The process of compressing tea leaves dates back to ancient China, where it was developed for ease of transportation and to help facilitate trade.
Although pu’er, a type of fermented tea that originates from Yunnan province, is probably the most commonly compressed tea, other types of tea, such as white, black, or even oolong can also be found in compressed form.
In this article, we will explore the traditional shapes and sizes of compressed tea.
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Tea Cake (Bing Cha)
The classic tea cake, which is also known as “bing cha” is the most common shape.
Taking the shape of a flat, round disc, these tea cakes can range in weight from 100 grams to 500 grams and typically measure between 12cm and 23cm in diameter. This specific shape finds its origin in ancient caravan trade routes, where round tea discs were threaded together and transported on horses.
However, in the modern pu’er tea market, tea cakes are most often pressed to a weight of 357 grams.
Tea Bricks (Zhuan Cha)
Tea bricks, which are also known as “zhuan cha“, are pressed into a rectangular shape that can be easily broken apart.
This form can be traced back to ancient times when tea bricks were used as a form of currency. Their size and durability made them a convenient medium of exchange, and their imprint designs often served as seals of authenticity.
A typical tea brick weighs around 250 grams, although they are sometimes pressed into other weights as well.
Tuocha
Tuocha are compressed into the shape of either a bird nest or bowl and are one of the most common forms sold on the market today.
A typical tuocha weighs around 100 grams, but they can also be found in 250 and 500 gram forms.
Mushroom Tuocha (Jin Cha)
The “Mushroom Tuocha”, which is also referred to as “Jin Cha”, is a shape that resembles the cap of a mushroom, with a broad base that tapers towards the top
Jin Cha was a form preferred by ethnic minorities in China, especially the Tibetan people, further highlighting the cultural significance of these shapes.
A typical tea Jin Cha weighs around 250 grams.
Golden Melon (Jingua)
Although the jingua shape bears a strong resemblance to the tuocha, this shape is slightly larger in size and features pumpkin-like ribbing on its sides.
This particular shape was designed to be a “Tribute Tea” (貢 茶), which was produced specifically for the Qing dynasty emperors.
A typical jingua can weigh anywhere from 100 grams to many kilograms.
Dragon Pearls (Long Zhu)
Dragon pearls are compressed into small spheres.
As each dragon pearl usually weighs between 5 to 10 grams, this shape is ideal for single servings of tea.
Bamboo Tube Tea (Zhutong Cha)
During the production of this tea, bamboo tubes are packed with pu’er maocha before being gently roasted over a wood fire. The resulting heat and steam not only help compress the tea into the bamboo tube, but the process also infuses the flavor and aroma of bamboo into the tea.