Pu'er Tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties, commonly abbreviated as raw Pu and ripe Pu. Imagine two people originally traveling side by side on the same path; at a certain point, due to their own reasons, they need to diverge onto different paths. This point is called “fermentation.” Raw tea follows the path of natural post-fermentation, while ripe tea undergoes artificial pile fermentation. What are the differences between raw and ripe Pu'er tea?

1. Essential Difference

When Pu'er tea is pressed into shape and officially released from the factory, raw tea has not undergone fermentation, while ripe tea has undergone complete fermentation. This is their most fundamental difference.

2. Appearance Difference

Raw tea cakes are primarily green and dark green, with some turning yellowish-red, and white representing the bud tips. Ripe tea cakes are black or reddish-brown, with some bud teas appearing as dark golden yellow.

3. Taste Difference

Raw tea: Describing the taste of raw Pu'er tea could fill an entire article. Simply put, it can be described as intense, stimulating, and layered. In one sip, you can experience bitterness, astringency, fragrance, and sweetness—raw Pu'er is unique in this regard. Many tea enthusiasts are long-term fans of raw Pu'er.

Ripe tea leaves have a strong pile fermentation aroma, similar to a moldy smell. Lightly Fermented tea may have a flavor reminiscent of lychee, while heavily fermented tea can have a damp straw mat scent.

4. Infusion Color and Leaf Base Difference

Raw tea is powerful! After brewing, the leaf base of raw tea is soft, fresh, and pliable! Even very old vintage teas can still convey a sense of vitality, energy, and natural charm. The infusion color of raw tea is generally lighter, ranging from yellowish to bright and clear.

Ripe tea is different. After brewing, the leaf base appears dry and dark, lacking the vibrant life force. If the tea has been excessively wet-stored, the leaf base can appear moldy like rotten fabric. Poor quality ripe tea has a dark, murky, and even blackish infusion color.

5. Production Process Difference

Raw tea: Freshly picked tea leaves are naturally air-dried, then go through the processes of fixation, rolling, and drying. They are stored naturally without undergoing pile fermentation.

Ripe tea: Made from sun-dried Green Tea as the raw material, it undergoes pile fermentation and other processing steps. During production, pile fermentation makes the tea nature more gentle, and it is referred to as ripe tea.

6. Health benefits Difference

Raw tea contains a high level of tea polyphenols, making it an excellent drink for cancer prevention. Drinking raw Pu during the day is refreshing and invigorating, giving a sense of mental clarity and having a noticeable effect on blood vessel health.

Ripe tea, after pile fermentation, has a smooth and mellow taste. Its nature is gentle and warming to the stomach. Ripe Pu has a unique aged aroma, which is often criticized by those who do not enjoy ripe Pu, especially when compared to the fresh and clean taste of raw tea. As the saying goes, one person's meat is another's poison.

In summary, whether it's raw Pu or ripe Pu, the old adage holds true: there is no superior or inferior tea, each person has their own preference, and what tastes good is valuable. Also, reading about tea countless times is not as good as tasting it once. May you find your cup of tea soon if you've read this far.