How do you choose Pu'er Tea? This question often leaves ordinary tea enthusiasts at a loss, as they generally feel that the Pu'er tea industry is complex and opaque. The reason for this is that, fundamentally, tea is an agricultural product without a standard price, making it difficult to accurately quantify the value of a specific tea with a precise number. So what aspects should we consider when selecting Pu'er tea?

Distinguishing Pu'er Tea by Appearance:

The appearance of loose Pu'er tea has a brownish-red color, commonly referred to as liver-colored, with plump and tightly bound leaves. The grading of loose Pu'er tea is based on tenderness, with higher tenderness corresponding to higher grades.

The tenderness of Pu'er tea can be measured by: more buds and visible downy hairs indicating higher tenderness; tightly bound and substantial leaves indicating higher tenderness; a lustrous and smooth color indicating better tenderness, while a dry and dull color indicates poorer tenderness.

Pressed Pu'er tea should have a uniform and well-proportioned shape, with neat edges and no missing corners. It should have consistent thickness, neither too loose nor too tight, clear mold patterns, and neatly bound leaves. Its color should range from dark brown, chestnut brown, to reddish-brown.

Distinguishing Pu'er Tea by Inner Quality:

The infusion of Pu'er tea should be bright and deep red, resembling red wine. A clear and deep red infusion indicates high-quality Pu'er tea. Deep red or chestnut brown infusions are normal, while yellow, orange, or dark and murky infusions indicate inferior quality.

The aroma of Pu'er tea primarily involves assessing its purity, distinguishing between mustiness and aged fragrance. The aged fragrance is a complex aroma produced during post-fermentation when various chemical components undergo transformations under the action of microorganisms and enzymes. Some may resemble the scent of longan, dates, or betel nuts. Mustiness, sourness, or other off odors and flavors are not normal.

The taste of Pu'er tea should be mellow, smooth, sweet, and not overly stimulating, without any bitterness, providing a comfortable mouthfeel.