Tea is meant for drinking, and passing quality standards is a prerequisite. Some ripened Pu'er teas (Shou Pu'er), due to issues with the raw materials, fermentation, or storage, fail to meet quality standards. Such teas have low drinking value and can even be harmful. By recognizing certain characteristics they exhibit, we can easily identify these substandard and “garbage” teas.

First, if it tastes bland, reject it outright. Some ripened Pu'ers taste as if they have some flavor, but upon closer examination, they are thin and lack depth and throat resonance. This type of ripened Pu'er is primarily an issue of poor raw materials, often lacking durability in brewing and may even result in a separation of tea and water, making it of low drinking value.

Second, if it causes a choking sensation and dry mouth, reject it outright. The basic function of tea is to quench thirst and promote saliva production. If a sip of ripened Pu'er makes your throat feel constricted and leaves you with a dry mouth afterward, it loses its value for drinking. This kind of ripened Pu'er usually has problems with either fermentation or storage.

Third, if it has a mixed or strange aroma, reject it outright. The scent that emanates from the tea infusion is one of the external expressions of the tea's internal quality. Good tea generally has a pleasant natural aroma. If a Cup of ripened Pu'er doesn't have a noticeable aroma but instead carries a mix of odd, unpleasant smells (sour, fishy, burnt, musty, etc.), it often indicates a problem with quality.

Fourth, if the leaves are carbonized, reject it outright. Some ripened Pu'ers, when steeped, have dark, black leaves. When touched or pinched by hand, they feel prickly, indicating a high rate of carbonization, which can be caused by excessive fermentation or severe dampness. This kind of ripened Pu'er is a typical example of garbage tea.

Fifth, if severely damp and moldy, reject it outright. Due to intentional human actions or improper storage, some ripened Pu'ers become severely damp during storage, and may even become moldy.

These teas show signs of mold on their surfaces. In cases of severe mold, it can even be clearly seen when breaking open the tea cake. Bringing it close to the nose reveals a distinct musty odor. Upon encountering such tea, it should be discarded directly.

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