Many Pu'er Tea enthusiasts have heard that raw Pu'er is cooling and can harm the stomach if consumed in excess; ripe Pu'er is warming, and excessive consumption can lead to heatiness. How can we avoid these issues? We need to start by understanding the characteristics, production processes, and benefits of raw and ripe Pu'er teas. Let's hear from Senior Tea Appraiser Guo Shijian!

Guo Zijian is a National Level One Tea Appraiser, Vice President of the World Tea culture Exchange Association, and a direct disciple of Pu'er Godfather Bai Shuiqing. Since 1998, Teacher Guo has been studying tea in Yunnan under the tutelage of “Pu'er Godfather” Bai Shuiqing, learning about selecting, blending, and appraising Pu'er tea. Today, Teacher Guo has a new identity as the head of the “Jianjian Pu'er” Taobao shop.

I. Raw Pu'er Tea Production Process

Raw Pu'er tea is not subjected to the pile-fermentation process, so it has a strong character. Freshly made or recently aged raw teas have a yellow-green liquor and a strong, bitter taste, with a high level of stimulation.

In the Compendium of Materia Medica, it is recorded that “tea is bitter and cold, a yin within yin, sinking and descending, most capable of reducing fire.” Long-term consumption of raw Pu'er tea, which is relatively cooling, can damage the body's vital energy and affect the digestive system and metabolism.

For those who enjoy drinking raw tea, they often need to balance it with other foods or opt for older, more expensive raw teas.

II. Ripe Pu'er Tea Production Process

Ripe Pu'er tea is made using the pile-fermentation process and is widely loved for its aged fragrance and smoothness. However, some enthusiasts say that drinking freshly made ripe tea can cause heatiness.

Due to the factors involved in the Pu'er fermentation process, the leaves are subjected to temperatures over fifty degrees Celsius for several weeks, causing the tea to gradually become warm. The subsequent steaming and drying make the warmth even more pronounced. The degree of fermentation also determines the intensity of the heatiness in ripe tea, as do the different seasons (summer, autumn, winter) in which the tea is fermented.

To reduce the heatiness in ripe tea, one needs to choose the right season for fermentation, precisely control the fermentation process, and extend the aging period of the raw materials. Enthusiasts of ripe tea often find it challenging to select their favorites.

III. Effects and Suitable Populations for Raw and Ripe Pu'er Teas

Raw Pu'er Tea: Primarily helps cleanse the intestines and offers benefits such as lowering lipids, invigorating, lowering blood pressure, and aiding weight loss. Raw tea is rich in tea polyphenols and has a cool nature, with effects like clearing heat, dispelling summer heat, detoxifying, quenching thirst, stimulating digestion, and relieving constipation.

Raw tea is suitable for younger people. However, due to the high activity of its components, those prone to insomnia, those with colds or fevers, those with gastric ulcers, pregnant women, and those who should not drink on an empty stomach should avoid it!

Ripe Pu'er Tea: Can help lower lipids, blood pressure, prevent arteriosclerosis, prevent constipation, promote urination, and nourish the stomach.

Ripe tea is more suitable for middle-aged and elderly people and those with cold stomachs. Long-term consumption can warm the stomach, strengthen the spleen, soften blood vessels, and promote bowel movements. Its Health benefits are prominent, but it should not be drunk too concentrated.

In summary, both raw and ripe Pu'er teas have distinct characteristics and benefits. By understanding their respective natures and effects and choosing different types of Pu'er tea based on one's own physical condition, the most reasonable and healthy approach can be achieved. Remember not to consume them blindly!

Those interested in learning more about Pu'er tea can follow the “Jianjian Pu'er” public account. This platform was established by National Level One Tea Appraiser Guo Zijian, who entered the Pu'er tea field in 1998 and for whom Pu'er tea has become the most important part of his life. Based on his extensive research and experience in appraising Pu'er tea, Teacher Guo has gained considerable insight into how to drink, purchase, Brew, and appraise Pu'er tea. The platform brings together tea enthusiasts and merchants to discuss and exchange ideas about Pu'er tea culture, helping you drink Pu'er tea in a healthier and more scientific way!