Pu-erh tea is a well-known variety in our daily lives, and its price is influenced by many factors. Do you know what they are? The longer Pu-erh tea is stored, the better its flavor becomes. So, what are the proper storage methods for Pu-erh tea? And how should it be brewed? Below, we will introduce these aspects in detail.
Pu-erh Tea Price
Geographical Origin of Raw Materials
One critical factor affecting Pu-erh tea's price is the geographical origin of its raw materials. Since ancient times, tea leaves from the古六大茶山 (Six Famous Tea Mountains) have been highly favored by consumers. Today, leaves from regions like班章,景迈, and千家寨 in普洱市镇沅县 are also highly sought after. Next are tea materials from原思茅,普洱,江城, and临沧, with prices generally similar. In summary: Pu-erh products made from西双版纳 (Xishuangbanna) tea leaves command higher prices, followed by those from原思茅 (now普洱市), while临沧 region teas are relatively more affordable.
Grade of Tea Leaves
For loose Pu-erh tea, it is generally classified into 12 grades, with grades 1 to 10 being premium. For compressed Pu-erh (cakes, tuos, bricks, melons, human-head shapes, pillars, etc.), the general rule for material selection is: cake tea is superior to melon-shaped tea and tuo tea, followed by brick tea (though this is a general trend and not absolute). Higher-grade materials lead to higher prices.
Historical Significance of the Product
In every dynasty of China, there have been local specialties, commemorative items, collectibles, and limited-edition teas. Under the premise of ensuring quality, these products often carry historical significance and are produced in limited quantities, justifying their higher prices.
Storage Method After Production
Pu-erh tea storage is divided into dry and humid仓储 (storage). Pure dry仓储 preserves the tea's natural qualities but results in very slow aging (natural fermentation). Humid仓储 artificially controls humidity and temperature to accelerate aging (which largely compromises the tea's authenticity). Thus, dry-stored Pu-erh tea naturally commands higher prices.
Aging Duration After Production
The longer the aging period, the higher the price. The geographical location of storage also matters due to varying climates, such as humidity and temperature differences. Regions with higher humidity and temperature resemble humid仓储, meaning Pu-erh stored in such conditions tends to be priced lower.
Additional Value
Pu-erh tea's unique characteristic of improving with age makes it a collectible. Over time, fermentation produces more beneficial compounds, setting Pu-erh apart from other teas. This has made it increasingly popular among collectors.
This year's new tea has one price, but in 5 or 10 years, it will be another. Ultimately, a tea's price does not always reflect its value. How to measure the value of a Pu-erh cake? While it may seem elusive, the market will naturally determine its price.
Craftsmanship Value
Craftsmanship is crucial. A significant part of Pu-erh's aging value lies in blending, which requires technical expertise and high barriers. Similarly,熟茶 (ripe Pu-erh) fermentation demands advanced skills, explaining why some major brands dominate the industry—their techniques are hard to replicate.