The diagram illustrates the process of producing pu’erh tea.
Overall, the production of pu’erh tea involves several stages, beginning with the harvesting of tea leaves and ending with the preparation of the finished product. The process includes both physical processing and fermentation.
Initially, fresh tea leaves are picked from tea plants and transported for further processing. They are then heated to reduce their moisture content and prevent unwanted oxidation. After this, the leaves are rolled or shaped before being dried.
In the next stage, the processed tea leaves undergo fermentation, which plays an important role in developing the tea’s distinctive flavour and colour. Depending on the production method, the leaves may be fermented naturally over an extended period or subjected to a more controlled fermentation process.
Finally, the tea is compressed into cakes or other shapes and left to mature. Once the maturation process is complete, the pu’erh tea is ready for consumption.