Ripe Tea, due to its artificial heap Fermentation process, has its regional characteristics of the raw sun-dried Mao Cha raw materials weakened. Its quality features are not as pronounced as raw tea, which makes it difficult for many people to know how to select ripe tea. However, if you remember the following three points, selecting good ripe tea can be quite traceable.
① Do Not Buy Excessive Loose Leaf Ripe Tea
Although loose leaf tea is convenient to Drink, it has a significant flaw: no matter how you store it, the tea will lose its flavor very quickly and gradually lose its ability to transform, becoming increasingly bland. This applies equally to both ripe and raw teas.
If you only plan to consume it in the short term, it is recommended to purchase loose leaf tea in moderation, buying it as you need it to ensure the best tasting experience. For storage purposes, compressed cakes, bricks, and tuos are the optimal choices.
② Choose Tea Based on Appearance
Raw tea is judged by its twisted leaves, while ripe tea is evaluated by its appearance. When opening ripe tea, whether in Brick or Cake form, pay attention to the ratio of leaves to stems. Ripe tea with more leaves and buds does not last long when steeped, but it offers rich flavors and a thick soup; tea with more stems uses older leaves, which are more durable during brewing but lack complexity in taste.
③ For the Same Kind of Ripe Tea, Choose Older Over Newer
Traditionally, the most challenging aspect of new ripe tea is the heap fermentation odor. The heap fermentation odor in new ripe tea is inevitable, varying in intensity based on the degree of fermentation and the level of craftsmanship. To dissipate this odor requires a long period of storage.
Therefore, when purchasing ripe tea, it is recommended to choose those from the previous year or even older. Older ripe teas not only lack the heap fermentation odor but also have a milder taste and aroma.
Raw tea is easy to buy, but ripe tea is harder to select. Mastering the appropriate techniques and key points, trying before buying, and drinking more for comparison, selecting a ripe tea that suits your taste is not a difficult task. (Source: Justice Tea Shop, Image Source: Tea Friend Network Image Library)