Shu Pu'er 2022 in lime from the Kaishunhao plant

Shu Pu'er in lime from "Kaishunhao" (开顺号): harvest 2022

The world of Chinese tea is full of both centuries-old traditions and bold experiments. One of the interesting examples of modern tea art is Shu Pu'er, placed in lime peel. Shu Pu'er (熟普洱, shú pǔ'ěr) is a post-fermented tea from the Yunnan province. Unlike its "green" brother Sheng Pu'er, which matures naturally for decades, Shu Pu'er undergoes an accelerated fermentation process ("vodui" - 渥堆), which imitates long years of aging. This process gives the tea its characteristic dark infusion, smooth, often earthy or woody taste, and reduces astringency. Shu Pu'ers are valued for their softness, warming properties, and beneficial effect on digestion.

Kaishunhao Factory (开顺号)

"Kaishunhao" is a well-known puerh producer in Yunnan, which produces both Sheng and Shu Puerh. The very fact of releasing such an unusual product as puerh in lime speaks of the company's desire for innovation and the search for new flavor combinations.

2022 harvest in lime

This tea is a unique product:

1. Raw Material: We use Shu Pu'er, the raw material for which is dated July 28, 2022.
2. Form: Tea leaves are placed inside dried lime peel (or other similar citrus), forming a small ball. On the outside is the peel, inside is pressed Shu Puer.
3. Aging: Today, almost three years have passed since the raw material was produced. Although this is not a very long period for puer (which can be stored and improved for decades), such aging already allows the tea to "calm down" after fermentation, smooth out harsh notes and begin to develop a deeper taste.
4. Concept: The idea of placing puer in citrus peel (mandarins are also often used - "Gan Pu" or "Chen Pi Puer") is to mutually enrich the aromas and tastes. The essential oils of the peel gradually penetrate the tea leaves, and the tea itself absorbs the citrus notes.

Aroma and taste

• Aroma: When dry, the aroma is bright and fresh, with lime intertwined with the deeper, earthy woody notes of Shu Puerh. When brewed, the aroma develops further, adding warm, sweet undertones.
• Taste: The infusion combines the classic smoothness and softness of Shu Puer (notes of wood, nuts, light sweetness) with the refreshing sourness and citrus tartness of lime. The citrus note adds liveliness to the traditional Puer taste, making it lighter and more drinkable.

Brewing

To brew this tea, you usually break off a piece, capturing both the tea and some of the lime zest. The proportions can be varied to suit your taste. Recommended:

1. Rinsing: Pour boiling water (~95-100°C) for a few seconds and drain the water. This will "wake up" the tea and wash away dust.
2. Brewing: Pour boiling water over again. The steeping time for the first steepings can be short (15-30 seconds), gradually increasing for subsequent steepings. The tea can withstand multiple steepings.
3. Utensils: A gaiwan or small teapot made of Yixing clay or porcelain is best.

Shu Puer 2022 from Kaishunhao in lime is an interesting example of how classic tea can be presented in a new, original form. The combination of Shu Puer with bright, refreshing lime creates a unique drink that can appeal to both puer connoisseurs looking for new experiences and those who are just starting to get acquainted with this amazing type of tea. This is not just tea, but a small taste experiment in your cup.