Pu'er Tea is one of the oldest teas in China, with a history spanning hundreds of years. Its unique taste and Health benefits have made it a highly sought-after variety in the tea market. However, there are many different types and qualities of Pu'er tea available on the market, making it difficult to choose. How can you select high-quality Pu'er tea from such a wide selection?

How to Select Pu'er Tea

1. Appearance

The color of Pu'er tea cakes, whether they are new or aged, raw or ripe, should have a good luster. Therefore, high-quality Pu'er tea cakes will have a better luster on their surface, indicating better quality. The integrity, compactness, age, and size of the leaves can also be considered; older leaves tend to be larger, while younger leaves are finer.

2. Aroma

During the fermentation process, Pu'er tea develops a distinctive aged fragrance. This aroma is a composite scent formed by various chemical components under the influence of microorganisms and enzymes. It is similar to Osmanthus, jujube, betel nut, and other pleasant aromas, distinctly different from the smell of mold.

3. Liquor Color

When brewed, high-quality Pu'er tea produces a clear and bright liquor with an oily sheen on top. Inferior Pu'er tea will produce a dark and murky liquor. Raw Pu'er tea tends to be yellowish-green, while ripe Pu'er tea is deep red. Regardless, clarity is a characteristic shared by both types.

4. Taste

High-quality Pu'er tea has a rich and full-bodied flavor, a smooth mouthfeel, and a sweet aftertaste that hydrates the throat and stimulates saliva production at the base of the tongue. It gives a feeling of warmth and comfort in the throat, with the sweetness and aroma intertwining. Lower-quality Pu'er tea lacks depth in taste, lacks smoothness, and may even be astringent and slightly bitter.

5. Infusion Endurance

The higher the stability of the tea after brewing, the greater its endurance for multiple infusions.

6. Stability

The endurance of the tea can be further determined by the number of infusions it can withstand while still retaining its flavor. Another aspect of stability is the storage of the tea; high-quality tea improves with age, without developing any harshness, indicating high stability.

How to Choose the Right Pu'er Tea for You?

1. Raw Pu'er tea has a strong character and is effective at reducing greasy foods, but it can be stimulating to the stomach. It is suitable for those with good digestive function, who are slim, and have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Ripe Pu'er tea has a smooth and mellow flavor, is gentle on the stomach, warms the stomach, aids digestion, and promotes weight loss and beauty. It is suitable for all people.

2. Ripe Pu'er tea has a smooth and mellow taste and a gentle nature, with benefits including stomach care, protection, and warmth, as well as lowering cholesterol and aiding weight loss. It is particularly suitable for people with cold constitutions and weak stomachs, especially beneficial for the elderly and women during winter.

3. Older Pu'er teas do indeed offer better taste and a higher level of appreciation, but the range and quantity of aged teas on the market are very limited and expensive. Some unscrupulous traders produce fake aged teas to pursue profit, and it's difficult for ordinary consumers to distinguish them based on appearance alone. Therefore, don't blindly chase after aged teas; instead, seek advice and engage in more discussions or purchase from reputable sellers.

4. Price should reflect value, which is a fundamental law of economics. We should oppose both exorbitant pricing and deceptive practices, as well as the unfair competition of selling at low prices. Due to differences in aesthetic standards, consumption psychology, and value orientations, perceptions of the value of Pu'er tea vary widely, and it's difficult to define a specific price point. The most important thing is to buy Pu'er tea that you enjoy and suits your needs, based on the principle of voluntary and equal transactions.

5. Selecting good Pu'er tea is not something that can be achieved overnight; it requires time, effort, and knowledge. Here's a method for storing Pu'er tea: Pu'er tea should be stored in a “dry warehouse.” Storing it in a high-temperature and humid environment accelerates its maturation but can also cause it to develop mold. Additionally, keep it away from foods with strong odors to prevent the tea from absorbing unwanted flavors.