{"product_id":"2020-menghai-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-shou","title":"2020 Menghai Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis 2020 Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (also known as Shou Pu'er) was produced in Menghai County, Yunnan Province, one of the most renowned Pu-erh tea regions in China. It is a compressed dark tea made from large-leaf arbor tea trees (approximately 50–80 years old). It has naturally aged for about six years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDue to its deep red liquor, ripe Pu-erh tea is often mistaken for black tea. However, according to the Chinese tea classification system, it belongs to the category known as dark tea (Hei Cha).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIs Pu-erh Tea a Dark Tea?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eQuestions From Tea Lovers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOur tea masters are frequently asked in tea houses and tea shops about the relationship between Pu-erh tea and dark tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBefore the development of modern pile-fermentation techniques in the 1970s, Pu-erh tea was produced only in what is now known as the raw (Sheng) style, and the idea of ripe (Shou) fermentation did not yet exist.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ePile-Fermentation Process\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe invention of the pile-fermentation (wo dui) process led to the creation of ripe (Shou) Pu-erh tea. Since microbial fermentation is the key step in its production, ripe Pu-erh meets the classification criteria of Chinese dark tea (Hei Cha).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSummary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIn simple terms:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTraditional raw (Sheng) Pu-erh tea is not dark tea. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eModern ripe (Shou) Pu-erh tea belongs to the dark tea category. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMore accurately, it is not “Pu-erh tea = dark tea,” but specifically “ripe Pu-erh tea = dark tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIs Pu-erh Tea Black Tea?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eColor Similarities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAlthough ripe Pu-erh tea (or well-aged raw Pu-erh tea) can produce a liquor similar in color to black tea, the two are produced using very different processes and fermentation techniques.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHistorical Inspiration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eInterestingly, the development of ripe Pu-erh tea was inspired by what was historically called “red-liquor Pu-erh,” a term used to describe the reddish color of the tea liquor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIn Chinese tea classification, this “red” does not refer to a separate tea category, and in international terminology, Chinese red tea is generally known as black tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eNatural Fermentation Example\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAround a century ago, Yunnan sun-dried large-leaf tea was transported over long distances to Guangdong, Hong Kong, and other southern markets. During transportation, changes in temperature and humidity caused the tea to undergo gradual natural fermentation. By the time it arrived, the liquor had turned from the bright golden color typical of Yunnan to a deeper red, while the flavor became smoother and more mellow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis naturally transformed tea was highly appreciated by tea drinkers in southern China at the time. Inspired by this phenomenon, producers developed the pile-fermentation process to recreate the qualities of aged “red-liquor” Pu-erh in a much shorter time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eConclusion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTherefore, calling Pu-erh tea black tea is not technically correct, but its liquor does resemble black tea in appearance, which explains why some people associate Pu-erh with black tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAbout This Tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBased on this background, we help international tea drinkers better understand and choose the Pu-erh tea that best suits them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis 2020 Menghai Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) represents a classic example of modern fermented Pu-erh tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIt is made from mature large-leaf arbor tea. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIt has now reached an excellent drinking stage after about six years of natural aging. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe compressed cake shows uniform signs of aging around the center. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe broad leaves and well-balanced leaf-to-stem ratio clearly reflect the characteristics of Yunnan’s large-leaf arbor tea. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBody\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRich and full-bodied, with a substantial texture that gently coats the palate. The inherent quality of the large-leaf arbor tea has fully developed after six years of aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSmoothness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eExceptionally smooth and mellow, with no noticeable bitterness or astringency. The liquor flows seamlessly from the first sip to the finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSweetness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA pleasant sweetness emerges quickly and lingers in the throat. Six years of aging have greatly softened any youthful bitterness and enhanced the natural sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eComplexity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLayers of mellow sweetness, subtle woody notes, and evolving aged character gradually unfold throughout the session. The tea remains flavorful across multiple infusions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOverall Character\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe tea offers a comforting and satisfying drinking experience, suitable for daily enjoyment or relaxed tea sessions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDrinking \u0026amp; Aging\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAfter about six years of natural aging, this large-leaf arbor ripe Pu-erh tea has fully lost its initial pile-fermentation aroma and entered a stable drinking stage. The liquor is deep red and bright, rich and smooth in texture, with a harmonious balance of sweetness and aged character, showcasing the early stages of the “improving with age” quality typical of well-crafted \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(159, 92, 86);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(72, 57, 55);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/ripe-pu-erh-tea\" style=\"color: rgb(72, 57, 55);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003eripe Pu-erh tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRecommended For\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIf you are looking for a \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/pu-erh-tea\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003ePu-erh tea\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e that has liquor similar in color to black tea and belongs to the traditional Chinese dark tea category, this 2020 Menghai Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) is an excellent choice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIt combines the black tea-like deep red appearance with the characteristic aged aroma and rich, mellow flavor of dark tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis tea is perfect for daily drinking, yet can also be stored further to develop even greater depth and complexity over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2020-menghai-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-brewed-leaves.jpg?v=1785056141\" alt=\"2020 Menghai Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) showing black tea-like liquor and brewed tea leaves\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; margin: 20px 0 6px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eGongfu Tea Brewing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; font-weight: 500; color: #555; margin: 0 0 16px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e(Traditional Method)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; color: #444; margin: 6px 0 14px 0; text-align: center; max-width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003eAlways rinse tea before the first infusion. For compressed teas, adjust the rinsing time according to the compression level, allowing the leaves to gently loosen before the first infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; width: 45%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e100°C (212°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea-to-Water Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e8g tea per 150ml water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; text-align: center; background: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteeping Time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 1–5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 5–12 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 6–8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 9–25 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 9–13\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 26–35 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; color: #555; margin: 8px 0 40px 0;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tea masters recommend steeping times based on each tea's unique flavor, starting the timer after pouring the water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; margin: 20px 0 6px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCommon Brewing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; font-weight: 500; color: #555; margin: 0 0 16px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e(Easy Everyday Preparation)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; width: 45%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e100°C (212°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLeaf-to-Water Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2g per 100ml\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteeping Time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAbout 1–2 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSubsequent Infusions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIncrease by 30 seconds each time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; color: #555; margin: 8px 0 24px 0;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips:\u003c\/strong\u003e You can adjust the steeping time or leaf-to-water ratio to suit your taste—shorten the infusion for a lighter brew or extend it for a stronger one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"Whole Cake (357 g)","offer_id":51147868831977,"sku":"010155-357g-2606","price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2020-menghai-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-dark-tea.jpg?v=1785056140","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/de\/products\/2020-menghai-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-shou","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}