Guwahati/IBNS: The International Tea Day Special Auction in Guwahati, India witnessed MJunction made history by selling Puer tea for the first time in the country. The highly sought-after Puer tea, in the form of a cake, fetched an astonishing price of Rs 9000 per kilogram, setting a record in its category.
This unique variety, produced at the esteemed Gauripur Tea Plantation in the Golaghat district, has gained immense popularity due to its distinctive characteristics.
Traditionally consumed in Chinas Yunnan province, Puer tea has gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality. The Gauripur Tea Plantation, known for its excellence in tea production, has ventured into commercial production of Puer tea after years of personal consumption.
Managed by Aparaj Saikia, the plantation now produces 25 kilograms of Puer tea per month.
Puer tea is renowned for its post-fermentation process, wherein tea leaves undergo microbial fermentation after being dried and rolled. This unique procedure enhances the flavor and texture of the tea, similar to the aging process of fine wines.
The compressed form of Puer tea, known as Puer Tea Cake, undergoes careful crafting, resulting in a distinct flavor profile that captivates tea connoisseurs.
Krishan Katyal, a top tea-taster, expressed the intricacy of Puer tea appreciation, stating that the more aged it is, the more complex and nuanced the flavor becomes. Describing the experience as extraordinary, he emphasized the difficulty in capturing the vast range of flavors found in aged Puer tea, reported EastMojo.
With a harmonious blend of flavors and subtle smoky notes reminiscent of wood smoke, each sip of Puer tea takes enthusiasts on a delightful journey through layers of earthy delight. The tea leaves a lingering, complex taste on the palate, making it a cherished possession among tea lovers.
Nilesh Divekar, representing Shangrila Enterprise, a buyer of Puer tea, praised the Gauripur Tea Plantation for their exceptional product. Divekar expressed gratitude to MJunction for providing a platform to promote Indian specialty teas abroad and assured continued support for quality teas, particularly those with innovative and artisanal creations.
In 2020, MJunction launched an e-marketplace for tea in Jorhat district, Assam, aiming to diversify beyond conventional black and green teas. The success of the recent Puer tea auction highlights the potential for expanding the tea market by introducing unique and premium varieties to tea enthusiasts worldwide.
As Puer tea gains recognition in India, it is set to carve a niche for itself in the tea industry, captivating taste buds with its refined taste and captivating aroma.
