Description
Sheng (raw) Pu-erh is a living tea that undergoes natural microbial transformation over years or decades when stored properly. Young sheng can be bright, astringent, and vegetal, but with aging develops complexity, smoothness, and prized characteristics like camphor, dried fruit, and forest floor notes. Pressed into cakes, bricks, or tuo cha shapes, fine aged sheng from famous mountains like Lao Ban Zhang commands premium prices.
Brewing Guide
Recommended vessel: Yixing clay teapot or porcelain gaiwan
Young sheng (under 5 years) benefits from 90-95°C to temper its astringency. Aged sheng (10+ years) handles full boiling water. Break tea carefully from the cake with a pu-erh pick. Rinse once (young) or twice (aged). Flash steep the first 3-4 rounds, then gradually extend. Premium aged sheng can yield 15-20 infusions.