Pairing Chocolate and Pu-Erh

How to Pair Pu-Erh Tea and Chocolate

Pu-Erh is a famous Chinese tea originating from an ancient tradition. Pu-Erh tea is grown in the Yanna Provience, and there are three requirements to be met prior to labeling a tea, “Pu-Erh.” The leaves must comes from the broad-leaf varietal of tea trees (Camellia Sinensis), and the best leaves out there are from the larger, and older trees (Da Shu and Gu Shu). The leaves also must be exclusive to the Mekong basin, and must be dried in the sun. If these three requirements are met, you have yourself quite a decadent tea to brew!

Pu-Erh Tea

There are two types of Pu-Erh Tea: Seng Cha (which is raw or green), and the Shu Cha (fermented Pu-erh; also known as red or ripe Pu-Erh). The leaves mellow over the years, a bit like wine due to the post-fermentation process, and ripe Pu-Erh also improves with time. The flavors can vary depending on the age of the trees, the specific location of origin, along with the harvesting process. When done properly, the brewed blend is truly an exceptional beverage.