Pu-erh is mainly divided into ripe Pu-erh and raw Pu-erh based on processing. Ripe Pu-erh has a high fermentation degree and is warm in nature. Raw Pu-erh has a low fermentation degree; new raw tea is cooling in nature, but as it ages, it naturally ferments, increasing in fermentation level and becoming milder.

Generally, drinking raw Pu-erh in hot summer can reduce internal heat. However, people with a cold constitution should be cautious. In colder winters, drinking ripe Pu-erh can warm the stomach.

Identification of Ripe Pu-erh Tea

Taking imperial-grade ripe tea as an example.

1. Soup color: Bright, deep red, reddish-brown

A deep red, translucent soup indicates high-quality Pu-erh tea, like a glass of red wine; deep red or reddish-brown soup colors are normal. Dull red, dark, and turbid soups are of poor quality.

2. Aroma: Distinguishing musty smell from aged fragrance

Musty smell is a spoiled odor that is unpleasant. Aged fragrance is a comprehensive aroma formed during the post-fermentation process of Pu-erh tea, where various chemical components interact with microorganisms and enzymes to produce new substances. Some aromas resemble longan, jujube, or betel nut—all pleasant scents.

The highest level of Pu-erh tea aroma is what we often call the aged charm of Pu-erh. Therefore, aged fragrance is different from musty smell. If there is a musty smell, sourness, or other abnormal odors, it is not normal.

3. Taste: Mellow, smooth, sweet

The taste of Pu-erh tea should be mellow, smooth, and sweet, meaning it is not strongly stimulating, has no astringency, and feels very comfortable.

Sweet aftertaste refers to a strong tea soup that is not overly stimulating, with a明显的 sweet taste felt at the back of the tongue after drinking.

Identification of Raw Pu-erh Tea

1. Dry tea: Bluish-black

Authentic raw Pu-erh dry tea should be bluish-black with yellow-white buds. With aging, the bluish-black turns red or brown, and the yellow-white buds become golden buds. The strips should mostly be spindle-shaped, with few flakes.

If you see any green or隐含 green color on the tea surface, be cautious—it may not be Pu-erh tea or not sun-dried green tea.

2. Tea soup: Light yellow, yellow

The tea soup should be light yellow, yellow, or amber yellow, with a warm tone.

If you see any green or cool tones, be cautious.

3. Brewed leaves: Yellow-green, dark green

Raw Pu-erh brewed leaves are mainly yellow-green or dark green, highly active, flexible, and elastic. Leaves without杂色, well-shaped, and remaining intact after brewing indicate good tea.

If most of the brewed leaves cannot unfold, showing multiple folds like an accordion or curled edges, it is likely not good tea.

Shopkeeper's Message

When it comes to tea, the most important thing is to rely on your own tongue to decide. No matter how eloquently others speak, if you find it tasty, it is tasty; if not, it is not.

There is no need to judge others' tastes. As for so-called benchmark teas, they are mostly just忽悠人的. When a group of tea friends drinks together often, who needs a benchmark?