"Marlene Wood" > wrote in message
...
> "Unlike other varieties of tea, Pu-Erh Tea is traditionally made with
> older leaves (not the first flush or budding leaves) from tall and old
> trees. These trees are of a type only found in Yunnan Province, known as
> broad leaf tea. The leaves are covered with fine hairs, are larger than
> other tea leaves, and have a different chemical composition. The leaves
> are then left green or moderately fermented before being dried. Often
> times the tea is then formed into cakes or bricks, wrapped in paper or
> pomello rinds, and stored outside exposed to moisture, air, and heat for
> order to further mature. Then the tea is stored underground for several
> years before taking on the darker, mellower characteristics that make
> Pu'erh tea. This type of tea originated from the natural aging process
> that happened along the ancient caravan routes, and the tea bricks were at
> times used as a form of currency. The tea bricks developed a unique flavor
> that was then refined by aficionados. One of the most expensive and rare
> Pu'erh teas is made from the droppings of worms that eat stored Pu'erh
> bricks."
>
> http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Pu-erh_tea
>
> Well, is it true? I don't see worm dropping puerh actually brewing into
> tea, just sludge...


Hi Marlene,

This has been discussed at length and to much amusement on at least one
other tea list, there may be something on it in this one if you search under
pu pu puer or pu. Or poo poo. Also see Mike Petro's site
http://www.pu-erh.net/ and search for poo poo puerh.


Melinda