Small tuo chas (compressed cakes) of Shou Pu-Erh tea, with each tuo cha an ideal size for making approximately two cups. The liquor is dense and black. Multiple infusions are often made from this tea.
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2.25 g/6oz cup Steep Time: 6-7 min. Water Temperature: 212 degrees (boiling)
I have been buying the individually wrapped tou chas from Upton, on and off, for many years. Upton used to offer a ZH50 Mini Tou Cha. I am not sure when they discontinued it and started to offer the ZH30. However, I discovered a 3 year-old tin in the back of a drawer at work. The earthiness was quite subtle and the taste delightful.
differently delicious
5 star rating
Mac – WI – September 28, 2020
I had been wanting to try this tea, having read the warnings about starting small.
It has a different flavor than any other tea, but that flavor is mild, distinctive, and certainly not unpleasant.
On a whim, I added a touch of honey and some milk. Remarkable. That makes it a tea I like. I recommend trying it.
Absolutely delicious!
5 star rating
Trevor – MA – June 22, 2020
This is my all-time favorite black tea, with a wonderfully rich aroma and full flavor. A terrific way to start my day. And the convenient individually-wrapped cakes—one cake makes one large cup—are perfect. This tea doesn't get bitter with steeping, so steep for at least 5 minutes for best results.
Excellent every-day Pu Erh
5 star rating
J – MA – April 05, 2020
This is my favorite Pu-Erh, by far. It's dark, woody, and strong. By my taste, every brewing is perfect and it can't be over-steeped. This tea allows me to be really lazy; I put a tuo cha and hot water in a thermos with a filter top and let it steep indefinitely (I drink 2-3 of these per day). It also makes excellent cold-brew tea in summer.
Only one strength of cup
3 star rating
Mark – CA – October 26, 2019
Unlike other cakes or even tuo chas I've had, this one dissolves into a fannings (dust) style in seconds, making any strength other than very high all but impossible on the first brew. While it has a reasonable pu-erh flavor, it misses some of the subtlety I get on other pu-erh offerings. Good for 3 brewings of 11oz mugs.
Very Good PU ERH, woodsy, deep and complex flavors
5 star rating
Mary – OR – November 10, 2017
I will admit at first being a little concerned being that the other Pu erh teas I have had were at least quarter size because I steep my teas in a dedicated french press. These discs are the right size for an 8 cup french press and impressed the tea this special, thank you!
Thumbs Up!
5 star rating
Allen – PA – September 08, 2017
My first Pu-Erh from Upton's. This was everything I was looking for: dark, strong, woody, and it re-steeps well. The size is great for me. Each cake measured just under an inch (24 cm) diameter, which was perfect for these little tulip infusers I got at Ikea. If you're on a budget or just want to try pu-erh, I Highly recommend this tea.
