Many people unfamiliar with Pu-erh tea wonder why it doesn't expire or spoil, despite being a beverage. Below, let's explore why Pu-erh tea doesn't expire.
Pu-erh tea is renowned for its characteristic of 'improving with age.' Some say that, in the traditional sense, tea doesn't have a shelf life, but it can absorb odors and moisture, leading to chemical changes that alter its flavor and cause it to spoil.
If stored properly, Pu-erh tea becomes more aromatic over time. However, you may notice an expiration date on the packaging, which is required by food regulations. Consumers need not pay attention to this when drinking Pu-erh tea. Additionally, if the tea has a musty smell, it's usually due to improper storage and should not be purchased.
New Pu-erh tea has a strong, intense flavor that may be too stimulating for those accustomed to high-mountain tea or aged Pu-erh. Older Pu-erh tea, having undergone prolonged oxidation, becomes gentler and less irritating. It promotes blood metabolism, doesn't upset the stomach, and is said to offer health benefits, such as boosting energy and vitality. The longer it's stored, the higher the oxidation level, and the mellower the tea's taste becomes.
Methods to identify the age of Pu-erh tea: Examine the tea leaves. Fresh Pu-erh tea has a bright appearance with white tips and a strong flavor. After prolonged oxidation, the leaves turn reddish-brown, and the white tips become yellowish-brown. Check the packaging paper: Aged compressed Pu-erh tea often has yellowed wrapping paper due to aging. You can assess the paper's texture and print color, but this is not an absolute indicator, as some dishonest sellers may use old packaging to pass off inferior products.
Understanding tea age: Generally, Pu-erh tea is categorized by era. Tea produced before 1949 is called antique tea, such as the century-old Songpin Hao, Tongxing Gongpin, Tongqing Hao, Tongchang Laohao, and Songpin Jinghao. These often contain a糯米 paper note inside the cake, known as a 'nei fei.'
Understanding Pu-erh tea age: Pricing and grade depend heavily on storage time. A single brick of Pu-erh tea can range from 100 to 1,000 yuan, largely due to the belief that it improves with age. Sellers often claim their products are 20, 30, or even 50–60 years old, driving prices sky-high. However, there's no reliable way to verify a tea's age, and improper storage can affect quality. The only way is to taste and compare.
Many wonder why Pu-erh tea doesn't expire or spoil, unlike common green tea or Tieguanyin, which have shelf lives. Instead, Pu-erh tea is celebrated for 'improving with age.' Some argue that traditional tea doesn't expire but can deteriorate due to absorbing odors and moisture, leading to chemical changes.
Does Pu-erh tea ever spoil? Let's explore.
If stored correctly, Pu-erh tea becomes more aromatic over time. While packaging may indicate an expiration date due to regulations, consumers need not worry. If the tea smells musty, it's likely due to improper storage and should be avoided.
New Pu-erh tea has a strong, intense flavor that may be too stimulating for regular drinkers. Aged Pu-erh tea, having undergone prolonged oxidation, is gentler, promotes metabolism, and doesn't irritate the stomach.
In summary, Pu-erh tea doesn't expire if stored properly. It's also believed to offer health benefits, such as boosting energy and vitality, with its flavor improving the longer it's stored.