Pu-erh Ripe Tea Cake

Preparing a Brew of Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake is easy and quite engaging. It’s just a matter of preparing the Tea step by step as illustrated below.

1. Cut a small portion (about 2-3 grams) of the compressed cake with a cake knife or a small spoon. From our cakes, this would be 1/3 for a cup and 1/2 for a teapot.

2. Rinse the tea: Tea leaves are rinsed with water which is hot for about 10 seconds and this water is not put to use. This steams the leaves and purges them devoid of any debris such as dust that may have been present.

3. Brew the tea: Add the rinsed leaves to your pot or gaiwan, cover with hot water (95 °C/ 203 °F) for 30 to 60 seconds. You may change the steeping time according to how you want it to be.

4. Multiple infusions: Ripe Pu-erh Tea gives quite a number of infusions and in every infusions a different facet of the tea gets revealed. 6-8 steeps from the same leaves.

Ripe pu-erh tea which is also popular because of its health benefits:

Helps In Digestion: Pu-erh tea improves digestion and is very effective in preventing any bloating and improving one’s metabolism.

Helps In Treating Obesity: The tea increases metabolic rates and fat burning making it convenient for one who is on a weight reduction program.

Helps Reduce Cholesterol: Studies indicate that people who drink pu-erh tea regularly have reduced levels of bad cholesterol whilst improving levels of good cholesterol.

Increases Energy: With a moderate percentile of caffeine content, Ripe Pu-erh Tea helps one feel recharged with energy without having the side effects associated with coffee.

Helps In Detoxifying The Body: The process of fermentation aids in the growth of helpful bacteria and antioxidants that assist remove toxins from your body that also help your liver.

Caffeine: moderate per cup. Limit if you're sensitive, pregnant or breastfeeding (common advice during pregnancy is to limit total daily caffeine to no more than 200 mg). Avoid late in the day if it affects sleep or palpitations.

Stomach sensitivity: Raw sheng pu-erh is more astringent and may worsen reflux, gastritis or ulcers on an empty stomach. If you're sensitive, brew lighter & take with food/drink.

Iron absorption: Tea tannins block non-haem iron uptake. Don't drink with iron-rich food or iron supplements. Leave an additional 2-3 hours between sessions.

Kidney stones: tea contains oxalates. Those with a history of calcium oxalate stones should take modest doses and be well hydrated.

Medication timing: Tee reduces absorption of some medicines & minerals like levothyroxine, iron, calcium & magnesium. Medicines should be taken with water and separated from tea at least 2 hours before taking them.

Fermented product considerations: Poor storage may result in microbial contamination or moldy/moulded tea. Buy from reputable suppliers - avoid damp or mouldy product - rinse leaves briefly - and brew in near-boiling water.

Biogenic amines: As fermented product, trace amounts of histamine/other amines are possible. If you have histamine intolerance or take MAO-inhibitor medicines, use with caution and monitor how you feel.

Dental staining: Teeth stained by strong tea - often. Good oral hygiene helps.