Raw Puerh Tea

Puerh tea, a celebrated variety hailing from the verdant landscapes of Yunnan Province, China, boasts a rich history stretching back over millennia. Its origins can be traced to the ancient civilizations that thrived in the region, where the forerunners of modern-day Puerh tea cultivation were first nurtured. The earliest recorded mentions date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), when the tea produced in the area known as Yinneng Cheng (later referred to as Silver Nose City) was already being consumed and enjoyed. These early varieties are believed to be the ancestors of the modern Puerh tea.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), records in Li Shi's "Continued Records of Natural History" describe the tea from Yinneng Mountains as being harvested irregularly and consumed mixed with beans, ginger, and other spices. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) saw the emergence of the term "Pu'er" in written history, although it was initially spelled "Pu'erh" without the water radical. By the late Ming and early Qing periods, the name "Pu'erh tea" had solidified, becoming synonymous with the high-quality teas produced in the region.

The Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD) marked a period of significant development for Puerh tea, with detailed records of its production, trade, and consumption. The "Pu'erh Tea Chronicles" by Ruan Fu, written during this time, attested to the widespread use of Pu'erh tea in Tibet and other regions as far back as the Tang Dynasty. The text also highlights the historical ties between Pu'erh tea and its geographical origins, underscoring its deep-rooted cultural and economic significance.

Legends and Stories

Beyond the historical records, Puerh tea is also intertwined with folklore and legends that have captivated generations. One such tale speaks of the ancient Yunnanese people, the Pu, who were renowned for their mastery over tea cultivation. According to legend, they discovered the unique properties of Puerh tea and its ability to aid digestion, promote health, and even cure illnesses. This earned the tea a mythical status among the local tribes, who guarded its secrets jealously.

Another fascinating story revolves around the naming of Pu'erh tea. It is said that during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), a place named "Buri Bu" was later transcribed into Chinese characters as "Pu'er" (without the water radical). This accidental naming coincidentally gave the tea its enduring moniker, which has since been enshrined in history.

Cultural Significance

Puerh tea holds immense cultural significance in China, particularly in Yunnan Province and beyond. It is not merely a beverage; it is a symbol of tradition, heritage, and the resilience of the Yunnanese people. Over centuries, Puerh tea has played a pivotal role in facilitating trade and cultural exchanges between Yunnan and neighboring regions, including Tibet, Xinjiang, and even Southeast Asia. Its unique fermentation process and aging potential have made it a cherished commodity among tea enthusiasts worldwide.

The cultural importance of Puerh tea extends to its role in social gatherings and rituals. In Yunnan, sharing a pot of Puerh tea is often seen as a gesture of friendship and hospitality. The ritual of brewing and tasting Puerh tea involves intricate steps that require skill and precision, adding an element of artistry to the experience.

Modern Appreciation

In modern times, Puerh tea continues to captivate tea lovers with its distinctive flavors, aromas, and health benefits. With advancements in production techniques and quality control, consumers can now enjoy a wide range of Puerh teas, including both raw (shengcha) and ripened (shoucha) varieties. The latter, developed through innovative fermentation methods in the mid-20th century, has revolutionized the industry, making Puerh tea accessible to a broader audience.

Today, Puerh tea is appreciated not only for its unique taste profile but also for its potential health benefits. Research has suggested that Puerh tea may aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and improve digestion. These qualities, combined with its rich history and cultural significance, make Puerh tea a truly remarkable beverage worthy of exploration and enjoyment.

As the world continues to embrace the charm of tea culture, Puerh tea stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, innovation, and the unbreakable bond between humans and nature.

Shipping Methods, Duration Estimates & Fees

1. Shipping Methods

4px as our logistics partner to ship out AllenTeas products. They will choose the carrier that they think works best for our customers.

Where does AllenTeas ship to? For tea products, the following countries can be shipped：

North America
Canada, Mexico, United States

South America
Brazil, Chile, Colombia

Europe
Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Asia
Afghanistan, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan

Africa
Egypt, Morocco, South Africa

Oceania
Australia, New Zealand

Delivery Scope Notes:

United States: Mainland, all territories outside the mainland, and overseas military postal addresses.
United Kingdom: Mainland and the Channel Islands, Isle of Man.
France: Mainland only, postal codes starting with 01-95. Delivery to overseas territories is not available, including Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte.
Other countries: Mainland only.

2. Duration Estimates

The expected delivery time is between 8 to 20 days for most countries, unless stated otherwise during checkout.

Fulfillment time takes 1-3 business days.

Total transit time is: Fulfillment time(1-3 business days) + Transit Time(8-20 days).

3. Fees

We offer free shipping sitewide.

Note: We always work hard to dispatch your order as fast as possible (usually the next working day), but we can’t control delays due to custom clearance (especially during the shopping high season). When you place an order, please take into account the possibility for delays.

Order Processing Speed

All products offered in our online store are in stock unless stated otherwise. Thus, orders are processed usually the next business day. Orders placed during the weekend are processed on Monday.

Unfortunately, in rare cases products may run out of stock. In such situations, we'll have to wait for restocking and it may take 2-4 working days to process your order.

Shipping Confirmation with Trace & Trace Number 

All orders are packed with care to guarantee safe delivery. When your order is dispatched, we'll send you a shipping confirmation the next day by email, which includes an online tracking number. If you haven't received your shipping confirmation, please check if it landed in your junk folder.

All parcels can be tracked on the Track your Order page. Once your parcel has arrived in your country, you may also use the tracking number on the website of your local post.

Customs

From 1 July 2021, the Valued-Added Tax (VAT) on cross-border business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce activities in the European Union (EU) has to be applied on all goods that are sold online to EU.

For most non-EU countries you don't have to pay any taxes when receiving the parcel. However, sometimes local authorities may require you to pay custom taxes. As an importer, you're responsible for paying customs taxes and import fees if the arise.

For many EU countries, we've started offering tax inclusive shipping, meaning you don't have to pay tax when you receive the parcel. Taxes are included, if its stated in the selected shipping method.

Country Specific Information

South Korea:For shipping to South Korea please make sure you mobile phone number is correct as this will be used for identification purposes at the customs. Ideally, please also fill in a Personal Customs Clearance Code in the VAT field of the address details. For more information about personal custom clearance code you can visit this page on customs.go.kr.

Brazil: For shipments to Brazil it's mandatory to add your personal Tax number to your shipping details. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.

Japan: For shipments to Japan it's mandatory to provide the shipping address in Japanese language.

Türkiye: Personal ID number (tax number) is required. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.