Besides standard steeping, Puerh tea can also be prepared using the boiling method. This involves placing the tea leaves in a pot and keeping them at a rolling boil, which creates a different texture and flavor profile compared to traditional steeping. Here is our recommended method for boiling Puerh tea:
The Best Way to Boil Puerh Tea
First, use a medium-to-large teapot; small teapots are less ideal for boiling Puerh. For water, spring water or mineral water works best. If you collect natural spring water, let it rest overnight before use for a smoother taste. Before boiling, you can rinse the leaves with hot water as a substitute for the usual tea-rinsing step. Bring the water to a full boil at 100°C, then add the tea leaves. A general tea-to-water ratio is 1:50, meaning 2 grams of tea for every 100 ml of water. If you are using a 500 ml pot, use 20 grams of Puerh tea, and so on.
▲ First, use a puerh tea knife to pry off some puerh tea leaves.
Place the tea leaves into boiling water and brew for about 2 minutes. Generally, 2 minutes is ideal, but you can adjust the brewing time to suit your personal taste. However, brewing for too long may make the tea slightly bitter and astringent. Once brewed, strain the tea into a fairness pitcher (chahai) and serve. High-quality puerh tea, when brewed correctly, will not easily become bitter or astringent even after it cools.
How many times can puerh tea be boiled?
It depends on the amount of tea leaves used and the brewing time. Following the proportions and method mentioned above, it will mostly lose its flavor after one boil. If you wish to boil it another time, you can add a small amount of fresh tea leaves.
▲ Steep for about 2 minutes before serving.
▲ Puerh tea leaves after brewing.
Some people also combine simmering and steeping with seasonings—adding milk and a pinch of salt to the brewed puerh tea for a unique and delightful twist.