Ⅲ.Pu’er Tea in America

In the tea market of North American, the export volume of Pu’er tea to Canada is relatively stable, and the export volume to the United States increases gradually.The United States is a kingdom of coffee, but there are also many people who drink tea.The annual import volume of tea exceeds 90,000 tons.However, the popularity index of Pu’er tea in America is 4 to 6 times lower than that of black tea and 25 times lower than that of green tea.Americans mainly drink bagged tea or iced tea, and most tea drinkers have never seen the original tea blade.Therefore, bagged Pu’er tea, instant Pu’er tea, Pu’er tea paste and other products are very popular with American consumers.Pu’er tea spread from Chinese communities of America to local areas.At present,well-known Chinese Pu’er tea enterprises (such as China Tea, Tae Tea and Xiaguan)have become well-known brands of American Pu’er tea consumers.Americans’interest in Pu’er tea originated from its efficacy.They believe, unlike coffee and cola, Pu’er tea is a“slow”drink which is more mysterious and healthy.Another attraction of Pu’er tea for Americans lies in its appearance.Pu’er tea is usually compacted into cakes.Breaking or cutting off some tea blades with a Tea knife and then brewing is a mysterious ceremony, which is particularly attractive to Americans.Americans,like Europeans, understand Pu’er tea from the perspectives like wine.With the continuous increase of storage life, the quality of Pu’er tea is constantly transformed and its value is also increased.

Fig.2-24　Pu’er tea Powder

Fig.2-25　Bagged Pu’er tea