Description

Concentrated Shu Pu-erh Tea Extract

Shu Pu-erh Cha Gao (茶膏) is a highly concentrated tea paste made from Ripe Pu-erh (Shu Pu-erh).

Pack size: 20 g — 20 individual pieces, 1 g each.

Cha Gao literally means “tea paste” or “tea extract.” Instead of brewing loose tea leaves, a small piece of concentrated Pu-erh is dissolved directly in hot water, producing a rich cup within just a few minutes.

Each individual piece weighs 1 gram, making Cha Gao exceptionally compact, convenient, and easy to prepare.

It is an interesting alternative to traditional Pu-erh for travel, work, outdoor tea drinking, or any situation where carrying full Gongfu teaware and loose tea is impractical.

What Is Cha Gao?

Cha Gao (茶膏) is a traditional form of concentrated Chinese tea.

The soluble components of the tea leaves are extracted and concentrated into a dense tea paste, which can later be dissolved back into hot water.

Producing Cha Gao requires a substantial amount of raw tea material relative to the final weight of the extract, resulting in an unusually compact form of tea.

Unlike a compressed Pu-erh cake, Cha Gao is not simply pressed tea leaves.

It is a concentrated tea extract designed to dissolve in water, so there are no loose leaves to strain or remove after brewing.

This gives Cha Gao a very different preparation method and drinking experience from conventional Shu Pu-erh.

Appearance and tasting notes

Each serving comes as a compact 1 g piece of Shu Pu-erh tea paste.

When added to hot water, the Cha Gao gradually dissolves, transforming the water into a deep, dark Pu-erh infusion.

The concentration can easily be adjusted according to personal preference.

Use more water for a lighter, smoother drink, or reduce the amount of water for a stronger and more concentrated cup.

Because the extract dissolves gradually, the same piece can also be prepared in several smaller servings rather than dissolved completely at once.

The result is a convenient way to enjoy the deep, concentrated character of Shu Pu-erh without loose tea leaves or traditional brewing equipment.

Character and Experience

Shu Pu-erh Cha Gao is particularly interesting for people who already enjoy Pu-erh but want to explore it in a completely different form.

It is compact, intense, convenient, and highly portable.

A single 1 g piece takes almost no space and requires little more than hot water and a cup, making it especially practical for:

• Travel
• Office or work
• Thermos brewing
• Outdoor tea drinking
• Quick preparation without teaware
• Exploring traditional Chinese concentrated tea

Because Cha Gao is concentrated, we recommend starting with a relatively light preparation and adjusting the strength according to your preference.

How to brew

Standard Preparation

• Use 1 piece (1 g) of Cha Gao
• Add approximately 150 ml of hot water
• Water temperature: approximately 95–100°C (203–212°F)
• Allow the tea paste to dissolve for approximately 2–3 minutes
• Gently swirl the water to help the extract dissolve evenly
• Adjust the amount of water and dissolution time according to your preferred strength.

The same piece can be prepared gradually over several servings if it has not completely dissolved.

Larger Cup

For a lighter preparation, dissolve 1 g of Cha Gao in approximately 300–400 ml of hot water.

This produces a softer and less concentrated drink and is a good starting point if you are trying Pu-erh tea paste for the first time.

Thermos

Cha Gao is particularly convenient for a thermos because there are no loose leaves to remove.

Add the desired amount of tea paste, fill with hot water, and allow it to dissolve gradually. Start with a lower concentration and adjust subsequent preparations according to taste.

Origin

• Tea: Shu Pu-erh Cha Gao (熟普洱茶膏)
• English Name: Ripe Pu-erh Tea Paste
• Chinese Name: 茶膏 (Cha Gao)
• Type: Concentrated Ripe Pu-erh Tea Extract
• Tea Base: Shu Pu-erh / Ripe Pu-erh
• Form: Solid Tea Paste / Tea Extract
• Weight: 1 g per piece
• Preparation: Dissolves directly in hot water
• Recommended Water Temperature: 95–100°C
• Character: Concentrated • Rich • Convenient • Portable
• Best For: Travel • Office • Thermos • Quick Tea Preparation