Tea enthusiasts often comment that the Infusion of a certain raw Pu'er tea is cloudy.
Apart from the tea being relatively new, the degree of rolling is one of the determining factors,
as overheated or overly aggressive rolling can lead to a murky infusion.
Rolling while hot to enhance the dry tea's aroma and appearance will inevitably cause significant damage to the leaf cells, leading to the fragmentation and shedding of a large amount of cuticle,
resulting in a murky infusion.
Rolling is an indispensable step in the production process of Pu'er tea and a crucial factor affecting its aging potential.
The main purpose of rolling is to apply force to the leaves, causing the cell walls to rupture and allowing some of the tea juices to seep out. It also increases the surface viscosity of the leaves and regulates the concentration of Water-soluble substances, thus impacting the concentration of the final infusion.
The process involves breaking the cell walls of the leaves, which allows polyphenols, catechins, and other active components in the tea to polymerize. This, in turn, provides the opportunity for post-Fermentation to occur over time.
Leaves that have not been properly rolled retain intact cell walls, preventing the release of the effective components within. This makes it difficult for these components to come into contact with oxygen and beneficial microorganisms in the air, hindering subsequent transformations.
Rolling is a technique that requires considerable experience. For instance, if a rich and strong infusion is desired, the rolling should be more forceful and prolonged.
On the other hand, teas known for their aroma are not suitable for heavy rolling. Rolling is both necessary and essential, meaning it must be done and cannot be omitted.
Experienced tea makers will tailor the degree of rolling based on the inherent characteristics of the fresh leaves.
Some may under-roll the leaves to maintain their integrity and appearance, but in fact, moderate rolling can stimulate the internal contents of the leaves, making them suitable for subsequent transformations.
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