Pu'er Tea undergoes a screening process during which coarse, loose leaves are sorted out for aesthetic reasons. These are known as the yellow leaves. However, being set aside doesn't mean that these yellow leaves are of poor quality.
Similar to the grading system for Pu'er tea, there is only a difference in tenderness, with these old yellow leaves being the least tender. Yet, the quality of the yellow leaves is consistent with the rest of the tea leaves selected from the same batch. The quality of the yellow leaves is determined by their origin, just like other tea leaves, and is influenced by factors such as region and tree age. In some cases, the quality of yellow leaves can even surpass that of other tea leaves, with the only downside being their appearance.
In other words, the yellow leaves are usually the third leaf, and compared to the first two leaves, they have a thicker leaf structure, resulting in a richer flavor and higher sweetness. Although the leaves are older and therefore slightly less flavorful, they are gentler on the Stomach than young leaves used in raw tea. This makes yellow leaves unappealing in terms of looks but highly appreciated by many enthusiasts.
Besides, brewing yellow leaves is relatively straightforward. Simply maintain a high water temperature for brewing, and it will generally taste good. For a more flavorful and sweet Cup, additional practice and experimentation are needed to understand the characteristics of the yellow leaves. Tea lovers might also try boiling the yellow leaves, allowing the rich substances within to slowly infuse into the water as it boils. This method results in a very enjoyable drinking experience.
It's worth noting that every tea mountain can produce old yellow leaves, but since they are not intentionally harvested, their production is limited. Due to their low price, most yellow leaves are kept by tea farmers. As a result, there are few old yellow leaves available on the market. If you come across them, be sure to savor them properly, as products that are both rare, affordable, and delicious are truly scarce.