As it is with fine wine, Pu-Erh tea undergoes a delicate fermentation and aging process that makes it one of the most exquisite and sought-after items in the world. Due to its popularity and importance to the Chinese culture, as well as its monetary value, Pu-Erh is highly counterfeited.
Unfortunately, many sellers that claim to have the real thing are instead selling knock-off tea that is not certified, has not been stored the way it is supposed to be for proper aging, or is a completely different tea altogether. As a result, buyers around the world may not be getting authentic Pu-Erh, which has a number of added health benefits and can lead to weight loss in some.
Beware of chain stores, because they buy leaves in bulk to sell, which leads to a drastic reduction in quality. Seek out smaller specialty teashops instead, because although they may not have a large selection, they are experts in the tea you are looking for. A business that specializes in Pu-Erh knows how to pick the right leaves to sell, and you can be sure that the tea is high quality. In addition, authentic Pu-Erh tea is pressed with a certificate or other authentication adornments are placed on or in the midst of the leaves. If a cake does not have these it may not be legitimate. Authentic Pu-Erh tea packaging should be breathable and not airtight so that it allows for airflow in order to properly age the tea. If the packaging is made of tin or glass, then this may be an indicator that the tea is not authentic Pu-Erh. Since Pu-Erh can be costly, depending on the cakes you buy, you want to be sure that the tea you purchase is not being misrepresented in any way.
It is extremely important to buy Pu-Erh from a trusted seller with a proven track record for quality. Remember that true Pu-Erh tea is from the Yunnan province in China, and stick by the old adage that if the price seems too good to be true, it usually is. To learn more about authentic Pu-Erh and how to purchase it, contact Tea Vue today at (888) 908-8717.