Simply put, ripe Pu-erh undergoes an additional artificial pile-fermentation process compared to raw Pu-erh. Therefore, raw tea (especially when new) is somewhat similar in character to green tea, being relatively fresh and brisk. Ripe Pu-erh is milder with a distinctive aged aroma. Ripe tea is suitable for drinking now, warming the stomach and nourishing vitality in winter. Raw tea can be collected and aged. Good aged raw tea will appreciate in value.

Additionally, you can choose based on your physical condition:

Raw tea: Can cleanse the intestines, has lipid-lowering, refreshing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, reduces tobacco and heavy metal toxicity, offers anti-radiation benefits, and helps lower blood pressure and aid weight loss. It is suitable for younger people. However, as raw tea contains more active components, it is not recommended for those prone to insomnia, individuals with fever or colds, gastric ulcer patients, or pregnant women.

Ripe tea can lower lipids and blood pressure, prevent arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, has anti-aging properties, prevents constipation, acts as a diuretic, and nourishes the stomach. It is more suitable for middle-aged and elderly people, as well as those with a cold stomach. Given the modern lifestyle of stress and pressure, prevalent stomach issues, generally weaker qi and blood, and irregular eating habits, green tea or other lightly fermented teas might be "too light" for tea lovers. In contrast, ripe Pu-erh tea has the effect of nourishing the stomach and qi, making it suitable for consumption.

There is no special distinction in brewing methods, but it is important to pay attention to the timing when brewing ripe Pu-erh. If brewed for too long, it can become as dark as soy sauce, significantly altering its color and taste, turning bitter and losing the true flavor of Pu-erh. It should be poured into a fairness cup when the liquor becomes a rich, bright red color.

Pu-erh tea (raw tea) is a compressed tea made from fresh leaves of the Yunnan large-leaf tea tree variety grown under environmental conditions suitable for Pu-erh production. The process includes fixation, rolling, sun-drying, and steam-pressing. Its quality characteristics are: dark green appearance, pure and lasting aroma, rich and sweet aftertaste, clear yellow-green liquor, and thick, yellow-green leaves.

Pu-erh tea (ripe tea) is made from sun-dried green tea of the Yunnan large-leaf variety, produced under suitable Pu-erh environmental conditions, using specific techniques and undergoing post-fermentation (either rapid or slow) to form loose tea or compressed tea. Its quality characteristics are: reddish-brown appearance, bright red and thick liquor, unique aged aroma, mellow and sweet taste, and reddish-brown leaves.