Pu'er Tea is primarily tasted for its flavor, which should be sweet, smooth, substantial, and have a mature fragrance. Sweetness refers to the obvious aftertaste that should be present upon sipping; smoothness means the tea broth should be soft and smooth with a pure taste and not overly stimulating; substantiality means the tea broth should be thick and not watery, with a rich flavor in the mouth. The mature fragrance is a unique aroma of Pu'er tea, revealing its profound historical character, highlighting its return to simplicity and natural authenticity, and its fruity aroma exhibits a characteristic of sincerity and warmth, offering an irresistible allure.
How to Determine the Quality of Aged Pu'er Tea
1. Scent the Tea
Aged Pu'er tea, after long-term maturation, develops a natural mature fragrance, or even aromas reminiscent of old wood or ginseng, without any impurities. The older and better the Pu'er tea, the fewer odd or foreign odors it will have.
2. Examine the Dry Leaves
Good aged Pu'er tea has leaves that are a lustrous brown-red color, uniformly so. When gently pinched between the fingers, they feel slightly puffed due to oxidation and Fermentation. Early teas were often hand-picked, with less rolling during production, resulting in whole leaf strands in appearance.
3. Brew and Open the Tea
Due to their age, aged Pu'er teas may not fully unfurl at the beginning of brewing but should not be hard and lifeless. The tea broth should be a bright amber red, clear and shiny without turning black. Even after 30, 50, or 100 years, the broth remains clear and bright. However, artificially aged teas will produce a murky broth.
4. Taste Test
Aged teas, having undergone natural fermentation over time, should slide smoothly into the mouth, with sweetness and no harshness, feeling warm and able to withstand many infusions. The aroma is mellow, with a lingering aftertaste that isn't overpowering. If there are odd or foreign flavors or a sharp smell when drinking, the tea is likely of poor quality or very new.
How to Store Pu'er Tea Long-Term
When storing Pu'er tea long-term, three principles should generally be followed: ventilation, dryness, and freedom from odors. Whether in the living room, study, or bedroom, the area should be well-ventilated and dry, avoiding direct sunlight. Pu'er tea is best stored in a dry warehouse, where although maturation is slower, it prevents mold and maintains the authenticity of the tea. Dry warehouse storage refers to storing tea in an environment with moderate temperature and Humidity, ensuring good air circulation. In southern China, where there is a rainy season each year with high humidity, extra care must be taken when storing tea, and if possible, a dehumidifier can be used. Additionally, the ideal temperature range for storing Pu'er tea is between 22-28 degrees Celsius, avoiding sudden temperature changes, as low temperatures slow down maturation, while high temperatures accelerate oxidation, both of which can negatively impact the quality of the tea.
When storing a large amount of Pu'er tea at home, suitable containers can also be selected. First, we recommend using purple clay vessels, known for their excellent breathability and improving quality with use, making them ideal for allowing Pu'er tea to breathe and mature. However, purple clay jars can be expensive, and the market is flooded with inferior imitations. Alternatively, terracotta pots can be used, which are more affordable than purple clay but slightly less effective, still meeting the needs of general enthusiasts. Lastly, cardboard boxes are another option. While not as effective as purple clay jars, they are inexpensive, easily accessible, and space-saving, making them a cost-effective choice. New boxes should be aired out if they have an odor before placing the tea inside.
Currently, when visiting tea shops, you will often see Pu'er tea stored in bamboo baskets, cardboard boxes, or wooden crates. Therefore, if conditions permit and you are an avid fan of Pu'er tea, it's best to store them in bulk. After purchasing, simply place them in a well-ventilated, dry, odor-free location with a suitable temperature.