Pu'er Tea is divided into raw and ripened varieties. Raw tea has a more stimulating flavor, while ripened tea, after undergoing pile-fermentation, has a milder nature. When brewed, it produces a bright red infusion with a rich aroma and a smooth, full-bodied taste; suitable for general consumption. brewing ripened Pu'er tea to achieve a great taste isn't difficult; simply use boiling water to bring out its characteristics.

How to Brew Ripened Pu'er Tea for a Better Taste

1. Airing the tea: Break up the tea cake and place it in a clay or purple clay jar. Typically, about one week is enough. This step helps remove any unwanted flavors.

2. Warming the Teapot: Pour hot water over the inside and outside of a purple clay teapot. The purpose is two-fold: to eliminate stale odors and to reduce the temperature difference between the teapot and hot water, thus enhancing the tea's aroma. My purple clay teapot has a capacity of 150cc, which is enough for 2-3 people.

3. Preparing the tea leaves: Use 5-7 grams of ripened Pu'er tea. Add more for a stronger brew, or less for a lighter one.

4. Rinsing the tea: Pour boiling water (100°C) over the tea, using a high pour at first, then switching to a low pour when the water reaches two-thirds of the teapot's capacity. Let it steep for about 10 seconds before decanting. Discard this rinse water, but you can use it to water your tea pet or the teapot.

5. Brewing the tea: Refill the teapot with water and decant after about 5 seconds into a fair cup. For older teas, you can let it steep a bit longer. Note that all the tea should be poured out to avoid affecting the taste of the next infusion.

6. Subsequent infusions: Generally, ripened Pu'er tea can be brewed 8-10 times. Always use hot water and ensure the tea is fully decanted after each infusion.

The brewing process may need slight adjustments depending on the age and quality of the tea.

Brewing ripened Pu'er tea is simple. Pay attention to these brewing techniques and practice them, and you will surely produce a delicious infusion. Ripened Pu'er tea has a dark lustrous appearance with golden tips. Once brewed, the liquor is bright and clear, with a rich aroma and a smooth, full-bodied taste. The mouthfeel is substantial, and the infused leaves are uniform in color. Enjoying a cup of ripened tea is not just about its taste, but also about the interesting changes that occur during the brewing process.