For those who enjoy Pu-erh tea or wish to try it, knowing how to select high-quality tea at a reasonable price can be a delightful experience. However, this is challenging due to the lack of standardized pricing for Pu-erh tea.
Here are a few personal suggestions:
1. Prioritize large-tree tea, consume rationally, and avoid overpaying for famous mountain teas or single-tree varieties.
Pu-erh tea made from large-tree leaves offers a taste and texture unmatched by terrace tea. If you're buying for personal consumption, opt for large-tree tea.
Pu-erh tea is a product best purchased after tasting. To find good value, you must taste it first.
Authentic large-tree Pu-erh tea cakes typically have more white buds on the surface, a thick and dense texture, and a noticeable aroma when lightly sniffed. The edges of the cake should also feel thick, with visible pores or gaps. The tea should have a fragrant, mild flavor with minimal bitterness, remaining smooth even after multiple infusions. The leaves should appear plump and robust. Non-famous mountain large-tree tea usually costs between 500-1000 RMB per cake, depending on quality and origin. In general, Pu-erh tea priced above 500 RMB is of high quality.
2. Terrace tea
Some terrace teas are of good quality, depending on personal preference.
However, terrace tea is generally less expensive. The leaves are thinner, and the flavor tends to be more bitter and astringent, with a strong刺激性 in the mouth. The aroma is less pronounced, and the leaves are smaller.
Terrace tea usually costs under 200 RMB per cake. Tea priced above 200 RMB is either pure large-tree tea or a blend of large-tree tea.
Additionally, you can select Pu-erh tea based on the "Four Principles":
1. Clear Aroma
Regardless of the tea's age, quality, shape, or price, the first step is to smell it. Aged Pu-erh tea should have a mature aroma but no musty smell, which indicates poor storage conditions.
2. Pure Color
Before brewing, ensure the tea has no off-odors. When brewed, properly stored Pu-erh tea, even after decades, should not turn black or develop strange flavors.
3. Proper Storage
Pu-erh tea should be stored in a clean, well-ventilated environment. Avoid tea stored near garbage, kitchens, sewage, toilets, or polluted areas.
4. Authentic Taste
Tea easily absorbs surrounding odors. The brewed tea's aroma can reveal its storage conditions and aging time. Any off-odors or杂味 indicate poor storage.
In summary, the four principles are: "clear, pure, proper, and authentic." If the tea smells clean, brews into a reddish-brown liquor, and has no off-flavors, it's safe to enjoy.