Pu'er raw Tea can be selected in a manner similar to green tea. Pu'er ripe tea is more special, so let's focus on that. In terms of appearance, it should have a reddish-brown color and stout, thick strands. If it's in the form of cakes, bricks, or tuos, the shape should be uniform without excessive broken leaves and not overly compacted. If the surface of the tea lacks luster or appears grayish-white and contains foreign objects, it indicates poor quality or deterioration.
The Infusion should have a color akin to red wine, being both dark and rich yet clear and bright. If the tea liquor is dark brown and murky, it is typically not a good tea. If the aroma is low and musty, it is best not to consume it. In terms of taste, Pu'er tea should be full-bodied, sweet, and smooth. If it is bland with no aftertaste, it is not a good tea. The infused leaves should still retain some elasticity and a reddish-brown color. If the leaves are black, lack elasticity, or are completely rotten, this indicates poor quality.
Things to Know When Buying Pu'er Tea:
1. Choose based on your financial situation; there is no need to buy excessively expensive teas. Spend within your means.
2. Cakes are better than loose leaf because they take up less space and are easier to store.
3. Good ripe teas are rare, so when you find them, buy more.
4. Choose tea based on your own taste, not others'. Only buy if you like it. If you don't like it but others do, take your time and don't rush into a purchase.
5. Continuously improve your tea brewing skills, especially water temperature, Steeping time, and technique. The better the tea, the more important good brewing technique becomes.
6. Ignore buzzwords such as “wild,” “century-old,” “ancient Tree,” “precious,” “private,” “terrace,” “mountain peak,” etc., and don't listen to stories. Many such terms are fabricated by sellers to mislead you.
7. Avoid over-packaged teas. It's the tea, not the packaging, that matters.
8. The core of collecting is to acquire suitable, high-quality teas, not to get rich quickly. Collecting teas you don't actually like in hopes of making a profit will likely result in holding onto them indefinitely.
9. If you're investing, ask yourself whether you have a channel to sell the tea later.
10. You don't necessarily need to become an expert. Find a reliable seller like Yuntaiji Teas for long-term transactions, where the quality of the tea is guaranteed. This is most important for peace of mind. Leave the expertise to the professionals.
11. Only good teas are worth keeping. Poor quality tea remains poor even after 100 years.
12. Good teas share certain characteristics: excellent raw materials, distinctive flavor, strong qi, and no off-flavors. The goal is to pursue the sweetness of the tea rather than bitterness or astringency.
Many people hear many stories before buying tea, almost becoming the protagonist of these tales themselves. The main reason why tea stories and legends circulate is not their authenticity, but their narrative appeal. Many of these stories are clearly false, but due to their intrigue and mystery, sellers often enjoy spreading them.