1. Techniques for Drinking Pu-erh Tea

Evaluating Pu-erh tea should focus on three aspects:

First, make proper use of the tongue;

Second, control the "tasting temperature" of the tea infusion;

Third, avoid consuming stimulating foods before tasting.

The human taste organ—the tongue—has taste buds in different areas that sense different flavors. The tip of the tongue primarily detects the "sweetness" of tea leaves; the front sides of the tongue evaluate the mellowness; the back sides judge whether the Pu-erh tea tastes "sour"; the center of the tongue senses the "astringency"; and the base of the tongue perceives the "bitterness." Since different parts of the tongue detect different flavors, when tasting Pu-erh tea, let the infusion roll around the tongue to fully experience its complexity.

The ideal temperature for tasting Pu-erh tea is around 50°C. If the infusion is too hot, the taste buds may become numb from the heat, affecting the evaluation. If it's too cold, the flavors may become unbalanced, reducing accuracy.

Before tasting Pu-erh tea, avoid strongly flavored foods like spices, garlic, alcohol, or sweets to maintain sensitivity in taste and smell.

 

 

2. How to Examine the Tea Leaves

The brewed tea leaves (the "wet leaves") reveal the true quality of the tea.

Assessing the leaves involves smelling the aroma and visually inspecting their tenderness, uniformity, color, and expansion, as well as checking for impurities.

To evaluate, pour the brewed leaves onto a dedicated tray (or a flat surface like a lid), ensuring all fragments are included. Spread and press them evenly to observe their texture, color, and consistency.

 

 

3. How to Judge Raw Pu-erh Tea's Infusion Color

Common infusion colors for raw Pu-erh tea include:

Bright Green: A clear, vibrant green with a hint of yellow, typical of spring tea. Over time, this color transitions to an apricot-yellow hue.

Yellow-Green: A greenish-yellow infusion, often found in high-quality sun-dried tea. This color is common in spring tea processed with timely rolling and drying.

Green-Yellow: More yellow than green, resembling "light yellow." This is typical of tea harvested between Qingming and Guyu (solar terms), sometimes accompanied by a "grassy" or "stuffy" aroma.

Pale Yellow: A light yellow, indicating lower-quality sun-dried tea.

Orange-Yellow: A reddish-yellow infusion, resembling orange. In new tea, this may indicate uneven processing or low-temperature fixation, often with a "red tea" aroma or astringency. Aged raw tea (3-5 years) also shows this color but with higher clarity.

Dark Yellow: A dull, deep yellow without brightness. In new tea, this may result from delayed drying. Aged tea with this color will still have good clarity.

Red Infusion: In aged tea, a clear, translucent red infusion is rare and highly prized.

 

 

4. How to Judge Ripe Pu-erh Tea's Infusion Color

Common infusion colors for ripe Pu-erh tea include:

Vivid Red: A bright red but lacking clarity, indicating lighter fermentation. The wet leaves may appear dark red with green undertones, and the taste can be bitter.

Red and Bright: A transparent red with good clarity. The wet leaves are dark red with a yellowish tint, and the flavor is robust.

Red and Thick: A deep red, almost black, with low brightness. The wet leaves are reddish-brown and soft, with a mellow taste.

Reddish-Brown: A thick red with purple-black undertones, even and bright. The wet leaves are brownish but firm, with a smooth flavor.

Brown: A dark, purplish-red infusion with clarity. The wet leaves are dark brown and hard, with a balanced taste.

Dark Brown: A deep black infusion with clarity. The wet leaves are dark brown and stiff, with a mellow flavor.

Yellow-White: A nearly colorless, faint yellow infusion. The wet leaves are black, brittle, and "charcoal-like," indicating over-fermentation ("burnt core") and a flat taste.

 

 

The "Nature" of Pu-erh Tea

1. Pu-erh tea is gentle on the stomach, making it suitable for modern lifestyles marked by stress and irregular eating habits.

2. Pu-erh tea is a scientifically supported health drink. Its cancer-preventing and health-boosting properties have attracted many enthusiasts, especially those seeking weight loss benefits.

3. Pu-erh tea is easy to brew and forgiving of steeping time. Well-aged Pu-erh is smooth, non-astringent, and rich in flavor.

4. Pu-erh tea is a "living organism" that undergoes continuous post-fermentation (aging). Its flavor evolves over decades, making each stage unique. Tea drinkers and collectors play a role in its maturation, as the tea's transformation can span nearly a century.

Related: The Health Benefits of Golden Flower Pu-erh Tea