many teas from before the 2000s, it lacks specific details such as harvest year or leaf grade — which was normal at the time. We now offer this tea in convenient 100g portions.
• Pressed Markings: The surface of the tea brick features the characters "雲南" (Yunnan) and "普洱" (Pu-erh). Below that, it appears to say either "一九六二制" (Made in 1962) or "一九九二制" (Made in 1992). This may refer to a production date or more likely to a traditional recipe or system linked to those years. It reflects the tea’s connection to a classic Yunnan Pu-erh tradition.

Tea Characteristics (based on the inner ticket)

• Made from high-quality Pu-erh tea leaves.
• Underwent moderate natural fermentation, as typical for aged Sheng Pu-erh.
• Steam-pressed at high temperature into a dense brick.
• Brews to a bright reddish-yellow liquor.
• Has a pure, high aroma and a mellow, thick taste.
• Offers a gentle returning sweetness (Hui Gan) after drinking.

Traditional Benefits (as described on the inner ticket): Drinking this tea is said to be refreshing, quench thirst, aid digestion, remove fatigue, warm the stomach, relieve stress, nourish 'Qi' (life energy), and refresh the mind.

This aged tea brick offers a rare glimpse into the history of Pu-erh tea. While information on older packaging is often limited, the wrapper and inner ticket reveal a story of craftsmanship and tradition. The fact that the original factory may no longer exist adds to its uniqueness and value. 

How to Prepare Sheng Pu-erh Tea

What You'll Need:

• Tea: Approximately 5-7 grams of Sheng Pu-erh tea for every 150 ml (about 5 oz) of water.
• Water: Freshly boiled water, ideally between 90-100°C (194-212°F). Aged Sheng Pu-erh often does well with fully boiling water.
• Teaware: A small teapot made of clay (like Yixing), porcelain, or ceramic is ideal. A Gaiwan is also a traditional and excellent choice.
• (Optional) Sharing Pitcher (Gong Dao Bei) and Small Cups: For an authentic experience.

Brewing Steps:

1. Warm Your Teaware (Optional but Recommended): Pour hot water into your teapot and cups, let them sit for a moment to warm up, then discard the water. This helps maintain a consistent brewing temperature.
2. Add Tea Leaves: Gently place your 5-7 grams of Pu-erh leaves into the warmed teapot.
3. The Awakening Rinse (Important!):
   • Pour hot water over the tea leaves, filling the teapot.
   • Immediately (after about 5 seconds), pour this water out. Do not drink this infusion.
   • Why? This first rinse washes away any tea dust and helps the compressed leaves to "awaken" or start unfurling.
   • Optional Second Rinse: Some tea lovers prefer a second quick rinse (another 5 seconds) for very tightly compressed or older teas. This is a matter of preference.
4. First Infusion - The First Taste:
   • Refill the teapot with hot water.
   • Let the tea steep for about 15-30 seconds.
   • Pour all the brewed tea from the teapot (into a sharing pitcher or directly into your cups) to ensure the leaves stop steeping.
   • Now, your Sheng Pu-erh is ready to enjoy!
5. Subsequent Infusions - Explore the Flavors:
   • For each following infusion, pour hot water back into the teapot.
   • Gradually increase the steeping time by 5-10 seconds for each new round (e.g., 20-35 seconds for the second, 25-45 for the third, and so on).
   • Continue to re-steep the leaves. Good quality Sheng Pu-erh can offer 7-15 flavorful infusions, sometimes even more!
   • Listen to your palate: If the tea tastes too strong, shorten the steep time. If it's too weak, steep a bit longer next time.

Tips for the Best Experience:

• Smell the Leaves: Take a moment to appreciate the aroma of the dry leaves and the wet leaves after the rinse.
• Taste Actively: Notice how the flavor and aroma of the tea evolve with each infusion.
• Empty the Teapot: Make sure to pour out every last drop from the teapot after each infusion to prevent the leaves from over-steeping and becoming bitter.

Enjoy your tea!