Awakening the Tea refers to the process of reviving dormant or temporarily sealed-off tea leaves by bringing them into contact with air and moisture, which stimulates their internal substances and reinvigorates the inherent vitality of the tea.

The purpose of awakening the tea is primarily to facilitate the brewing process, releasing its aroma and enhancing its taste.

Many people have the habit of Drinking Tea immediately after opening it. However, for teas like Pu'er, especially aged Pu'er that has been stored for years, drinking it straight away often results in an unpleasant taste or a sensation of dryness in the throat. For experienced tea drinkers, the process of awakening the tea is well-known and practiced regularly.

Most Pu'er teas, and even some other types of tea, benefit greatly from being removed from their sealed containers and placed in a breathable clay jar for a period of time after opening. Different types of tea may require different awakening periods.

The Process of Awakening Tea Can Be Divided into Dry Awakening and Wet Awakening

Dry awakening involves removing Pu'er tea from its storage container and storing it in a different manner for 1-3 months, allowing any off-flavors to dissipate and the tea's essence to disperse.

Wet awakening refers to discarding the first infusion of tea, which raises the temperature of the leaves and allows them to fully expand, resulting in a better presentation of the tea's flavors. Some people refer to this first infusion as “washing the tea,” but calling it “moistening” or “awakening” the tea is more accurate.

Why Awaken the Tea?

In simple terms, long-term storage or a temporary lack of vitality in the tea can be overcome by awakening the tea, which quickly activates its internal qualities, allowing its flavors to be better expressed, making it more enjoyable to drink.

For raw Pu'er, after long storage, it needs time for any off-flavors to dissipate and for its aroma to become lively, so its full-bodied character can unfold. For ripe Pu'er, the mustiness produced during the pile-fermentation process can be unappealing, and if stored in packaging, it can feel somewhat “stifled” when opened and brewed immediately.

Even the Best Storage Requires Awakening the Tea.>

Pure dry storage is an ideal scenario. Proper humidity control during the storage of Pu'er tea is essential, with avoiding dampness being the baseline. Dry awakening involves changing the storage method of the tea before drinking. When the tea is awakened properly, its taste quality can improve significantly.