The differences between fresh and aged Pu'er Tea: Fresh Pu'er tea refers to tea that is 1 to 5 years old, while aged tea refers to Pu'er tea stored for over 5 years. Fresh tea has a dark green color, while aged tea is yellowish-brown. Fresh tea has a fresh and brisk taste with a noticeable bitterness and astringency; its infusion color is yellowish-green, and the leaves at the bottom are fresh green. In contrast, aged tea has a mellow taste, rich aroma, weaker stimulation, an infusion color of orange-red, and leaf bottoms that are yellowish-brown.

The Differences Between Fresh and Aged Pu'er Tea

The differences lie in the following aspects:

1. Taste:

The most significant difference between fresh and aged tea lies in the piling flavor. Freshly made tea, after the piling process, will have a strong piling odor, which is not very pleasant, similar to a seafood smell. After aging for two to three years, this piling odor gradually dissipates, transforming into the unique fresh and sweet fragrance of ripe tea.

Freshly pressed tea will have a relatively heavy water flavor for about three to four months. The thickness and smoothness of new ripe tea infusions are not well expressed, but aged tea excels in demonstrating a thick, rich, and smooth infusion.

2. Infusion Color:

Pu'er tea that has been properly stored in a dry warehouse for over ten years will have a clear and bright infusion color. Both fresh and aged tea have a chestnut red wine color, appearing thick and concentrated.

3. Leaf Bottoms:

Ripe teas processed using moderate fermentation techniques have leaf bottoms that remain somewhat elastic in fresh tea. The leaves are not easily crushed when pinched by fingers, indicating their resilience. In contrast, leaf bottoms of ripe teas aged for over ten years are softer, easily crumbled by fingers, and less resilient.

Aged tea is suitable for a wide range of people, particularly the middle-aged and elderly. Its gentle nature helps nourish and strengthen the stomach, and it is particularly effective in reducing the three highs (high blood pressure, high blood Sugar, and high cholesterol). It is ideal for middle-aged and elderly individuals looking to maintain their digestive health and prevent the three highs, and it is best consumed after meals.

Understanding the differences between fresh and aged tea enables tea enthusiasts to select the type of Pu'er tea that best suits their body, avoiding unnecessary expenses or discomfort caused by inappropriate choices.