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People often like to add other ingredients when drinking tea to adjust its flavor. Some foods can stimulate the tea, making its aroma more intense, while others can enhance the tea's health benefits. What is the best thing to pair with Pu'er tea? It depends on your goal. If you want to cleanse your digestive system, you can pair it with honey. If you're looking for beauty benefits, rose flowers are a good choice. The Chinese approach to tea consumption has never been limited to plain drinking. On the contrary, there are many ingredients that complement tea well and can be excellent for adjusting flavors and promoting health, even for Pu'er tea, which is often associated with plain drinking. The people of Yunnan have their own unique additions to this tea. Combinations for Drinking Pu'er Tea 1. Pu'er Ripened Tea with Honey Ripened Pu'er tea can be enjoyed with honey, making the brewed tea sweet but not cloying, with an improved taste and higher nutritional value. To prepare, place ripened Pu'er tea in a clean teaware, pour boiling water over it, and steep. Once steeped, transfer the tea to a cup, let it cool slightly, then stir in an appropriate…

Qimen black tea, abbreviated as "Qihong," is one of China's top ten traditional teas and one of the world's three most fragrant black teas. It is named after Qimen County in Anhui Province. Qimen black tea was successfully created in the first year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1875). Upon its introduction, it gained a reputation both domestically and internationally for its unique quality. Traditionally, Qimen black tea was made by hand, with quality largely depending on manual skill, hence why it is also known as "Qimen Gongfu." The tea-making skills for Qimen black tea are divided into preliminary processing and finishing. Preliminary processing includes withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying; while finishing includes sieving, cutting, winnowing, sorting, blending, re-drying, and leveling. Withering Rolling Fermentation Drying The characteristics of Qimen black tea include a fine and slender appearance, good tip formation, and a lustrous dark color; a bright red liquor; a rich fragrance with floral and fruity notes; a smooth and sweet taste; and a uniform, tender, and soft leaf base. Qimen black tea particularly emphasizes tenderness and the tightness of the tea leaves. Defective qualities include hollow and loose texture, dull gray color, pale liquor, rough aroma,…

Today, Bingdao tea has become a calling card for the Mengku tea region and even the entire Lincang tea area. Under the influence of Bingdao's famous teas, villages like Dongguo, Xiaohusai, Dijie, Molie, and Zhengqitang, among others, are increasingly recognized. The value of tea, ecology, and geography in the Mengku tea region continues to be discovered and showcased. This feature article will delve into the people and teas that have prospered due to Bingdao. Mengku's Eighteen Villages To understand the Mengku tea region, start with "two mountains flanking a river." The two mountains are Ma'anshan and Bangma Mountain, both running north to south. Between them lies the river known locally as the Mengku River or the Nanmeng River. On this river stands the Nanding Reservoir, now also called "Bingdao Lake." The entire Mengku tea region is divided by the Nanmeng River, leading us to focus on the East Half Mountain and West Half Mountain of Mengku. Geographically, the people of Mengku traditionally use the Nanmeng River as a boundary, referring to the eastern Ma'anshan as the East Half Mountain and the western Bangma Mountain as the West Half Mountain. Many visitors initially struggle with orientation, leading to practical sayings like…

In the "world" of Pu'er tea, 8582 is like a reclusive master with unparalleled skills—his name is well-known, yet few have seen his true form. But whenever he appears, he commands attention, and those in the know can recognize him at first glance, thanks to his unique mark—the "Purple Heaven." Both 8582 and its sibling 8592 were born in 1985. Among Yunnan Seven Sons cakes, they stand out. While both hail from Menghai Tea Factory, they are exclusively custom-made for a Hong Kong-based trader—Nantian Trading Company. Because the purple "Heaven" character was stamped on their wrapping paper, a practice unprecedented at the time, these teas are commonly known as "Purple Heaven Cakes." The Purple Heaven Cakes now sell for over 100,000 RMB per cake, and various accounts related to them abound, often leaving people unsure of what to believe. Recently, our editorial team interviewed Chang Jinqiang, the former manager of the Specialized Tea Department at Yunnan Provincial Tea Import and Export Corporation, who witnessed the birth and export of 8582 and 8592 to Hong Kong. He shared stories about the legendary history of these Purple Heaven Cakes. The Beginnings and Endings of 8582/8592 Image The birth of the Purple Heaven…

Good Pu'er ripened tea has a brownish-red color, resembling the color of pig liver, with robust and tightly bound leaves. When smelling it, there are subtle scents of longan, rose, camphor, jujube, and a unique aged aroma. Let's use Pu'er loose tea as an example for introduction. How to Distinguish the Quality of Pu'er Ripened Tea Look at the appearance: High-quality Pu'er tea has robust and tightly bound leaves with a lustrous color; otherwise, it is inferior. Look at the liquor color: High-quality Pu'er tea has a bright red-brown liquor (commonly known as "pig liver color"); if the liquor is dark and murky, it is inferior. Smell the aroma: High-quality Pu'er tea, after brewing, not only has a unique aged aroma but also subtle scents of longan, rose, camphor, and jujube; if there is a musty smell, sourness, or other unpleasant odors, it is inferior. Taste the flavor: High-quality Pu'er tea has a rich and fresh taste with a returning sweetness; if it has a strong musty taste upon entry, it is inferior. Examine the infused leaves: High-quality Pu'er tea has even and clean infused leaves without impurities. If the infused leaves are broken and mixed with other impurities, it…

Flower tea is primarily made using black tea, green tea, or oolong tea as the base, complemented with fragrant flowers that can imbue their scent. It is produced through a process called scenting. Its aroma is rich and the tea liquor is dark in color, possessing benefits such as beautifying the skin, aiding digestion, and more. However, improper consumption of tea can also harm the body; therefore, it is important to drink tea in a healthy manner. Benefits of Drinking Flower Tea Long-Term 1. Improves Vision and Reduces Internal Heat Drinking flower teas like Huangshan tribute chrysanthemum, wild chrysanthemum, and Hangbai chrysanthemum can effectively alleviate dizziness and blurred vision caused by internal heat. 2. Nourishes the Stomach and Protects the Liver Flower teas made from calendula, osmanthus, luo han kuo, jasmine, and hibiscus have the effects of clearing and nourishing the liver, as well as strengthening and nurturing the stomach. 3. Lowers Blood Pressure and Lipids Drinking flower teas like ginkgo, notoginseng, and ginseng can soften blood vessel walls and improve circulation, helping to control blood pressure and regulate lipids. 4. Clears and Moistens the Lungs Flower teas made from violets, lilies, and other flowers have expectorant and lung-moistening properties,…

With August's arrival, summer is halfway through. The surge in popularity of unsweetened ready-to-drink (RTD) tea has led to a rapid increase in market supply. At the back end, brand products; at the mid-end, distribution and marketing; and at the front end, retail displays – all are working at full capacity to provide the market with unsweetened teas, hoping to gain a share of the growth. Image Source: Weibo @Suntory Beverages, Guozi Shule (Unsweetened Tea), Dongfang Shuye (Oriental Leaf Tea) However, the market composed of consumers, both physical space defined by geography and business types and virtual space shaped by consumer willingness, cannot grow indefinitely. At this point, most players have played their cards and are beginning to experience diminishing marginal returns or even outright failure. This week, we will continue our specialized research on unsweetened RTD tea categories. This week’s focus will be on overall trends, price analysis, and in-depth studies of typical “star products.” The data used in this article is sourced from CT Brand by MaxWin. CT Brand by MaxWin covers cities of all levels above the county level across China, with business formats including hypermarkets, supermarkets, small supermarkets, convenience stores, and grocery stores. MaxWin uses AI…

Yibang Mountain is one of the ancient six great tea mountains in Yunnan Pu'er tea and has always been an indispensable part of the ancient six great tea mountains. The mixed growth of large and small tree species, as well as the fact that Man Song became a tribute tea for the royal family during the Qing Dynasty, have all made Yibang famous in its time. Yibang Ancient Tea Mountain is known as “Molai” Yibang in Dai language, which means "tea well." It is located in Xiangming Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, or the northernmost part of Mengla County. To the east lies the ancient Yiwu Tea Mountain, to the south, the ancient Manzhuan Tea Mountain, and to the west, the ancient Gedeng Tea Mountain. Yibang Mountain had already established tea gardens by the early Ming Dynasty. From the fourth year of the Longqing period of the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, Yibang was the political center and administrative headquarters of the six great tea mountains. During its heyday, hundreds of baskets of Pu'er tea offered as tribute were mainly from Yibang, marking the start of Pu'er tea's reputation. I.…

Life is short, and we should enjoy it while we can, indulging in poetry and wine. Having a persistent hobby is indeed fortunate. If this hobby also benefits our health and well-being, it couldn't be more fitting. Drinking tea is one of life's most delightful hobbies. Once you fall in love with it, it becomes a lifelong companion. To drink tea healthily and consistently over the long term, turning it into a consistent health practice, consider the following tips. How to Drink Tea for Better Health 1. Green Tea + Chrysanthemum Tea Green tea contains aromatic compounds that dissolve fat, eliminate greasiness, and prevent fat accumulation in the body. Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, and caffeine promote gastric juice secretion, aiding digestion and fat reduction. Saponins also help slim the figure. Additionally, green tea increases the metabolism of fluids, nutrients, and calories, reducing fat buildup in the body. Chrysanthemum tea effectively relieves fatigue caused by excessive festivities and refreshes the palate, diminishing the greasy aftertaste of food. 2. Rose Hips + Rosemary Rosemary is used as a spice in Western cuisine. Drinking rosemary tea can alleviate bloating and abdominal distension caused by consuming too many fatty foods during the holidays and…

During the Qing Dynasty, the local society of the Six Great Tea Mountains was a mix of officials, merchants, indigenous people, and others, all dependent on the tea mountains for their livelihood. These diverse groups were like individual notes that together composed the symphony of Pu'er tea's destiny. Old Yibang Street After the establishment of the Pu'er Prefecture through the replacement of native administration with imperial rule, the barriers between the Six Great Tea Mountains and the outside world were broken down, and an influx of merchants from outside entered the tea mountains. There were conflicts and mutual benefits between these newcomers and the local inhabitants, and over time they gradually blended together, painting a colorful picture of life in the tea mountains. The Qing government formally appointed local officials such as Wu Zhaohu of Yiwu, Cao Dangzai of Yibang, Ba Longfu and La Zha Bian of Bulang. The indigenous people living in the Six Great Tea Mountains at the time were primarily the Woni and Puman tribes, and there were also some local chieftains active between the native officials and the indigenous people. The leaders of the incoming merchants were called presidents, heads, chiefs, or leaders, serving to bridge…

The winter protection and management of tea gardens is a key focus of tea garden management, critical for ensuring the yield, quality, and profitability of spring tea in the following year. To guide this year's winter protection and management of tea gardens, the Haiqing Town has developed technical guidance for winter protection and management of tea gardens in Qingdao Haiqing. I. New (Renewed) Tea Gardens (1) Select Cold-Resistant Varieties. Suitable cold-resistant varieties for planting in Haiqing Town include: Fuding Dabai, Huangshan Variety, Jiukeng Variety, Longjing Changye, Zhongcha 108, Longjing 43, Maolu, Jiukeng Early, Echa No.1, Bixiang Early, Yellow Rose, Jin Xuan, Pingyang Special Early, etc. When establishing a tea garden, try to use cold-resistant varieties as much as possible. (2) Select Suitable Tea Garden Sites. Choose sites that are sheltered from wind and face the sun, with a thick layer of soil, acidic soil (pH value 4.5–6.5), and have irrigation facilities. The soil texture should be loam, sandy loam, or light clay loam. (3) Create Windbreak Forests. Plant windbreak forests around the tea gardens, along roads, by ditches, on steep slopes, at the tops of hills, and in front of prevailing winds. Common tree species include: Chinese Arborvitae, Juniperus chinensis,…

Basic Introduction to Taihu Emerald Bamboo TeaTaihu Emerald Bamboo Tea is mainly produced in the mountainous areas of Bashi Town, Xuelang Town's Xiaoyang Forest Farm, Outang Town's July First Forest Farm, Zhangjing Tea and Forest Farm, Chajiao Dongjiao Forest Farm, and Hu Dai Liu Tang Tea Farm in Wuxi City. This region is located in the famous Dou Mountain area, which is said to be the birthplace of Emperor Shun’s advocacy for "harmony between heaven and earth, co-prosperity of all things." It was also an ancient ecological protection area during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century when "fishing and hunting were banned, and mountain development prohibited." Here, Mount Dou stands majestically, extending for several miles, with a humid climate and a tranquil environment far from towns and cities. It is a natural ecological reserve in Jiangsu Province, an excellent place for tea production, and the birthplace of the famous "Taihu Emerald Bamboo" tea, possessing ecological advantages. Product CharacteristicsThe unique style of this tea has a flat shape resembling bamboo leaves, with a lustrous emerald green color. Its inner quality features a fresh and mellow taste, a clear and lasting fragrance, a clear and bright infusion, and evenly tender green…

The Chinese yearning for natural landscapes is inscribed in our very genes. When climbing mountains, one expresses emotions through them; when seeing water, sentiments are felt within it. Since ancient times, countless literati and poets have poured their true feelings into the vast expanse of nature. Every blade of grass, every tree, every cliff, and every ravine in Wuyi Mountain reveals its beauty in the leisurely flow of wild streams and the grandeur of bell sounds at great heights, standing out in the southeast of China. 01 WUYI MOUNTAIN Jade peaks and emerald covers, blue waters and vermilion mountains Transformed by wind and rain into jade bones, they defy ordinary interpretations. In his fifties, Lu You, serving as the vice magistrate of Jian'ning Prefecture in northern Fujian, was captivated by the wonders of Wuyi Mountain. Here, he brewed tea, enjoyed it, composed poetry, and wrote magnificent verses such as "A Tour of Wuyi Mountain." The Wuyi Mountains, stretching for thousands of miles, are a significant feature in southeastern China. With hundreds of peaks over 1,000 meters high, Wuyi Mountain stands tall, its main peak Huanggang Mountain reaching 2,160.8 meters, rivaling the Five Great Mountains, and known as the "Roof of…

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.…

Fujian Anxi is the birthplace of Oolong tea and the origin of the famous Tieguanyin variety. The people of Anxi have capitalized on their strengths by developing the tea industry, ranking among the top in the country in terms of tea plantation area, tea production, and per capita tea income. However, this major tea-producing county once lacked a large-scale trading market, preventing direct transactions between tea farmers and buyers from home and abroad, making it difficult to sell tea.In 2000, with assistance from the Fujian provincial government, Anxi County raised 120 million RMB through auctions and leasing, primarily from domestic and overseas sources, to build the China Tea Capital – Anxi National Tea Wholesale Market. After its construction, trading activity increased, and tea farmers' incomes rose as well. Tea farmers picking tea. Photograph by Chen Guoping The key to industrialization is marketization. To that end, Anxi not only built the China Tea Capital but also established other national and regional wholesale markets and trading centers like the China Specialty City and China Tea Expo, which have been designated as “designated markets” by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and awarded titles such as “key tea market” and “capital of…

The 14th Municipal Party Congress proposed systematically advancing the growth of the Liubao tea industry, aiming for its comprehensive output value to account for half of Guangxi's tea industry. From 2021 to 2023, the city's tea plantation area grew from less than 130,000 mu (approximately 86.7 square kilometers) to over 300,000 mu (approximately 200 square kilometers). Annual production of Liubao tea increased from about 20,000 tons to 35,000 tons, and the comprehensive output value rose from about 11 billion yuan to approximately 20 billion yuan. In the first half of this year, the city's ecological tea plantation area exceeded 400,000 mu (approximately 266.7 square kilometers) for the first time. There are nearly 500 tea cooperatives, with more than 310 administrative villages participating in the Liubao tea industry, benefiting around 240,000 villagers. "Wuzhou Liubao Tea" ranked 13th on the list of "Top 20 Regional Public Brands in Chinese Tea for 2024," with a brand value of 4.973 billion yuan, achieving its best historical ranking. The city continues to carry out intensive actions for the construction of ecological tea plantations. In the first half of this year, the city's ecological tea plantation area reached 409,500 mu. This image shows the scenic tea…

Twelve slimming teas, tailored for dieters, those with edema, meat lovers, those hoping to burn fat, constipation sufferers, and more. This summer, let these teas help you easily sip away your body fat. 1. Dieters Should Drink Oolong Tea Due to dieting for weight loss, eating less means there's less food residue, sometimes accumulating for several days before a bowel movement, which can easily lead to dryness. We recommend drinking oolong tea. Ingredients: Oolong tea. Preparation: Simply steep in boiling water. Benefits: Aids digestion, expels phlegm, detoxifies from alcohol and greasy foods, and reduces fat. 2. Those with Edema Should Drink Job's Tears Tea The causes of edema are numerous. If it is simply due to water retention causing the edema, we recommend drinking job's tears tea. Ingredients: 10 grams of stir-fried job's tears, 5 grams of fresh lotus leaf, 5 grams of hawthorn. Preparation: Boil with hot water and drink. Benefits: Heat-clearing, dampness-expelling, treats edema. 3. Stress-Induced Constipation? Drink Lotus Leaf Tea Low mood and high stress may increase the sensitivity of the intestines, leading to constipation. We recommend drinking lotus leaf tea. Ingredients: 3 grams of lotus leaf, 6 grams of stir-fried cape jasmine seeds, 3 flowers of…

As the saying goes, preparation is key, and the beginning of autumn signals that we should prepare for the fall season. After summer, one may feel weak even without illness. Cultivating yang in spring and summer, and yin in autumn and winter, the appropriate nourishment in autumn is the best time to restore and regulate the functions of various organs in the body. Reasonable "nourishing of autumn" involves replenishing the vital energy dissipated during the hot summer, preparing the body for the storage period. Drinking tea is the best daily method to cleanse the intestines; it can eliminate fat and grease, supplement vitamins and fiber, help the intestines detoxify and peristalsis, and expel toxins accumulated in the colon. 【Tea Can Prevent and Alleviate "Autumn Dryness"】 The first sign of autumn dryness is a sore throat upon waking up in the morning, accompanied by severe nasal sensitivity, skin dryness, dry hair, colds, coughs, and nosebleeds. Plain boiled water is clearly less effective than tea in hydrating and relieving dryness, and the beneficial components in tea water can effectively alleviate and "treat" the discomfort associated with autumn dryness. Ladies who hydrate their skin in autumn cannot rely solely on applying toner; they…

With the recent spell of high temperatures, the air has become stiflingly hot. Have you turned on your electric fan or perhaps the air conditioner to cool off in this sultry weather? The humid climate brought about by such heat can lead to an accumulation of dampness within the body. When dampness accumulates in the body, it can cause a lack of appetite and other issues. Excessive dampness can also lead to digestive problems, which are typically addressed through dietary adjustments. Chenpi is particularly helpful for those suffering from poor digestion and loss of appetite. The Benefits of Chenpi Chenpi is a type of Chinese medicinal herb that has a pungent and slightly bitter taste and is warm in nature. It can effectively dry dampness and transform phlegm, helping to remove excess dampness from the body. It is known for its ability to regulate qi and relieve pain, as well as to strengthen the spleen and harmonize the middle energizer. These properties make it useful for improving spleen and stomach weakness. For those who frequently consume greasy or cold foods or live in cold and damp environments, leading to excessive dampness in the body, chenpi can help regulate the spleen…

Tea quality is relative, different people have different preferences; some prefer strong flavors while others like it fresh and light. For Qimen Black Tea, in terms of taste alone, the liquor is a tender, clear red with a fresh, soft mouthfeel and a hint of subtle sweetness. Some describe it as having a unique Qimen aroma. Good black tea has golden tips on its shape, whether it’s in the form of Golden Needle or Fragrant Snail, the leaf shape is fine. Three grams of Qimen black tea steeped in 150 milliliters of water at 90 degrees Celsius for about five seconds produces a tea liquor from which an intense, penetrating fragrance greets you. To the tea enthusiast, aroma and flavor are the basic standards for judging authentic Qimen Black Tea. The high and persistent Qimen aroma remains stable in quality even after the test of time. The formation of this unique aroma is inseparable from the natural charm of its gifted growing region. Whether the Qimen aroma is authentic or not directly relates to the tea's growth area, which is a crucial factor in determining its aroma. The definition of the authentic Qimen origin is still a subject of much…

The Laba Festival is almost here, which also means that the Spring Festival is about to kick off, with the festive atmosphere growing stronger day by day. Bid farewell to the old year with bowls of Buddha porridge and welcome the New Year with every grain of the eight treasures. During the Laba Festival, we drink Laba porridge and Laba tea to welcome the upcoming New Year. There are many customs associated with the Laba Festival, most of which revolve around food, such as Laba porridge, Laba garlic, Laba tofu, Laba noodles, and even "Laba ice." Of course, what Tea Weekly is introducing to everyone today is a cup of Laba tea with endless flavors~ Laba tea originated in the prosperous Tang Dynasty and was introduced to the northwest during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Traditionally, it is a premium beverage served by the Hui and Dongxiang ethnic groups along the ancient Silk Road to their guests. Laba tea is originally known as Eight Treasure Tea or Three-Brew Tea. In regions of Northwest China, such as Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia, there is a tradition of drinking Eight Treasure Tea. In these areas, drinking Eight Treasure Tea is a common part…

Flower tea, with its rich floral aroma and unique taste, is widely loved. However, the flower teas available on the market vary greatly in price and quality. Why not let your palate take center stage and make a cup of exclusive flower tea yourself? Making flower tea may seem complicated, but it's actually quite simple. As long as you master a few key steps, you can become a flower tea-making expert. Preparations: 1. Selection of Tea Base The base of flower tea is tea leaves, so choosing the right tea base is crucial. Generally, green tea, black tea, and oolong tea can all be used as the base for flower tea. Green tea is fragrant, black tea is full-bodied, and oolong tea is richly aromatic, and different types of tea bases will give flower tea distinct flavors. 2. Choosing Fresh Flowers The aroma of flower tea mainly comes from fresh flowers. Jasmine, rose, osmanthus, chrysanthemum, and others are common flowers used in the preparation of flower tea. Choose fully bloomed flowers for a stronger fragrance. 3. Preparation of Tools In addition to the tea base and fresh flowers, you will need some essential tools, including: clean containers, tweezers, sieves, baking…

As a member of the tea family, black tea seems destined to be sociable. It loves to pair with different ingredients and always stands out brilliantly. Black tea is perhaps the most accommodating of all teas. Add milk, and it becomes a milky tea; add fruit, and it turns into fruity black tea; add flowers, and it becomes a floral infusion. With such versatility, can you resist the urge to mix your own cup of delicious black tea? Honey Black Tea: Ingredients: Black tea, honey Preparation: Brew an appropriate amount of black tea and pour the tea into a drinking cup. Once it has cooled down, add honey and stir well before serving. Milky Black Tea: Ingredients: Black tea, pure milk, white sugar Preparation: Prepare the tea first. Warm the milk slightly and then mix it with the tea. The ratio of black tea to milk is usually 3:1, but adjust according to taste. If needed, add some white sugar for sweetness. Lemon Black Tea: Ingredients: 2-5 infusions of black tea, fresh lemon juice, rock sugar Preparation: Pour the black tea into a cup and add a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Rock sugar can be added to taste.…

When selecting Pu'er tea, you can consider aspects such as appearance, infusion color, raw materials, origin, and storage conditions. Generally, Pu'er tea with a uniform shape, pure aroma, and bright, clear infusion color is of good quality. Different types of Pu'er tea have different selection methods, so it's best to follow the specific circumstances. Taking raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) Pu'er teas as examples: What Makes Good Pu'er Tea To determine the quality of Pu'er tea, consider the following: 1. Examine the Shape: High-quality Pu'er tea has a neat and regular shape, while lower-quality tea may have loose and incomplete strands. The best Pu'er tea has a uniform and regular shape, with neat edges, no missing corners, consistent thickness, moderate tightness, clear mold patterns, and glossy, clean strands. Lower-quality Pu'er tea will have loose and incomplete strands, dull colors without luster, and noticeable defects. 2. Smell the Aroma: High-quality Pu'er tea has a pure and lasting fragrance, free from any unusual or mixed odors. Even when the tea cools down, it still emits a pleasant aroma. Lower-quality Pu'er tea has noticeable and sometimes stimulating unusual odors. 3. Observe the Infusion Color: High-quality Pu'er tea produces a clear and bright infusion,…