Shou Pu Erh is one of the most traditional teas in China and is among the most famous fermented teas worldwide.
This special tea originates from the city of Pu'er in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan – a region renowned for centuries for its ancient tea cultures, unique tea plant diversity, and craftsmanship. Shou Pu Erh is a tea with depth, warmth, and character, appealing not only to tea connoisseurs but also to those seeking a tranquil, grounding ritual to integrate into their daily lives.
Through its characteristic wet fermentation process, Pu-erh tea develops a dark, earthy aroma, a full-bodied flavor, and an exceptionally clear, reddish-brown color. The intense, almost velvety depth of this tea makes it an ideal companion for moments of relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and traditional tea rituals. Unlike many other teas, Pu-erh becomes even more harmonious and well-rounded over time – a true "maturing tea."
What makes Pu-erh tea so special
While green or black tea is processed relatively quickly, Pu-erh undergoes a separate and very labor-intensive refining process. The tea leaves are carefully picked, withered, heated, and then fermented in a controlled environment. This fermentation, also known as the Wo Dui process, gives the tea its characteristic flavor notes: warm, rounded, balanced, slightly sweet, and pleasantly earthy.
Unlike artificially flavored teas, Pu-erh tea is refined exclusively through traditional handcraft and natural processes. Each batch is unique – shaped by climate, soil, plant age, and the expertise of the people who process it. The complexity of its flavor is one of the main reasons why Pu-erh tea remains a special, cult tea to this day.
Preparation – how Pu-erh tea unfolds its full aroma
Step 1: Rinsing
Place 20g of Pu-erh tea leaves in a teapot and pour 250ml of boiling water over them. After about 10 seconds, discard the infusion. This step awakens the leaves and removes any dust particles.
Step 2: Main infusion
Pour 1 liter of boiling water over the wet leaves. Let the tea steep for only 15 seconds – Pu-erh tea is very concentrated and develops its aroma extremely quickly.
Step 3: Multiple infusions
Pu-erh tea can be steeped up to four times. Each steeping tastes slightly different – sometimes milder, sometimes stronger, sometimes sweeter. This ritual makes pu-erh tea an experience to be enjoyed, observed, and rediscovered time and again.
Ingredients
100% Shou Pu Erh
Storage & Shelf Life
Please always store in a cool, dry, airtight container, protected from light. Under optimal conditions, Pu-erh tea remains aromatic for at least 24 months – many Pu-erh enthusiasts even deliberately store it longer to continue its natural maturation.
Effects & Aroma – Why Pu-erh Tea is appreciated worldwide
Shou Pu-erh is known for its clear, balanced structure and earthy warmth. Its cup color ranges from reddish to dark amber. The flavor profile is often described as:
- 👉 pleasantly earthy & deep
- 👉 slightly sweet notes
- 👉 soft, round mouthfeel
- 👉 full-bodied & harmonious
- 👉 naturally calming
In traditional Chinese medicine, Pu-erh tea is considered warming, balancing, and soothing. Many drink it after meals, in cool weather, or during quiet rituals to focus the mind.
Shou Pu Erh in your everyday life – ideas for moments of enjoyment
This Pu-erh tea is perfect for:
- – Mindfulness and relaxation rituals
- – quiet evenings & meditation
- – Tea ceremonies and small moments of pleasure
- – as an accompaniment to mild dishes
- – cold days when you're looking for warmth
- – multiple infusions for longer tea sessions
Those who drink Pu-erh tea regularly appreciate its grounding effect and the tranquil depth of its aroma. It's not a tea to be drunk casually – it invites conscious enjoyment.
Internal links for inspiration
→ Discover all categories
→ Rituals & Tea on the StoneArtWorks Blog
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External expert sources
More about Pu-erh tea and the Yunnan province:
Pu-erh tea combines tradition, craftsmanship, and a culture of enjoyment in a way that is unique worldwide. A tea with character, depth, and a story that is retold with every infusion.
