Pu'er Tea is different from other types of tea; it can have an extended shelf life when stored in a dry, ventilated area free from strong odors. Its characteristic of becoming more fragrant with age adds a touch of mystery. How can one determine the age of Pu'er tea without prior knowledge?

Age Identification for Fermented (Ripe) Pu'er:

1-5 years: The tea infusion is unclear, and unstable miscellaneous flavors and fermentation scents are noticeable. If the fermentation technique is mature and the tea quality is good, the fermentation scent will be relatively lighter;

5-15 years: Changes are relatively stable, and each year you can feel an increase in smoothness and sweetness in the tea. The infusion begins to become clear and bright;

After 15 years: There is a noticeable feeling of thoroughness and comfort in the body, a distinct warmth in the stomach, and an overall sense of well-being.

Age Identification for Unfermented (Raw) Pu'er:

1-3 years: A distinct aroma is present, and the infusion is yellow-green. In the third year, there might still be a reversion to green, with a grassy taste;

4-10 years: A honey-like fragrance appears, the infusion becomes light yellow, and the tea begins to soften. The bitterness decreases, and the infusion becomes richer;

10-20 years: From the tenth year onward, changes become intense, and the taste can be unstable, even developing miscellaneous flavors. Then, a faint medicinal scent appears. Once it stabilizes, the thickness of the infusion noticeably increases. The bitterness is mostly gone, and the infusion turns red but may still show some brownish-yellow, which is different from the wine-red of fermented Pu'er. Although the raw character has diminished, it retains its raw tea essence, distinctly different from fermented Pu'er;

Over 20-30 years: At this stage, the infusion is red, the taste is mellow, and the aura of old tea can induce sweating and a sense of relaxation and warmth. Even after so many years, the raw character remains intact.

The identification of age must be based on clean and natural storage conditions. Under different storage conditions, the aging process and speed may vary slightly. Regardless of the age, the tea leaves should be soft and elastic, and the infusion should be moist. If the infusion is red but rigid, one must carefully evaluate both the infusion and the tea leaves because there is a possibility of age fraud.

Identifying the Age of Old Pu'er Tea:

The first step in identifying old tea is to examine the packaging and external characteristics. Due to historical reasons, old tea packaging varies by era, including the tea barrels, wrapping paper, inner flyers, and tickets. Differences exist in the paper used, printing layout, ink, and packaging techniques.

The shape, form, diameter, and thickness of Compressed tea also vary. These are necessary conditions for identifying the tea product. While external characteristics can be imitated, the essence of old tea that has been aged over a long period cannot be replicated or faked.