{"slug":"pu-erh","name":"Pu-erh","steep_time":{"low_seconds":180,"high_seconds":300},"steep_temperature":{"low_c":95,"high_c":100,"low_f":203,"high_f":212},"web_url":"https://timebeforetea.com/teas/pu-erh","title":"How to Brew Pu Erh","description":"Steep Pu Erh for 3m – 5m at 95°C – 100°C (203°F – 212°F). A step-by-step brewing guide from Time Before Tea.","steps":[{"name":"Measure your tea","text":"Use about one teaspoon of Pu Erh leaves per 8 oz cup."},{"name":"Heat the water","text":"Bring fresh water to 95°C – 100°C (203°F – 212°F). Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves."},{"name":"Steep","text":"Pour the water over the leaves and steep for 3m – 5m. Start at the shorter time and taste as you go."},{"name":"Strain and serve","text":"Remove the leaves as soon as the steep is done so the tea does not turn bitter."}],"faqs":[{"question":"Do you need to rinse pu-erh?","answer":"It's a good idea. Cover the leaves with boiling water for a few seconds and pour it off. The rinse washes away dust from the compressed leaves and helps them start to open."},{"question":"What temperature should water be for pu-erh?","answer":"203–212°F (95–100°C), a full boil. Compressed pu-erh needs the heat to loosen. Young raw pu-erh is the exception and can taste smoother with water just below boiling."},{"question":"How long should you steep pu-erh?","answer":"3 to 5 minutes in a mug or teapot. Brewed gongfu style, with more leaf in a small pot, start at 10–15 seconds and add a little each round."},{"question":"What's the difference between raw and ripe pu-erh?","answer":"Raw (sheng) pu-erh ages slowly and naturally and starts out bright and bitter. Ripe (shou) is fermented quickly to taste dark and earthy from the start. Ripe is easier to brew and to like straight away."},{"question":"Does pu-erh have caffeine?","answer":"Yes. It's made from the same plant as other teas, and a cup usually has about 30–70 mg, depending on the leaf and how strongly you brew it."},{"question":"Does pu-erh go bad?","answer":"Stored well, it gets better with age rather than going stale. Keep it in a clean, dark place with some airflow and away from strong smells. Damp storage can cause mold, which means it's no longer safe to drink."}],"product_handles":[],"store_available":false}