I believe it is fair to say that most people in America are unfamiliar with Pu-Erh Cha tea. This tea is perhaps one of the most complex and varied teas that we at Tea Vue have consumed – it is one of our favorites. What separates Pu-Erh tea is that it is not only consumed, but is collected and is used for investment. Unlike other teas which have a shelf life, Pu-Erh tea, like wine, improves with age when stored properly. The rich complexities of flavor and health benefits combined with the aging process, limited supply, and high demand make for Pu-Erh tea an interesting vehicle for investment especially among well-off younger Chinese professionals.
How attractive is this investment? For the better part of the last decade, prices have risen on average 10% annually. However, finer vintages from older tea plants coming from specific areas within Yunnan Province have increased reportedly from 30-80%. Selections made from wild plants have also risen dramatically. One particularly popular label, the 50’s Hong Yin – Red Mark is currently trading for $10,000-$11,000 USD per tea cake!
One can deduce from these prices for Pu-Erh tea, there is truly something unique about it. In fact, if you enjoy Pu-Erh tea, it’s difficult to find an equal substitute. Whether you’re looking for a new tea to try or you’re considering Pu-Erh tea as an investment, you really can’t go wrong. However, we must caution those new to Pu-Erh tea, there are many forms of low quality and imitation Pu-Erh teas that have overwhelmed the market, so proceed with care. Make sure you purchase from a reputable dealer and be sure to check for all of the appropriate certifications and markings.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this post and understand this gem of a tea. Future posts will cover such topics as, how to properly store Pu-Erh tea and how to identify authentic Pu-Erh tea. Please subscribe to our blog to keep in touch as we circumnavigate the diverse world of tea. Also, feel free to check out our current selection of authentic Pu-Erh teas and return frequently as our offerings change. Take care!