Given that Fuzhuan tea is enriched with several benefits and healing properties, it is only natural to want to explore more about it. The Ancient Fuzhuan Brick Tea goes back a long time and has for decades been used as a healing tea owing to its great health-related properties. In this article, we take you to the origins and history of Fu Brick tea to uncover the mystery behind it and how it came about. Let’s find out.
The Enigma of Fu Brick Tea
Here’s a short guide about all the mystery surrounding the Fu Brick Tea and where it came from.
Background
There is already a lot of enigma around the famous Fuzhuan tea, but the distinct flavor and mystery method of fermentation for the production of this tea make it even more fascinating. The Fu tea which goes back to the ancient land of Huan, a province of China, is not just a mere beverage. It has ancient wisdom and uniqueness distilled into it. The medicinal properties make it even more magical.
Where Did It Originate?
Fu Brick Tea comes from a long time ago, all the way back to the period of 1368 to 1644 AD. It has its roots in the Ming dynasty. In those times, the tea was compressed into a brick-like shape, which basically gave it the name Fuzhuan. The term “Fu” is linked to good fortune and blessings. This is because the golden bloom that comes up during the fermentation process is connected to prosperity. This tea went through a unique fermentation process to get into the brick shape which was easier to transport from one place to another, especially during that time.
How Does the Fermentation Process Occur?
A special kind of fermentation process takes place for the Fu tea to give it a mixture of its distinct mellow and earthly taste. Unlike the other teas, such as green and white, that undergo a simple fermentation process, Fu Brick tea has to go through a more extensive one. It starts by picking the tea leaves, which are then withered, steamed, and pressed to form the brick shapes. And now, the magic step takes place where these leaves are stored in a warm and humid environment to encourage the growth of a specific fungus, called Eurotium cristatum. This is a probiotic fungus, which is also known as the “golden flower.”
What is the Significance of Golden Flowers?
The role of these golden flowers is still not completely understood but these are the ones giving the Fu Brick Tea most of its amazing benefits. The probiotic fungus not only adds an exotic flavor to the drink but also gives it some medicinal properties like balancing the gut bacteria, helping with cardio health, bloating, anxiety, and more.
The Fermentation Process
For the fermentation of this tea, several months are usually needed as the microorganisms are slowly allowed to work their magic and break down the tea leaves. This process increases the amount of beneficial compounds in the tea such as flavonoids. Moreover, this also controls the bitter taste of the tea and gives it a deep earthy flavor.
Conclusion
The making of the Fuzhuan tea is unlike any other and it is what gives it the mysterious taste and benefits. This process is not only the reason for the exotic properties of the Fu tea but also carries the traditions of centuries past. The longer you keep the tea, the better it becomes. So whether you are taking it for the earthy flavor or the several benefits, enjoy this intriguing tea with every sip.
