Pukeng Tea

Pukeng Tea

　　Pukeng Tea is a specialty tea from Pushankeng in Shitan, Qingyuan City. The Pukeng Tea produced in Shitan Town has long been recognized as a specialty of Qingyuan. The tea grown in the deep mountains of Pukeng is described as “fragrant, strong-flavored, sweet, pure, highly brewable, and delicious.” It is believed to help clear heat and reduce phlegm, detoxify unknown ailments, and is effective in treating stomach issues, sore throat, colds and fevers, excessive alcohol consumption, and also has certain benefits such as breaking down fat and refreshing the mind.

　　Pukeng Tea is a specialty tea from Pushankeng in Shitan, Qingyuan City. The Pukeng Tea produced in Shitan Town has long been recognized as a specialty of Qingyuan.

　　The production of Pukeng Tea largely follows traditional folk methods. First, freshly picked tea leaves are stir-fried in a large iron wok while being continuously turned to achieve an even roast—though not burnt. Yet, Pukeng Tea often carries a smoky aroma, whether due to carelessness or intentional technique during frying, resulting in a unique tea flavor that is hard to describe but palpable when brewed. After frying, the raw tea goes through rolling and fixation, then is roasted over charcoal fire. The final step is called “re-tea processing,” where the roasted tea is placed in a long cloth bag and repeatedly kneaded to ensure firm, uniform tea leaves with an attractive shape, aiming for a better market price. Fresh Pukeng Tea from the current year has a very light fragrance, with a color as mild as green tea. However, true Pukeng Tea requires a period of natural fermentation to become what it is truly known for. Over two to three years, as the new tea absorbs moisture from the air and ferments on its own, it develops a pungent, unpleasant moldy smell, as if improperly stored by inexperienced tea keepers (Pukeng Tea differs from Pu'er Tea in that it does not undergo pile-fermentation). After two or three years, the moldy and smoky flavors naturally fade away. From then on, the older the tea, the richer and more aromatic it becomes. When brewed, aged Pukeng Tea emits a pure, exceptional fragrance, with a color as clear and translucent as amber—resembling a glass of enticing Hennessy cognac. This is the unique and magical quality of Pukeng Tea. Is it the marvel of nature, or the diligence and wisdom of the Pukeng people? It remains a fascinating mystery.