Thank you to Amariel for sharing this tuocha with me! I was excited to see this arrive as part of Amariel’s package because I’ve tried puerh before and really liked it. The only thing is that the puerh teas I’ve tried before were either flavored or part of a blend so this will be my first time to try it on its own. I’ve also never done anything with a tuocha so this will be a learning process all the way around.
I opened the silver pouch and out slides the cutest little disc of tea. It’s wrapped in paper covered in what appear to be Chinese characters. I so wish I could read them! It is just so beautiful. The tea itself smells very good, no hint of fishiness here. I have to say that I’m a little nervous about the flavor after seeing another note say that this tastes like mushrooms. I’m not a fan so I hope I don’t pick up any of that.
I stepped away from my desk so I steeped this far too long, close to 10 minutes when the recommended time was 4-6 minutes. The leaves did break up on their own as I had read they would and they are now a dull green in the bottom of my basket. Both the leaves and the liquid have a savory aroma. Unfortunately, this is very, very bitter, no doubt because I over-steeped it. It also has some astringency to it. I’m sorry that I wasn’t paying closer attention to this one since it’s the only tuocha I have. Maybe the leaves will still be okay for another cup or two.
I can really feel the effects from the caffeine in this one. Or maybe it was all the sugar in the Pop Tart I just ate.? :)
