This is a classic refreshing ShenPu Pu'er (Raw Pu'er) from our friend Yuming on Jinngmaishan, Yunnan. She is an incredibly hard-working, strong and independent, kind-hearted lady who owns several mu of land on the mountains nearby her family home. Here old tea trees dating from 3 to 500 years ago prosper and abound. They are considered sacred, and a ceremony is held there once a year for blessing and gratitude. The local people, including Yuming, belong to the Dai minority, the native people of this part of Yunnan along with Wa and Bulong. The Dai believe in the spirits and divinities that populate the environment but also in a particular form of Theravada Buddhism, forming a very interesting syncretic religion.
2019 Raw Pu’er from Sister Yuming, Nuogan Old Hamlet, Jingmaishan, Yunnan.
Raw Pu'er Cake: 375 grams.
This is the most primitive form of Pu'er, the one harvested, drank and eaten (stir-fried or in soups) by local people since time immemorial. It is extremely refreshing and inspiring if you need concentration and mental alterness while working or writing, but also very helpful for digestion. It is not a strong tea, so it is good at any time of the day. It is vibrant, almost bitter on the tongue, with a long lasting savour of sweet spice at the end. It is like drinking the woods, with all their energy.
Prepare a little bit, about 5 or 6 grams, place it in a Zisha earthenware or Porcelain Gaiwan, brew it at 100°C and wait for a few seconds at the first steeping. Then, increase by 5 seconds gradually. Enjoy the beautiful yellow color and the subtle changes of taste while you contemplate the nature around or read a good book of poetry.