Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties. Since they share the same characteristics, tea enthusiasts often compare them: which is better, raw or ripe? From a tasting perspective, raw Pu'er tea offers a richer and more layered flavor profile, with a lasting aftertaste that leaves a pleasant fragrance on the lips, leaving many enthusiasts craving more. In contrast, ripe Pu'er tea has a smoother and warmer taste, which can seem somewhat monotonous.
Should One Always Try to Choose Raw Pu'er Tea?
Firstly, traditional Pu'er tea has existed for thousands of years, and historically, there was only raw tea; there was no such thing as ripe tea. If you want to learn about the history of ripe tea, feel free to do your own research—it's not a pretty story.
Secondly, the pile Fermentation process used in making ripe tea requires strict hygiene conditions that many smaller factories simply cannot meet.
Thirdly, all consumables have an expiration date, and the shelf life of raw tea far exceeds that of ripe tea.
Fourthly, I have visited and inspected many Pu'er tea factories and tasted numerous raw and ripe teas, so I have made comparisons.
I'm not saying that all ripe teas should be dismissed, but for ordinary consumers, it's safer to choose raw tea whenever possible.
Why Drink Raw Instead of Ripe Pu'er Tea?
Ripe Pu'er tea is made from sun-dried Yunnan large-leaf Green Tea through a pile fermentation process. Its flavor is relatively stable, and its taste does not change significantly over time, remaining smooth and mellow. Raw tea, on the other hand, has the characteristic of improving with age, as its color, taste, and appearance evolve over time, making it more valuable to savor.
Why drink raw instead of ripe tea? This ultimately comes down to personal preference. If someone prefers raw tea and is accustomed to its taste, finding ripe tea less appealing is normal. However, many people find the taste of ripe tea easier to accept because the fermentation process transforms many of the stimulating compounds in the tea, making it gentler and more palatable.
Raw Pu'er tea is a naturally post-Fermented tea that has not undergone artificial fermentation. As a result, it has a prominent bitter and Astringent taste, providing a strong sensory experience. Many new tea enthusiasts may initially find the taste of raw tea difficult to accept. However, upon further exploration, they discover that raw tea offers a more complex and harmonious taste profile, which is why some prefer raw over ripe tea.
Of course, there are also tea enthusiasts who enjoy both raw and ripe teas. For many seasoned tea drinkers, the choice between raw and ripe is not a deliberate one—they can appreciate both types equally.