Authentic Red Chop tea disks are difficult to come across, but similar financial gains are not as rare.  The widely sought after 1988 production of “7542 Green Pu’er” has appreciated over 4,000% since its introduction in 1993.  As the worldwide market for Pu’er tea expands, and the understanding about tea quality and aging increases, premium Pu’er investments can expect even faster and greater returns.

The good news for the consumer is that the overall quality of Pu’er is widely improving as producers compete to distinguish their teas. The liberation of China’s economic environment in the last twenty years has allowed tea farmers to profit from their efforts.  The profitable market has provided the needed demand and resources for tea estates to create quality not seen since pre-war China.

On the other hand, China’s domestic demand for Pu’er has never been so hot--which makes it difficult to acquire a share of the limited artisan productions.  Tea aficionados are now paying over $2,000 for new teas and over $13,000 for antique teas.  A recent charity auction in Beijing witnessed the transaction of a seven piece set of 2005 tea disks for CAD$258,000--approximately $36,900 for one tea disk, or over $100 per gram of tea.

While Pu’er has proven itself as an investment, and has become a status and lifestyle symbol, let us not forget that the true reward in Pu'er tea comes from tasting its rich and satisfying flavors.