When I was living in Taiwan, I had the chance to visit a kung fu brother’s house one evening. For context, in traditional Chinese martial arts, a "kung fu brother" refers to someone who studies under the same teacher as you—a peer within the same martial arts school.

At the time, I was just starting to get into tea. My kung fu brother, who was deeply into traditional Chinese culture, offered to brew some puer tea. As he prepared the tea, he shared an interesting technique for handling puer cakes that has stuck with me ever since.

He explained that when people buy puer tea, they typically purchase it either to store long-term or to drink. If you decide to drink a puer cake, he recommended breaking it apart completely, rather than chipping off small pieces here and there as needed.

Why break the entire cake apart? He outlined two key reasons:

1. Even Oxidation and AirflowPuer cakes are tightly compressed, and the leaves in the center can be especially compact. By breaking up the entire cake, you expose all the leaves to air. This helps the flavors to “open up” and meld together more effectively, creating a smoother and more harmonious profile when brewed.
2. Homogeneous RepresentationMost puer cakes are made from a blend of tea leaves. The outermost layer often features the prettiest leaves, while the rest of the cake contains a mix of different grades or types. By breaking up the cake, you ensure that each brew incorporates leaves from all parts of the cake—the outer edges, inner core, and everywhere in between. This approach provides a more balanced and complete representation of the cake’s flavor profile.

Once the cake is broken, he suggested using a clay tea storage vessel, which allows the tea to breathe naturally. If you don’t have one, a thick brown paper bag works well as an alternative.

By following this method, you’ll enhance your experience with puer tea. Each brew will showcase the full depth and complexity of the cake, making it easier to appreciate the craftsmanship and blend that went into its creation.

That evening, as we sipped on the tea he had prepared, I couldn’t help but feel that I was learning not just about tea, but about the importance of care and intention in all things. It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.