Pu-erh tea

„Depending on the desired product and speed, from quickest and tightest to slowest and loosest, pressing can be done by a lever press, which was operated by hand for tight pressings and has largely been replaced by the modern hydraulic press.“

„To produce pu'er, many additional steps are needed prior to the actual pressing of the tea. First, a specific quantity of dry máochá or ripened tea leaves pertaining to the final weight of the bingcha is weighed out. The dry tea is then lightly steamed in perforated cans to soften and make it more tacky. This will allow it to hold together and not crumble during compression. “