Puer

Tea has a spiritual essence, and storage is the second life of Puer tea. The same cake of tea stored in different places or by different people will develop different flavors over time. In this sense, every Puer tea collector is a creator of the tea's production and quality. As long as you provide it with meticulous care and nurture, it will surely reward you with its vital strength and captivating aroma. To achieve the goal of Puer tea becoming “better with age,” attention must be paid to every detail. For general personal or household storage of Puer tea, avoiding light exposure, keeping the area cool, free from odors and pollution, ensuring proper ventilation, avoiding excessive moisture, and maintaining suitable temperatures are basic requirements. Taboo One for Storing Puer Tea: Avoid High Temperatures High temperatures can accelerate the degradation of chlorophyll in Puer tea, causing it to convert from fresh green to dark brown. The automatic oxidation of substances like polyphenols also accelerates at higher temperatures. According to research, for every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of browning in Puer tea accelerates, which can lead to aging and affect its quality. Taboo Two for Storing Puer Tea: Avoid Direct…

There is a preference for Puer tea that has always belonged to the Dragon Beads: It is the love for their delicate and compact size, It is the appreciation for their simplicity and portability, This has always been the case, never changing. There is a pursuit of Puer tea that has always belonged to the Dragon Beads: That is the delicacy crafted by hand alone, That is the ultimate pursuit of form, Persistently maintained, never abandoned. There is a wait for Puer tea that has always belonged to the Dragon Beads: It requires time to slowly release its essence, It requires the passage of time to gently unfold its fragrance, Silent companionship, waiting quietly for transformation. There is an extreme minimalism in Puer tea that has always belonged to the Dragon Beads: They no longer simply appear at home, They appear in the office or even on journeys, They can be enjoyed anywhere, without fuss. In this tumultuous world, there is a tranquility and peace that has always belonged to the time brought by Dragon Bead Puer tea. Each Dragon Bead is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, Each tasting session is a journey of self-reflection. It is not just a cup…

Modern people generally live in a state of sub-health, and the high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar, and high-oil modern delicacies have changed the lives of modern people. The reasons are usually explained as a fast-paced modern lifestyle, overuse of drugs, lack of exercise, excess nutrition, etc. Such explanations are too broad, and while discussing these issues, we need a more concrete approach to solving them. The "Human Microbiome Project" launched in 2007 provides such an approach – the human microbiome. The human body is actually a superorganism composed of human cells and a large group of microorganisms living together symbiotically, with human cells accounting for 10% of the total cell count in the superorganism and human genes making up 1% of the total gene count. It can be said that any slight change in the health status of the human body involves microorganisms. Over 90% of the human microbiome resides in the gut. Ensuring a reasonable structure of the gut microbiome ensures one's own health. Around 2020, scientific understanding of the gut microbiome made frequent breakthroughs. We can now re-explain many issues from the perspective of the gut microbiome. Did you know? Our gut microbiome is shrinking. What is the problem with…

First article: Representative Varieties and Three Aromatic Zones in the Yiwu Tea Area (click to read); Second article: Dongguan Warehouse, Kunming Warehouse, Hong Kong Warehouse, Flavors, White Frost, "Warehouse Manipulation" Issues (click to read); Third article: Storage Cycle Issues for Yiwu Green Bud Tea (click to read); Fourth article: Storing Puer, Pursue Famous Mountain Origins or Quality? Fifth article: Differences in Small Heap Fermentation, Large Heap Fermentation, and Tea Evolution Ripe Tea Techniques? The following is Part Four, focusing on storing Puer, pursuing famous mountain origins or quality? Shi Yun: I would like to express great appreciation for Teacher Li Yang's sharing. A young lady just now wanted to ask President Zheng and Teacher Li Yang about a conversion issue. Zhou Xin: Teacher, regarding storage, for example, Tianmen Mountain, does it mean that as long as its glycoside content is high, and the catechin and caffeine content is low, it suggests that it requires higher humidity? And Menghai tea, with higher catechin and caffeine content, has lower humidity requirements, only forming white frost when humidity exceeds 14%. This is the first time I've heard this, so I want to confirm if my understanding is correct. Zheng Shaohong: Indeed. For instance,…

When storing tea, attention should be paid to avoiding light exposure, moisture, odors, and high temperatures. Exposure to sunlight can cause chlorophyll in the leaves to fade, darkening the color of the tea, so care should be taken to avoid light; in damp places, tea is prone to mold, so attention should be given to moisture control; tea has a strong adsorption capacity and can easily absorb odors from other objects, altering its aroma, so care should be taken to avoid odors; additionally, high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of tea, so it's important to avoid high temperatures. What Influences Should Be Noted During the Storage of Tea? I. Green Tea Storage Method: Refrigerate. If you need to store for a short period and want to drink it at any time, place green tea in the refrigerator and set the temperature to around 5°C. If the tea is unopened and you want to preserve it for over a year, then store it in the freezer. Best Time to Drink: Within 1-2 months after opening, or within one year if unopened. Points to Note: 1. You can use quicklime to absorb moisture from the tea, package it in an aluminum composite…

Puer tea has the characteristic of becoming more fragrant with age, and its true value is best realized during post-fermentation transformation. This is why aged Puer teas are highly favored. What are the precautions for collecting Puer tea? Puer Tea Collection Precautions Firstly, some people blindly pursue Puer teas that are 30 to 50 years old, even seeking rare aromas like camphor or lotus. In reality, Puer teas over 20 years old are already quite scarce, and those over 30 to 40 years old are exceedingly rare. Some so-called "aged teas" sold on the market for hundreds of yuan are actually produced by merchants using teas that are only one to two years (or even a few months) old, compressed at a cost of just tens of yuan. Secondly, many believe that they can make substantial profits from collecting and aging Puer tea. However, there are significant challenges in personally collecting Puer tea at home. The aging process of Puer tea is influenced by factors such as time, temperature, air, humidity, and environment. Different storage environments and temperatures can result in significant differences in the quality of the tea. One characteristic of tea is its ability to absorb odors; therefore,…

Puer tea, as a gem in Chinese tea culture, is renowned for its unique fermentation process and aging potential. It is not just a beverage but also an embodiment of culture and art. However, faced with the plethora of Puer teas on the market, how do you choose one that suits you? This article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting Puer tea, helping you find the perfect match. Understanding Basic Knowledge About Puer Tea Before selecting Puer tea, it's essential to understand some basic knowledge about it. Puer tea is divided into two main categories: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou). Raw Puer tea, which has not undergone artificial fermentation, gradually transforms from astringent to sweet over time and has high collection value. Ripe Puer tea, on the other hand, undergoes artificial fermentation and has a mellow taste suitable for immediate consumption. Introduction to Puer Tea Puer tea belongs to the category of dark teas and originates from Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, named after its primary production area in Puer City. The production process of Puer tea is unique, involving withering, fixation, rolling, drying, and natural or artificial fermentation. The quality of Puer tea primarily depends on the…

Puer tea does indeed improve with age, primarily because the chemical components within the leaves undergo carbonization over time, significantly altering the taste. Once it has been aged for 15 to 20 years or more, the brewed tea becomes even more enjoyable. However, it is not recommended to store the tea indefinitely, as this can cause the loss of its nutritional components. Is Puer Tea Better with Age? The saying that Puer tea improves with age comes with conditions. Not all Puer teas benefit from extended storage. The longer aging process enhances the aroma and flavor, making the tea more complex and desirable. As a result, older Puer teas are often more expensive. However, there is an optimal period for aging, during which the unique qualities and aged aroma develop. This transformation is due to post-fermentation processes that occur in storage, where compounds like polyphenols, amino acids, and sugars change, leading to an ideal color and aroma. If stored improperly or for too long, the quality can deteriorate, and beneficial components may degrade or oxidize, losing the tea's characteristic flavors. Conditions for Puer Tea to Improve with Age 1. Good Raw Material Sunlight, soil, climate, and temperature fundamentally determine the…

As a post-fermented tea, Puer tea's rich internal components change over time. Many Puer tea enthusiasts store substantial quantities at home. How long Puer tea can be stored depends on its storage conditions; it could be as little as a few years or as much as several decades. When storing Puer tea, it is essential to note: 1. Avoid direct sunlight exposure, as it can impart an unpleasant sour taste. 2. Prevent any external water intrusion, as this can lead to too rapid maturation and possibly microbial fermentation, causing undesirable changes in quality. 3. Keep the tea away from any foreign odors that might taint its flavor. 4. Store single varieties together to avoid complicating the monitoring of their condition. 5. When removing tea for use, take enough for your needs to minimize disturbance and make it easier to monitor the tea's condition. Puer tea is a post-fermented tea that becomes more fragrant with age when stored under suitable conditions. However, those who have stored loose Puer tea for a while may notice that the originally enjoyable flavor changes over time, becoming bland or even acquiring off-flavors, failing to develop the characteristic of improving with age. This is because loose…

Yiwu is an indispensable place in the world of Pu'er tea, both in the past and present. A century ago, Yiwu was the distribution center for the ancient six major tea mountains, a source of tribute tea, and the birthplace of century-old teas that still exist today. After the comprehensive revival of Pu'er tea, Yiwu transformed from a withering border town into a must-contest location for Pu'er tea merchants and even a place of pilgrimage for many tea lovers. The status of Yiwu tea in the Pu'er tea realm remains highly sought after by tea enthusiasts. During the spring tea season, the ancient town of Yiwu is bustling with activity, reminiscent of the scene described in the Qing Dynasty's "Yunnan Sea Records": "Within an area of eight hundred li, ten thousand people enter the mountains to make tea." With the popularity of Yiwu tea, the living standards of the people in the ancient town have significantly improved. Since 2010, when the "Yiwu Tea Competition" is held every April, the ancient town becomes even more lively, attracting countless guests. The history of tea cultivation in Yiwu dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when ancient Pu people lived and grew tea there.…

The Puer tea harvest season begins in March and continues through to November. Generally, the spring Puer tea is harvested from mid-March to early May. The harvesting of ancient tree spring tea usually starts at the end of March, with full-scale harvesting beginning in early to mid-April. The timing may vary slightly each year based on temperature conditions. Typically, the best time for fresh leaf picking is about half an hour after sunrise, ideally between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, to avoid issues related to high moisture content in the leaves that could affect the withering and processing. The optimal seasons for tea picking are spring, summer, and autumn. Specifically, spring tea is picked from March to late April; summer tea is harvested from May to June (with very limited Puer tea being picked during this period in Yunnan); and autumn tea is gathered in September and October. There is also a distinction between the dry and rainy seasons, with the dry season spring tea being particularly prized due to its robust character before the rains come. "Spring tip" tea is considered especially favored by nature, with the first spring buds sprouting from February to March. Any tea picked from…

Puer Raw Tea Savoring Aroma, Freshness, and Terroir In the warm March of spring, in the deep forests of Yunnan, new shoots of large-leaf tea plants are sprouting, awaiting their annual rendezvous with tea pickers. For thousands of years, the leaves nurtured in these mountains have been making their way to the outside world, a journey eagerly anticipated by tea enthusiasts far and wide in search of that perfect cup of Puer. Much like the coffee industry, which spans from cultivation to processing, roasting, and extraction, every step in the production of Puer tea – from planting to processing, storage, and brewing – is guided by national standards. We spoke with various participants in the tea industry, including seasoned tea makers from the “State Factory Era,” tea merchants who deal with aged teas and export, native tea producers with a deep affection for pure single-origin teas, and companies striving for full traceability across the supply chain. We learned that finding a good cup of Puer often requires wisdom beyond the established standards. A Leaf, a Universe Zheng Jixiong, a senior engineer in tea manufacturing and a master tea maker of national renown in Puer tea, exudes an aura of scientific…

Puer raw tea is suitable for storage and has an increasing value. Puer tea, based on the differences in processing techniques, is divided into two categories: raw tea and ripe tea. Raw tea is made from Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea, which is steamed and pressed into shape. The finished product is rich and active in substances, and its quality improves over time, making it suitable for long-term storage. Ripe tea, on the other hand, undergoes fermentation and piling processes, resulting in stable tea quality that is ideal for daily consumption. Precautions for Collecting Puer Tea: 1. Blindly Pursuing "Age" and "Antiquity" Many collectors believe that the longer the vintage and the higher the price, the greater the collection value of Puer tea. They thus blindly pursue Puer aged teas from the 1960s and 1970s. However, Puer teas stored for two to three decades are already rare, while those stored for four to five decades or even longer are extremely scarce. Some so-called "aged cakes" sold for thousands of yuan are actually produced by unscrupulous manufacturers and merchants who exploit consumers' preference for age, deliberately presenting young teas as old ones with fake labels. The actual cost of such teas…

The sustained attention to health has long been one of the main themes in today's society and an important part of improving our quality of life. Seeking a healthier lifestyle has become a common consensus among many people. Among these, the role of tea is significant. The remarkable aspect of Puer tea is that soaking a few leaves in water creates a drink that can bring health benefits, with Puer tea standing out among them. When we delve into the microscopic world and examine the primary components of Puer tea, there are hidden wonders of health. Tea Polyphenols: The Main Forces that Can Attack and Defend Tea polyphenols are the general term for about 30 types of phenolic substances hidden in Puer tea, which is a major chemical component of the tea and one of the main sources of its color, aroma, and taste. In terms of health preservation, tea polyphenols also hold a dominant position, like a main force, helping us maintain the health of our bodies. Tea polyphenols have impressive fighting power and strong physiological activity, efficiently eliminating "free radicals" within the body. Free radicals are harmful substances produced during human respiration of oxygen, resulting from excessive oxidative…

A critically important chapter in the history of human civilization has been written by fragrances. Those invisible scents have established the closest and most mysterious connection between humans and nature. Humans, relying on this marvelous relationship, have experienced significant enhancement and progress in every aspect, from the material to the spiritual, from the sensory to the mental, from religion to politics, and from science to art. However, contemporary people, living in an extremely realistic yet virtual society, are constantly exposed to all kinds of informational "stimuli," making our inner space seem increasingly "powerful." Simultaneously, with our daily indulgence in flavorful foods and spicy drinks, our tastes seem to have become increasingly bold. Over time, many people have realized that their senses have regressed significantly, and there is a certain barrier between their sense of smell and fragrances… Nowadays, with the revival of Puer tea at the beginning of the new century, the era of Puer tea consumption is dawning, and identifying and appreciating its aroma has been elevated to unparalleled heights. Even in general tea evaluation, aroma alone accounts for 30% to 40% of the total score, demonstrating the crucial role and significance of smelling in the enjoyment of tea.…

Never keep the tea sealed all the time; airtight storage is fatal to the transformation of the tea. It's important to emphasize "sealed," but it also needs appropriate ventilation. For example, if the weather clears up after being sealed for some time, we can open the self-sealing bag to ventilate after one or two clear days, and then seal it again after 7-8 hours. Once the rainy season has passed and humidity decreases, we can open the self-sealing bag and store the tea naturally. Puer tea must not be stored airtight all the time. Puer tea cannot be stored airtight, and the warehouse where the tea is stored needs appropriate ventilation. It's essential to keep the room clean and not to store the tea with other objects that have a strong smell, as Puer tea is highly absorbent and can easily pick up odors over time. The best way to store Puer tea is in a purple clay jar, not in airtight glass containers. The method of storing Puer tea is simple: just place the tea in a cool, ventilated area without any strange smells. Generally, avoid direct sunlight, do not store it in the refrigerator, do not place it…

Puer tea does not need to be stored in the fridge, as the high humidity and low temperature within a fridge, along with its sealed environment, make it more susceptible to dampness and odor absorption, which is detrimental to enzymatic activity. Puer tea is a post-fermentation tea that improves with age under proper storage conditions. Puer Tea: Should It Be Stored in the Fridge? Puer tea does not need to be stored in the fridge, as the high humidity and low temperature within a fridge, along with its sealed environment, make it more susceptible to dampness and odor absorption, which is detrimental to enzymatic activity. Furthermore, puer tea is a post-fermentation tea that requires air and temperature for its substance conversion. Therefore, under normal circumstances, storing it at room temperature, in a well-ventilated and dry environment is sufficient. What Types of Tea Need to Be Stored in the Fridge? Green tea, floral teas, yellow tea, and lightly fragrant oolong tea should be refrigerated. These types of tea undergo minimal or no fermentation, making their internal substances highly reactive to oxygen and environmental factors. Storing them in the fridge helps isolate them from external influences and maintains their stability. However, when…

Ripe tea, due to its artificial heap fermentation process, has its regional characteristics of the raw sun-dried Mao Cha raw materials weakened. Its quality features are not as pronounced as raw tea, which makes it difficult for many people to know how to select ripe tea. However, if you remember the following three points, selecting good ripe tea can be quite traceable. ① Do Not Buy Excessive Loose Leaf Ripe Tea Although loose leaf tea is convenient to drink, it has a significant flaw: no matter how you store it, the tea will lose its flavor very quickly and gradually lose its ability to transform, becoming increasingly bland. This applies equally to both ripe and raw teas. If you only plan to consume it in the short term, it is recommended to purchase loose leaf tea in moderation, buying it as you need it to ensure the best tasting experience. For storage purposes, compressed cakes, bricks, and tuos are the optimal choices. ② Choose Tea Based on Appearance Raw tea is judged by its twisted leaves, while ripe tea is evaluated by its appearance. When opening ripe tea, whether in brick or cake form, pay attention to the ratio of…

Puer Tea · Storage If starting to drink Puer tea and incorporating it as an essential part of daily drinking habits marks the beginning of understanding Puer tea, then with the deepening of our affection for Puer tea, we cannot avoid facing the issue of Puer tea storage. This is because the concept of "the older, the more fragrant" always tantalizes the hearts of tea enthusiasts, and the allure of aged teas in the legends of the Puer tea world is mysteriously enchanting. In the eyes of experienced tea expert Mr. Huang Gang, "Puer tea storage is the key to understanding Puer tea." This detailed long article aims to answer questions such as "What is the 'storage' of Puer tea? What is good 'storage'? For Puer tea enthusiasts, solving this problem can save them from taking many detours in their journey to understand Puer tea. How do we understand the "storage" of Puer tea? Puer tea is a post-fermented tea, and both raw and ripe teas go through a process of storage and aging after being pressed into shape (even if they are loose). Therefore, we can say that the "storage" of Puer tea is produced during the later stages…

Previously, I often saw mentions of the term "uniform material inside and out" in Puer tea reviews. I thought that was what "pure material" meant. Later, I learned that "uniform material" and "pure material" are not the same thing.The term "uniform material" refers to using the same quality of material inside and outside a tea product. This is typically used to describe compressed Puer teas such as cakes, bricks, and tuos. In contrast to "uniform material," there is "top-dressing," where many merchants sprinkle a higher-grade tea on the surface of cakes or bricks to make them look better. The inner part of the tea may use a slightly lower grade of material. Of course, a top-dressed Puer tea doesn't necessarily mean it's of inferior quality; however, a "uniform material" tea will generally have a more consistent taste. As for the concept of "pure material," opinions vary widely within the industry, and there is no definitive definition yet. If we were to categorize the different schools of thought, they might fall into the following categories: 1. **Ancient Tree Tea School**. Any raw material sourced from ancient Puer tea trees, regardless of origin, batch, or season, is considered pure material. 2. **Village…

The brewing method for Puer ripe tea is as follows: Arousal of the Tea: Store the separated Puer ripe tea in a purple clay jar for a week, or rinse an appropriate amount of tea leaves with boiling water. Warm the Bowl: Prepare a white porcelain lidded bowl and scald it with hot water to increase the temperature of the cup walls. Brewing the Tea: Boil some water and pour it over the bowl along the walls with a fast and forceful stream; switch to a pinpoint pour when the water reaches half the capacity of the lidded bowl. Is it good to brew Puer ripe tea with boiling water? Puer ripe tea is best brewed with boiling water. Puer tea is a heavily fermented tea that improves with age, having a stable internal quality that is not easily released. If the water temperature is too low, it can lead to incomplete release of aromatic compounds and nutrients, resulting in a less flavorful and aromatic infusion. Furthermore, Puer tea is often compressed, and without boiling water, it would be difficult to fully open up the tea and remove any unwanted flavors and stale notes, leading to a more off-flavored experience…

Tea is a healthy beverage, with many types offering diuretic, antioxidant, invigorating, digestive, and lipid-lowering and blood pressure-reducing effects. However, most people may not know that due to differences in the varieties harvested and processing methods, there are some subtle differences in the internal components of the six types of tea. This makes them each have their own focus in terms of health benefits. So, from a health perspective, the best approach is to choose the tea that suits your body's needs. How do you make the right choice? Which of the six types of tea is best suited for you? Green Tea: Excellent for Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects Green tea, made from fine tender leaves, is completely unfermented, preserving the freshness and natural substances of the leaves to the greatest extent possible. Nutrients such as catechins, vitamins, amino acids, and polyphenols are also retained in greater quantities. Therefore, green tea has significantly better effects in terms of antioxidant, anti-aging, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties compared to other teas. Black Tea: Warming and Digestive-Promoting Black tea is a fully fermented tea, during which chemical reactions occur, producing components such as theaflavins and thearubigins, which largely determine the color, flavor, and aroma…

When it comes to Puer tea, most people's first impression is a round "cake." The birth of the tea cake was originally for the convenience of transportation and storage. Now, considering the aging characteristics of Puer tea itself, the cake tea remains the most classic and aesthetically pleasing style. Puer can be divided into two major categories: raw tea and ripe tea. Raw tea is made from fresh leaves that are withered, rolled, and then dried as loose tea. If further compressed into cakes or bricks, it becomes compressed raw tea, which has not undergone the process of wet-piling fermentation. Raw Puer tea has a more intense character and can be quite stimulating, with a strong bitterness in newly produced or recently aged teas. The infusion color is lighter or yellowish-green, making it less suitable for immediate consumption. Ripe Puer tea is tea that has undergone wet-piling fermentation, meaning the full fermentation process occurs during its production. Therefore, after being made, there is much less room for transformation compared to raw Puer tea. The long-term storage of ripe tea is primarily to dissipate the "fiery" and drying sensation caused by the wet-piling process, as well as any miscellaneous flavors or…

Spring brings warmth, and all things come back to life. After a winter of dormancy, tea trees sprout fresh green buds, and spring tea takes center stage. However, newly harvested tea still carries some "fiery" and "green" flavors, making it slightly astringent. If the new tea is left for a period to naturally age, its taste will become even more delightful. For Puer tea, which is renowned for getting better with age, the storage process is crucial as long as the raw materials and production methods are sound. Storage Methods for Puer Spring Tea Maintain Dryness: Puer spring tea should be stored in a dry environment to avoid dampness. Desiccants or dehumidifiers can be used to absorb moisture from the air. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Puer spring tea should be kept in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the loss of nutrients in the tea, affecting its quality and taste. Sealed Storage: Puer spring tea should be stored in sealed containers to prevent air exposure. Sealed bags or jars can be used to store the tea. Avoid Odd Odors: Puer spring tea should be stored in a clean area free from any odors. Use sealed bags…