In recent years, Pu'er Tea has gradually entered the public's field of vision and gained the affection of tea drinkers. Tasting is the highlight of selecting tea. High-quality tea offers a full-bodied flavor, excellent stability and harmony, a strong sensation of saliva production and aftertaste in the mouth, and unique aromas such as floral, fruity, or honey-like scents that linger in the mouth, with a long-lasting finish. The tea also boasts a high level of durability when steeped, and leaves a clear and pleasant sensation in the throat after drinking. Do you know how to choose a good-tasting Pu'er tea?

How to Choose a Good-Tasting Pu'er Tea

1. Look at the Brand

When choosing Pu'er tea, it is still essential to focus on reputable brands. Branded teas provide strong guarantees in terms of production safety, tea quality, and after-sales service.

2. Examine the Appearance of the Pu'er Tea

In terms of appearance, there should be no white, yellow, or black mold, as this indicates incomplete fermentation, resulting in a musty odor. However, normal Pu'er tea may have a light grayish-white color. The tea should have a brown-red or dark lustrous appearance but should overall look oil-glossy.

3. Smell the Aroma of the Pu'er Tea

The aroma of tea can vary greatly. If we were to study the causes behind these variations, it would be a massive undertaking. For now, let's just consider the type of aroma present in new teas. New teas may carry a slight grassy scent or a faint wateriness, which is normal. However, if while tasting the tea, you detect subtle floral fragrances, the fresh scent of forest trees, or a subtle fruity sweetness like standing near a fruit stand, these are positive signs. Sometimes, the aroma might not be immediately noticeable upon smelling the tea infusion; instead, some new teas release their aromas upon consumption, where the upper palate perceives them. If these aromas are present, continue tasting to see if they persist with increased brewing time and infusions.

4. Observe the Color of the Infusion

When purchasing Pu'er tea, you can judge its quality based on the color of the infusion. High-quality Pu'er tea produces a transparent and bright infusion with an oily sheen on top. In contrast, inferior Pu'er tea yields a dark and murky infusion.

5. Taste the Flavor

A good Cup of Pu'er tea should not have a musty taste, nor should it leave a bitter or watery sensation in the mouth. High-quality Pu'er tea has a smooth mouthfeel and a rich, mellow flavor, accompanied by a sweet aftertaste and a sensation of saliva production at the base of the tongue. The flavor of Pu'er tea should be harmonious, smooth, sweet, and not overly stimulating, without lingering bitterness or astringency, offering a comfortable mouthfeel.

Ultimately, tea is meant to be drunk, so the taste is crucial. When evaluating the flavor, we primarily consider three aspects: mouthfeel, aftertaste, and throat comfort. High-quality Pu'er tea has a rich and mellow taste, a smooth mouthfeel, and a soothing, sweet aftertaste that stimulates saliva production at the base of the tongue. It provides a comforting and moist sensation in the throat, intertwined with a sweet aftertaste and aroma, which many people find appealing and fall in love with Pu'er tea because of. Conversely, lower-quality Pu'er teas have a bland taste, lack a smooth mouthfeel, and may even exhibit slight astringency or bitterness.