Red teas and Pu Erh, what are the differences?
There are several types of red teas on the market, although the best known is Pu Erh. But for example we have:
- Yunnan red tea: This tea is produced in the Yunnan region, China. Since 2008, the only region that can use the name Pu Erh is red tea produced in the Yunnan region.
- Hunan and Guangdong red tea: These are other regions in China where red tea is produced.
- Red tea from Vietnam, Laos and Burma: These countries, which border China, also produce red tea.
- Rooibos "red tea" (Error): Although not a tea in the strict sense, Rooibos is often called "red tea." It is obtained from the leaves of Aspalathus linearis, which is only found in South Africa.
It is important to mention that the classification of red teas may vary depending on the cultivation method. For example, Pu Erh tea can come from plantation bushes, wild trees, or even cultivated tea trees.