Raw Pu'er Tea has a unique flavor and is loved by many. Drinking Pu'er tea has become a new lifestyle trend. However, the quality of raw Pu'er teas available on the market varies greatly. So, how should one correctly select high-quality Pu'er tea?

What Makes Good Raw Pu'er Tea?

1. Complete and Clean Twigs

High-quality raw Pu'er tea has complete twigs and good uniformity. The buds are moderate, typically harvested at the stage of one bud with two or three leaves. Too young or too old is not ideal; the tea leaves should be clean without impurities, with minimal yellow leaves and tea stalks.

2. High and Persistent Aroma

Good raw Pu'er tea has a high and persistent aroma. It shouldn't be fleeting, and both the tea infusion and the aroma left in the Cup should be pleasant, with the water containing the aroma being optimal. The aroma should last for about 7-8 infusions.

3. Full-bodied and Smooth Infusion

Good raw Pu'er tea generally has a full-bodied and substantial taste, capable of enduring more than ten infusions without losing its flavor. The texture of the tea infusion should be soft and smooth, with a fine flow, high viscosity, and density, giving a feeling of weight on the tongue.

4. Quick and Abundant Aftertaste and Salivation

Good raw Pu'er tea quickly produces an aftertaste and salivation upon entry into the mouth, creating a sensation of a spring welling up under the tongue. Although there may be some bitterness and astringency, they should dissipate quickly and completely, with a rapid and intense return of Sweetness, the deeper the sweetness in the throat, the better.

5. Pure and Lustrous Infusion Color

Although raw Pu'er tea can have different colors, high-quality raw Pu'er tea always has a clear and bright infusion that is not murky, with a good oily feel. Inadequate processing or impurities can cause the infusion to appear cloudy.

“Fresh, fragrant, sweet, smooth, flavorful, thick, smooth, pure, and clear” is a concise summary of the characteristics of high-quality raw Pu'er tea. Teas that possess these nine features are worth long-term storage and have high drinking value. However, like people, teas each have their own personalities and strengths and weaknesses. “There is no highest grade of tea; what suits your taste is precious.” Based on understanding the characteristics of good tea, we can better choose teas that suit our palate and enjoy the endless pleasure of Tea drinking.