PU erh!

[yuiyoshida]

Pu-erh or Pu'er is a variety of fermented and aged dark tea produced in Yunnan province, China.[1] Fermentation in the context of tea production involves microbial fermentation and oxidation of the tea leaves, after they have been dried and rolled.[2] This process is a Chinese specialty and produces tea known as Hei Cha , commonly translated as dark, or black tea (this type of tea is different from what in the West is known as "black tea", which in China is called "red tea" . The best known variety of this category of tea is Pu-erh from Yunnan Province, named after the trading post for dark tea during imperial China.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pu-erh_tea

My favorite kind of tea. I love the voices of the girls singing the tea song! This tea should be readily available in most Asian shops, or tea specialty places.

Production

Pu'erh is a large leaf tea variety or Dayeh, and is grown and picked throughout the year, unlike other teas that require a dormant season. Although dark Pu'erh tastes much like black tea, it is not black or oolong tea, but falls into a category of its own. Pu'erh is processed much like black tea with the exception of a couple steps. The tea is picked, processed and partially fired allowing the leaves to retain moisture. The slightly moist tea is then piled. The natural bacterium on the leaves creates a reaction similar to that of a compost pile. The tea is then aged, in special underground rooms or caves, adding to its unique character. One of the most significant distinctions of this tea is that it gets better over time. These aged teas are prized and can be found in vintages, like wine, some dating back 40 to 50 to 100 years.

http://www.teasetc.com/tea/article.asp?ID=37&