Pu'er tea is a popular variety nowadays and is deeply loved by the public. The quality of Pu'er tea on the market varies greatly, making it difficult for those who do not know much about tea to pick out good Pu'er tea. Below, I will discuss several methods and principles for selecting Pu'er tea.
Inspect the Shape and Color
Selecting Pu'er tea starts with distinguishing the quality of its shape. Observing the shape primarily involves looking at the color and the formation of the dry tea. Good Pu'er tea should have a robust formation, neat and clean appearance, and should not have any mold spots. If mold spots appear on the surface of the tea, this indicates improper storage and signifies an inferior product. Raw (unfermented) Pu'er tea has a fresh and light color, with prominent white down, appearing in deep green or dark green. After Fermentation, ripe tea has a deeper color than raw tea, presenting as reddish-brown.
Examine the Tea Liquor and Leaf Residue
The color of the tea liquor and the leaf residue reflect the quality of the Pu'er tea's production process, aging period, and storage method. Good Pu'er tea has a clear and bright liquor color, which can range from yellow, golden yellow, yellowish red, to chestnut red depending on the duration of storage. The longer the storage time, the more the color changes. Poor-quality tea liquor appears cloudy. The leaf residue of Pu'er tea does not become soft and mushy or display mixed colors, and it should be evenly colored. If there are scorched leaves or black, hard stems, it proves that the fixation temperature was too high or that dampness led to mold growth.
The liquor color of ripe Pu'er tea presents as dark red or even reddish-brown, bright and transparent, with a stronger aroma. The aroma of aged tea is richer and smoother. The leaf residue of ripe tea is reddish-brown, or even black.
The liquor color of raw tea is pale yellow or golden yellow, relatively clear and bright, while that of ripe tea is dark red, slightly translucent. The leaf residue of raw tea is vibrant, displaying a distinct color and toughness, allowing the drinker to experience its natural charm.
Savor the Aroma and Taste
Pu'er tea, after long-term drying and storage, develops a rich aroma, which becomes more intense with age. Tea breathes, and during storage, it can easily absorb other odors, damaging its taste. Regardless of how long the tea has been stored, even if it is over a hundred years old, it should not have a moldy smell. Once there is a moldy smell, it indicates improper storage due to dampness or lack of ventilation.
When selecting Pu'er tea, besides using the above methods to identify the quality of the tea, you should also choose according to your own needs. Below, I will discuss some factors that are often overlooked.
Efficacy
Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties, with significant differences in their effects. When selecting tea, consider your functional needs.
① Raw tea: Contains a large amount of catechins, with a fragrant flavor. It has better effects for clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving summer heat, refreshing the mind, and quenching thirst. It is very suitable for drinking in summer. However, raw tea is cold in nature, so it is not advisable to Drink a lot before bed, as it may cause Insomnia, and those with a cold constitution should not drink too much.
② Ripe tea: After fermentation, the tea loses its cold nature and enzymes are produced. Therefore, ripe tea not only warms and nourishes the Stomach, making it suitable for winter consumption, but it also has the effect of lowering lipids. For those with high body fat who want to lose weight, it is a good choice. Additionally, due to the action of enzymes, ripe tea has effects such as preventing arteriosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-aging properties, making it suitable for all ages and genders.
Purchasing Power
Pu'er tea is known as “drinkable antiques.” As long as it is stored properly, it can last for decades or even centuries, and the older the tea, the more fragrant and valuable it becomes. Thus, Pu'er tea not only serves for drinking but also has high collection value, with sky-high auction prices being common.
However, for most ordinary people, Drinking Tea is to satisfy physical needs, or to bring pleasure and improve the quality of life, rather than for collection. Therefore, it is not necessary to adhere to the idea of “only buying the expensive.” It is best to select Pu'er tea based on your actual situation.