There are numerous brands, origins, and vintages of Pu'er Tea on the market, and the various packaging styles can be overwhelming. So, how do you choose the right Pu'er tea? Here are some tips and precautions:

Tips for Selecting Pu'er Tea

1. Avoid the misconception that older is always better.

“Age can only serve as a reference and should not be fully trusted,” says Yang Qingxian, Party Secretary of Menghai Tea Factory in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The production history of raw Pu'er tea spans several hundred years, but the first batch of ripe Pu'er tea processed through artificial fermentation (wo dui) was produced by the factory in 1973. “Therefore, most Pu'er ripe teas on the market that claim to be over 35 years old are likely fake.”

2. Beware of fraudulent packaging.

Consumers should pay attention to whether the price, age, and packaging of Pu'er tea are reasonable. For example, decades-old teas are now quite rare, yet there is an abundance available on the market. Red Seal tea is also very precious, but wholesale so-called “Red Seal” teas can be surprisingly cheap. “If the age, price, and packaging don't align logically or if the quoted price doesn't match market conditions, consumers should avoid buying them at a discount to prevent being scammed.”

3. Don't judge solely by the color depth of the infused tea.

Even after 50 or 100 years of proper storage in a clean and well-ventilated environment, the infusion of raw Pu'er tea will not turn black or murky. Instead, it should remain bright and clear with a golden hue turning to a date-red color. Therefore, if a seller claims that a darker infusion color indicates an older tea, do not believe them.

4. Avoid added flavors.

“The only flavor of raw Pu'er tea is camphor aroma, while aged Pu'er has a distinctive mature flavor and aroma. The best way to assess ripe Pu'er tea is to look for those with less fermentation and shorter blending and pressing times.” Yang Qingxian explains that if the tea has a musty or other unusual odors, it may have undergone mold growth or be of poor quality.

5. Avoid the misconception that older tree age and leaf type are always better.

Many consumers mistakenly assume that large leaves indicate wild-grown tea. Carefully examine the leaves; if they are large, flat, and thin, they are likely not from wild varieties but instead are commercially cultivated. Genuine wild-grown Pu'er tea from Yunnan does not receive fertilizers or pesticides, so consumers should not blindly trust the age and type of the tea leaves.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Buying Pu'er Tea?

The four key criteria are: Clear: Smell its aroma; it should be clean without any mixed odors. Pure: Observe its color; the tea liquor should resemble the color of dates, not black like lacquer. Properly Stored: Ensure it has been stored in a dry warehouse, not a damp environment. Right Flavor: Taste its infusion; it should have a mild taste without any mixed flavors. Avoid these six things: Incorrect labeling by age, reliance on fake packaging, using the color depth as an excuse, false addition of flavors, and judging based on tree age.