i\u2019ve never been to yunnan province in southwest china, an area believed to be the birthplace of tea some 4,700 years ago. yet its legendary tea, known as pu\u2019er, was an indispensable part of my childhood. unlike green, white or oolong tea, pu\u2019er undergoes microbial fermentation and tastes better with age, just like wine. chinese people think of pu’er in the same way french people think of bordeaux. it plays an important role in chinese culture, pride, and identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

growing up in china, every day after dinner, my father would bring out his mint green porcelain tea set to brew the family pu\u2019er tea. a rich and earthy aroma arose as the dark-colored liquid was poured into my teacup. as i slowly sipped the tea, layers of flavors waltzed on my tongue. to me, tea is more than a drink. it\u2019s a memory associated with home. it\u2019s a cultural heritage of my country.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n