Thank you for the nice article on healing teas [“What’s in the Pot: A Peek at Asheville’s Fresh and Seasonal Teas,” Sept. 10, Xpress]. I am the owner of Panther Moon Tea Co. and would like to clear up an error in the article.
Ripe pu-erh teas are fermented for 75-90 days under controlled conditions. Raw Pu-erh tea naturally transforms over the years due to the presence of friendly microorganisms. Raw pu-erh is considered aged and at its prime after 10-20 years, but is often drunk as early as the year it is produced as well.
Sumitra D’Aragon
Asheville