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The winter holidays are upon us when we enjoy family feasts and rich foods with friends. A digestive tea rich in antioxidants comforts us and promotes deep, lasting health and beauty. Pu-erh, a fermented tea, enhances digestion and reduces unwanted side effects of a rich diet and stressful lifestyle: indigestion and unhealthy cholesterol. The tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and is suitable for any season. Pu-erh tea is an ancient Chinese treasure once enjoyed only by royalty. It grows in the misty valleys of Yunnan in south China.

The tea leaves of Pu-erh, from a tea base of about 1800 meters, mature slowly in mild, humid climatic conditions protected by the mountainous environment that makes this a garden shrouded by clouds all year round. Nourished with abundant rainfall, the tea leaves remain tender and fresh for a long time with a rich color and luster as well as a vibrant taste.

Pu-erh tea can be fresh green (sheng) which resembles green tea or aged to a deep golden brown (shou) which is warmly grounding and earthy. The steam rising from the cup is soothing like a walk in a dense forest after rainfall. A true delight!

During the Ming Dynasty, a tiny clay teapot was invented to enhance the flavor of the brewed tea. The clay absorbed some of the heavenly flavors and, therefore, the pot was never washed with detergent, only rinsed with clean water. Tea merchants in Yunnan sent their Pu-erh to far corners of the middle kingdom so that Pu-erh aged slowly adding beneficial digestive bacteria naturally fermenting the tea. Today Pu-erh growers use scientifically proven methods to enhance ripening. Aged Pu-erh teas, some costing a fortune, are collected and sold like fine wines. This is the healing miracle of Chinese tradition: It values the ancient, rich, and delicious healing comforts of our past.

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