Tea Knowledge

Biluochun and Longjing are both among the top ten famous teas in China, belonging to the category of green tea. Despite this commonality, they exhibit unique characteristics in terms of origin, appearance, aroma, and taste. Which one truly stands out? This appears to be a perennial conundrum that has puzzled countless tea lovers. Today, let's set aside any biases and delve into the mysteries of Biluochun and Longjing to appreciate their captivating allure! Origins: The Imprint of Place and History Biluochun: Biluochun, also known as Dongting Biluochun, is produced in the areas around East Dongting Mountain and West Dongting Mountain in Wuxian County, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. As early as the Tang Dynasty, Biluochun had already gained widespread recognition and was hailed as a precious tea. Longjing: Longjing is produced in the mountains surrounding the Lion Peak, Wengjia Mountain, Hupao, Meijiawu, Yunxi, and Lingyin areas near the West Lake in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The history of Longjing tea is long-standing, with records indicating cultivation began as early as the Northern Song Dynasty. Aesthetic Beauty: A Leaf and Bud, Each Showing Its Charm Biluochun: The appearance of Biluochun is very distinctive. The tea buds are fine and tender, curled into…

Pu'er tea differs from other types of tea. The quality of a particular tea not only affects its taste but also impacts its storage and potential for appreciation in value. When selecting Pu'er tea, careful examination is necessary. Here’s how to identify the grade of Pu'er tea. How to Distinguish the Quality of Pu'er Tea! First, look at the appearance. Check if the leaves are whole and uniform. Generally, young leaves are finer while older ones are larger. The exterior should be round and lustrous, with the overall structure intact. If the leaves do not appear clearly defined and instead seem fragmented and uneven, it's likely an issue with processing. Second, observe the color. Good tea should have a luster and not appear dull. High-quality loose Pu'er tea has a fragrant aroma and a glossy appearance. Inferior tea has incomplete leaves and a dark, lifeless color without any sheen. Third, inspect the liquor color. Good Pu'er tea produces a clear, bright infusion with an oil-like film on the surface. Lower quality tea will appear dark, murky, and unclean. Fourth, smell the aroma. The fragrance should be pure and free of off-flavors or impurities. High-quality raw Pu'er has a fresh, uplifting…

Yiwu Gafengzhai is located in Majie Village, northwest of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna. It is a village inhabited by the Yao people. Named “Gafengzhai” (Wind-swept Village), it stands at a wind-exposed spot surrounded by mountains, with a stream flowing in front and winds passing through the village. This village has the highest elevation among the Seven Villages of Yiwu and produces the least amount of tea, yet it boasts the most intact ancient tea trees. The teas from Gafengzhai can be categorized into several areas. The ancient tree tea commonly referred to as Gafengzhai is from the non-state-owned forest. The state-owned forest area includes the King Tree, Tea Field, Cold Water River, and White Sand River. The prices of these teas vary according to factors such as the age of the trees and the location. Its fresh tea has a rich floral aroma, which later transforms into fruity, honey, and woody scents. The taste evolves from sweet to robust, with a pronounced wild character. When sipped carefully, the tea reveals a smooth and lingering texture. Gafengzhai belongs to Yiwu Town, Mengla County, and sits at an altitude of around 1,200 meters, bordering Laos near boundary marker No. 14. It takes about…

Phoenix oolong tea is characterized by its warm and spicy nature, sweet and mellow taste, and extraordinary aroma. It is renowned for its unique qualities such as "solitary and high fragrance," "drinkable perfume," "aromatic, sweet, and lively," and "distinctive mountain character." For tea enthusiasts, the primary concern is often how to select, which aspects to focus on, and how to identify quality before delving into the nuances of aroma and flavor. Evaluating Dry Tea for Quality The appearance of dry Phoenix oolong tea can be assessed in terms of shape, color, uniformity, and cleanliness across four aspects. The tightness of the leaves can indicate whether they come from high-altitude or low-altitude areas, were picked young or mature, or harvested during different seasons. The shape can also reveal any flaws in processing that led to loose and flat leaves. The luster and freshness or dullness of the color can help determine the aroma quality. Teas with a glossy and vivid color generally have purer and higher aromas, while those with a dull color have lower, mixed aromas. Dull colors are usually due to old leaves, excessive bruising, delayed killing of the green, or too low or high temperatures during drying. The…

Searching for "Puer tea" on e-commerce platforms, you'll find prices ranging from a few dozen yuan to tens of thousands of yuan per pound. Despite being the same type of Puer tea, the price differences are vast. What accounts for these disparities? Origin - Just as wine is distinguished by vineyard, Puer tea is characterized by its mountain origin. There are three major tea regions for Puer tea: Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Lincang. The most well-known mountains include twelve ancient tea mountains. Divided by the Lancang River, the six tea mountains north of the river are Youle, Yibang, Gedeng, Manzhuang, Mangzhi, and Yiwu, known as the "six tea mountains within the river." South of the river, the six tea mountains are Nannuo Mountain, Mengsong, Bada, Bulang Mountain, Jinghong Mengsong, and Menghai, referred to as the "six tea mountains outside the river." In addition to these twelve ancient tea mountains, in recent years, popular origins have emerged such as Ban Zhang, Mansong, and Bingdao. The hydrological conditions, soil, temperature, altitude, and sunlight intensity vary significantly across different regions, often possessing uniqueness. This uniqueness gives rise to Puer tea's "distinct flavor of each mountain." The powerful character of Old Ban Zhang and the…

Man Nu Pu'er tea is an ancient tree tea product made from large-leaf Pu'er tea leaves from Yunnan. Its characteristics and taste differ somewhat from those of Pu'er tea, offering a unique flavor. Its appearance is characterized by larger leaves that display a golden hue and are tightly twisted with a dark luster. Preliminary Sale Prices for Man Nu Spring Tea on ChaWo.com in 2024 The price for the first spring pure material bulk raw tea from Man Nu's tall trees in 2024, weighed and sold at 250 grams, is 280 yuan. The price for the first spring pure material bulk raw tea from Man Nu's tall trees in 2024, weighed and sold at 500 grams, is 550 yuan. The price for the first spring pure material bulk raw tea from Man Nu's tall trees in 2024, weighed and sold at 1000 grams, is 1000 yuan. Characteristics of Man Nu Spring Tea Rich and Pure Flavor: It has the rich and pure character of Menghai tea but lacks the bitterness typically found in Menghai teas; High Aroma: It boasts the high fragrance of Lancang teas while also presenting a clear and sweet taste; Silky Broth: Unlike the pure softness of…

Xinyang Maojian, a treasure of Chinese tea culture, has won the affection of tea enthusiasts worldwide with its distinctive taste and quality. Today, we will delve into the grading system of Xinyang Maojian, guiding you through the unique charm of its different grades. I. Overview of Grading for Xinyang Maojian The grading of Xinyang Maojian is primarily based on factors such as appearance, aroma, and taste. Generally, it is divided into several grades including Special Grade, First Grade, Second Grade, and more. Each grade has its own unique qualities and characteristics, catering to diverse consumer preferences. II. Special Grade Xinyang Maojian Special Grade Xinyang Maojian is the highest-quality tea, typically harvested from tender shoots in spring. The leaves are fresh green and evenly colored, covered with white down. This grade of tea has an elegant and lasting aroma, clear and bright infusion, and a rich taste with a strong aftertaste. The production of Special Grade Xinyang Maojian is very limited, making it relatively expensive and a precious tea. III. First Grade Xinyang Maojian First Grade Xinyang Maojian is second only to the Special Grade and is also harvested from tender leaves in spring. The leaves are green and vibrant, with…

 "All medicines are for specific ailments, tea is the remedy for myriad diseases." For a long time, tea has had medicinal and health-preserving properties. Nowadays, the health benefits of tea have gained increased attention, with more and more research being conducted on its therapeutic and health-preserving effects. What exactly can tea prevent or combat? Cancer Prevention More than four thousand authoritative papers on the topic of "tea and cancer" demonstrate that the main component of tea polyphenols, EGCG, is virtually the nemesis of all cancers, particularly effective against uterine, skin, lung, colon, prostate, liver, kidney, and breast cancers. The scientific researchers at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that various types of tea inhibit the synthesis of cancer cells by an average rate of 65%, indicating their anti-cancer properties. Regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of cancer by over 60% Data from studies conducted by institutions such as Japan's National Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University in the United States, and Curtin University in Australia indicate that men who regularly drink green tea have a 60% lower incidence of prostate cancer compared to those who do not drink it regularly. Drinking two cups of tea…

Many of my friends adore Liubao tea. Whenever we gather for a tea session, some tea enthusiasts always request recommendations for one or two daily staple teas. A "daily staple tea" refers to a tea with good quality and flavor that meets one's needs in terms of strength, at a reasonable price, making it suitable for daily consumption. Generally, this type of tea achieves a balance between quality and cost. Inferior teas are disregarded no matter how cheap they may be, but Liubao teas priced over ten thousand yuan per catty, such as the "Wutu Heihe" and 0101 Liubao teas, are clearly not affordable for most people and therefore cannot become the "daily staple tea" loved by ordinary folks. Considering both the desire for a tea that is "delicious" and one that doesn't make you feel guilty about drinking, selecting an appropriate Liubao tea can be quite challenging. The editor has drawn upon the extensive tasting experiences of many Liubao tea enthusiasts and found that the price range for entry-level daily staple teas is typically between 100-200 yuan per catty, while mid-range daily staple teas are priced between 200-500 yuan per catty. Teas priced above 500 yuan per catty are…

During holidays, many tea enthusiasts receive a considerable amount of tea. However, it's often the case that you can't finish drinking all the tea right away, which brings up the question of how to store it properly. The gift box packaging that usually comes with tea isn't ideal for long-term storage. Therefore, after bringing the tea home, it needs to be repackaged and stored correctly. Typically, we might consider putting opened packages in the refrigerator, but this is problematic since other foods are also stored there, which can lead to the tea absorbing unwanted odors. Opening and closing the refrigerator can also cause the tea to become damp. Without a dedicated refrigerator for tea, it may actually spoil more easily. For daily household storage of small quantities of tea, you can try this method: Wrap the tea in kraft paper or another thick type of paper. The moisture content of the tea should be low, such that when you crush the leaves between your fingers, they turn into powder. Place the wrapped tea around the sides of a high-quality ceramic jar and put a packet of block-shaped lime in the center, adjusting its size based on the amount of tea.…

Some marketing gurus have summarized four essentials for successful companies. First, a unique cultural system; second, authoritative certifications and certificates; third, numerous success stories and positive reviews; fourth, the ability to innovate and develop continuously. These four points are theoretically universal, but Chinese ingenuity transcends the norm. Now, when you visit many marketing-oriented companies, from the corporate culture displayed at the entrance to case presentations, authoritative certificates, and innovative research and development, all are seamlessly integrated into the decor. It's so perfect that all you need to do is pay. Even TikTok live streams use the same narratives. Regardless of the product being just over a dozen dollars, what you see and hear always makes it seem like a great value. The tea industry takes this marketing theory to new heights. If you doubt this, open TikTok; no other industry sells products with as much cultural flair and convincing performances. Various masters and famous mountain teas are constantly introduced, and the key point is that they're often cheap, frequently available for $19.90 per pound with free shipping. And yes, there are beautiful women in exotic costumes to catch your eye. You wouldn't feel ripped off even if you were to…

How do you store Tieguanyin to become high-quality "aged Tie"? What factors affect the storage of Tieguanyin? Should you keep Tieguanyin in the fridge? Today, I'll guide you step-by-step on how to properly store Tieguanyin. Avoid Exposure to Light Light can cause a photosensitive reaction in Tieguanyin tea, causing it to darken. Therefore, it's important to avoid light exposure during storage. Should Tieguanyin Be Stored in the Fridge? It's not necessary to store it in the fridge, but if long-term storage is required, refrigeration is recommended. At a refrigerated temperature of -4°C, the tea can maintain its original quality and flavor well; at -40°C, the oxidation rate of the tea becomes very slow. Although low temperatures reduce the oxidation rate of tea, it's still advisable to consume opened tea as soon as possible. This is because tea has strong adsorption and hygroscopic properties, and if stored in a damp or odorous environment, it can easily absorb odors and become damp. The Container Used for Storing Tieguanyin Must Be Airtight Some people forget to close the lid after opening the jar, or the material does not seal properly. Over time, the tea naturally loses its flavor. I've compiled information about three…

Pu'er tea Bitterness, Astringency, and Sourness Explained When drinking Pu'er tea, one often experiences a bitter and astringent taste at first. Later, some teas exhibit a sweet aftertaste (hui gan) and salivation (sheng jin), which can be strong or subtle. There are two main reasons for this: First, it is the result of the natural bitterness and astringency compounds present in the tea leaves. Second, it can be due to pest and disease damage. Therefore, it would be incorrect to simply categorize all bitter-tasting Pu'er teas as bad; Similarly, the sourness in Pu'er tea is often considered undesirable, But what exactly causes this sourness? Why Bitterness and Astringency? Sometimes, teas with a "bitter-astringent" flavor are actually high-quality teas. The intensity of these flavors is determined by the amount of bitter and astringent compounds they contain. The primary bitter compounds found in tea include caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, anthocyanins, tea saponins, bitter amino acids, and certain flavanols. In tea infusions, bitterness often accompanies astringency and dominates the flavor profile. The alkaloids in tea and large amounts of catechins form hydrogen-bond complexes. In teas with relatively high levels of both catechins and caffeine, the infusion is rich, full-bodied, and refreshing, indicating a high-quality…

    If we compare the West Lake to Xi Shi, we can say that fine tea is like a beautiful woman. The excellence of West Lake Longjing tea needs no further elaboration, but the market is full of mixed quality and it's hard to distinguish between genuine and fake products. If you end up with inferior tea, it will undoubtedly affect your enjoyment of the tea. Therefore, knowing some tips for selecting West Lake Longjing tea is crucial. Here’s how to discern the quality of West Lake Longjing tea:     How to Select West Lake Longjing Tea?    1. Touch    Judge the dryness of the tea. Pick a random piece of dried tea and crush it between your thumb and index finger. If it turns into powder easily, then it is sufficiently dry; if it breaks into small pieces, then it is not dry enough or has absorbed moisture. Tea that is not dry enough is difficult to store and lacks aroma.    2. Look    Check if the dried tea meets the basic characteristics of Longjing tea: West Lake Longjing tea has a lustrous green color, a delicate and elegant fragrance, a fresh and mellow taste, and a shape resembling a sparrow’s tongue, possessing the four distinct features…

     Generally speaking, you must pay attention to the details of storing tea, as this affects whether the tea will go bad. Only a good environment is conducive to storing tea. So, as a representative of Wuyi rock tea, how should Dahongpao be stored? Can it be placed in the refrigerator for storage? Let's take a look at the following introduction. Can Dahongpao Be Stored in the Refrigerator?      1. Dahongpao and Pu'er should not be kept in the fridge, while Tieguanyin must be stored in the refrigerator.      2. Despite being called the king of teas, Dahongpao can still spoil like other teas if not stored properly, causing economic loss.        3. The spoilage of Dahongpao is mainly due to abnormal conditions of temperature, light, and moisture. Ideally, the storage conditions for Dahongpao should be controlled with a moisture content of less than 6%, refrigerated, oxygen-free, and protected from light. In practical operations, the storage plan can be adjusted according to specific needs. How to Store Dahongpao?      Dahongpao tea easily absorbs odors and is also afraid of moisture, high temperatures, and light exposure. After roasting, Dahongpao dry tea is relatively dry, and…

Tea, as a treasure of Chinese traditional culture, carries thousands of years of history and culture. Among the many types of tea, Fu tea, brick tea, and dark tea attract countless tea enthusiasts with their unique charm. However, many people are often confused about the relationship between these three. Today, let’s explore the world of Fu tea, brick tea, and dark tea and appreciate their unique flavors. Tea can be divided into six major categories based on its processing method and degree of oxidation: green tea, yellow tea, black tea (in the Western sense), white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea. Dark tea, as one of these, is like a profound and reserved elder, exuding the flavor of time. Dark tea is widely distributed and has a rich variety of types. The “three bricks, three tips, and one flower roll” of Hunan dark tea, the old green brick from Hubei, Tibetan tea from Sichuan, ripe Pu'er from Yunnan, and Liu Bao tea from Guangxi all display unique regional characteristics and production techniques. These varieties of dark tea differ in taste, aroma, and health benefits, satisfying the needs of various tea enthusiasts. Brick tea is a common shape for compressed tea.…

Pu'er tea, a precious variety that has been refined over thousands of years, is renowned for its unique aroma, rich flavor, and abundant health benefits. Harvested from the green mountains and clear waters of Yunnan Province, it undergoes meticulous processing and aging, transforming into cakes and blocks that solidify time, waiting to meet tea enthusiasts and together create a delightful symphony on the palate. Pu'er Tea: Origins Pu'er tea, named after its place of origin, Pu'er City in Yunnan Province, has a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, with over a thousand years of cultivation. Its production process is distinctive, mainly divided into sun-dried green and pile-fermented varieties. Sun-dried Pu'er, also known as raw tea, retains the fresh and brisk taste of the leaves; pile-fermented Pu'er, also known as ripe tea, undergoes artificial pile fermentation, resulting in a smooth and mellow flavor. Pu'er Tea: The Art of Brewing Brewing Pu'er tea is an art form, requiring attention to every detail to fully release the aroma and taste of the tea. Preparing the Teaware: For brewing Pu'er tea, you can choose teaware such as purple clay pots, covered bowls, or glass cups. Purple clay pots have good breathability and can…

Modern pharmacological studies have found that Pu'er tea can reduce fat and aid weight loss, lower blood pressure, combat arterial hardening, prevent cancer, improve skin health, nourish the stomach, strengthen teeth and gums, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, and fight aging. Aside from drinking it directly, Pu'er tea can also be used in culinary therapy. Below are 12 secrets of Pu'er tea wellness. 1. A natural health beverage The cancer-preventing and health benefits of Pu'er tea, once confirmed by the medical community, have boosted the confidence of tea enthusiasts. The lipid-lowering and appetite-suppressing properties of Pu'er tea have attracted countless beauty-conscious individuals and those looking to lose weight; middle-aged people who are prone to weight gain cannot do without Pu'er tea. Drinking it hot soothes the stomach and intestines and is particularly effective for constipation and frequent urination. Pu'er tea helps to replenish energy and solidify essence, making it beneficial for men with erectile dysfunction and prostate issues. The older the Pu'er tea (the longer it has been stored), the better its effects on boosting energy and enhancing virility. 2. Prevents and treats coronary heart disease Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, can be effectively prevented…

Pu'er tea is a popular variety nowadays and is deeply loved by the public. The quality of Pu'er tea on the market varies greatly, making it difficult for those who do not know much about tea to pick out good Pu'er tea. Below, I will discuss several methods and principles for selecting Pu'er tea. Inspect the Shape and ColorSelecting Pu'er tea starts with distinguishing the quality of its shape. Observing the shape primarily involves looking at the color and the formation of the dry tea. Good Pu'er tea should have a robust formation, neat and clean appearance, and should not have any mold spots. If mold spots appear on the surface of the tea, this indicates improper storage and signifies an inferior product. Raw (unfermented) Pu'er tea has a fresh and light color, with prominent white down, appearing in deep green or dark green. After fermentation, ripe tea has a deeper color than raw tea, presenting as reddish-brown.Examine the Tea Liquor and Leaf ResidueThe color of the tea liquor and the leaf residue reflect the quality of the Pu'er tea's production process, aging period, and storage method. Good Pu'er tea has a clear and bright liquor color, which can range…

When did the variety of Wuyi Rock Tea originate? According to "The New Gazetteer of Tong'an County," "Wuyi tea was originally wild, not planted by human hands. It is said that it was first discovered by an old man... The old man first offered the tea and after his death, he was revered as a mountain deity and enjoyed temple sacrifices." In Fan Zhongyan's "Song of Tea Competition with Zhang Min," it states: "The miraculous tea by the stream surpasses all in the world, cultivated since ancient times by the immortals of Wuyi." The "immortals of Wuyi" likely refer to the distant ancestors of the Wuyi tea region, traditionally believed to be Wuyi Jun or Pengzu. According to Hu Haochuan's research, Wuyi Caicha evolved from a wild species. Professor Zhuang Wanfang believes that Wuyi tea was cultivated by ancients or possibly introduced from Wulong Ridge in Zhejiang Province. Caicha is the mother of Wuyi teas and is the collective term for the sexually propagated group of tea trees in Wuyi. This means these teas are as common as the vegetables grown around the house, only for everyday drinking. In the natural environment of Wuyi Mountain, due to the cross-pollination of…

       For most people, choosing good tea can be quite a challenge. China has a rich variety of teas, and with so many different types, shapes, and flavors, which ones qualify as good tea? People naturally pursue what is beautiful, and this applies to tea as well. No one wants to be at a disadvantage by purchasing inferior quality tea.        Is there a standard for what constitutes good tea, and can we judge the quality of tea based on that standard? For most people, there is indeed a simple method: judging the quality of tea by observing its appearance and intrinsic qualities. Although not entirely accurate, it generally meets the judgment needs of most people. What Constitutes Good Tea?        1. Appearance        Regardless of the type of tea, good tea should have a fresh and tender color, a rounded shape, tightly rolled leaves, and plump buds, without any broken fragments. In contrast, poor-quality tea appears dull in color, with broken dry leaves and mixed with other substances.        2. Aroma        After the tea is processed, it emits a faint aroma. Before brewing, take a sniff…

The Aroma Achieved Through Baking The tea processing of Xinyang Maojian not only preserves the tenderness of the buds but also enhances their aroma to a certain extent, creating a fresh, smooth, and mellow taste for Maojian tea. The production process of Xinyang Maojian is very meticulous. Before stir-frying, the fresh leaves are sorted according to variety, weather at the time of picking (rainy or sunny), time of day (morning or afternoon), and freshness. They are then graded using bamboo sieves and kept separately. The sorted tea leaves are spread out on a tray; those picked on rainy days should be spread thinly, while those picked on sunny days can be spread more thickly. Once the leaves become soft and have lost some moisture, they are ready for stir-frying. The stir-frying directly determines the quality of Xinyang Maojian, as it is the process that enhances its aroma and also makes the tea suitable for long-term storage. Its technique is also unique, consisting of three steps: raw pan, mature pan, and baking. Although this sounds simple, the actual process is particularly complex. Furthermore, the stir-frying and baking techniques of Xinyang Maojian combine elements from the production methods of Lu'an Guapian and…

For Pu'er tea, many friends find it complex, especially those who are just starting to explore the world of Pu'er tea. The diverse flavors from different regions and the concept that Pu'er tea improves with age can be confusing. Additionally, seeing a wide range of prices in the market makes it even harder to know where to start, often leaving buyers guessing. In this article, we will discuss how a high-quality Pu'er tea should look, smell, taste, and appear, providing useful information for tea enthusiasts when selecting their teas. Five Quality Standards for Premium Pu'er Tea 1. Dry Leaf Appearance: The compressed tea leaves should have an appropriate level of tightness and uniformity; they should have a smooth and lustrous color. For ripe Pu'er tea, the color should be dark brown with a glossy sheen and visible golden tips. For raw Pu'er tea, the color should be dark and lustrous. 2. Aroma: Assess the purity and longevity of the tea's fragrance A standard-quality Pu'er tea should have a pure aroma, free from any off-flavors, impurities, or unpleasant moldy odors. Pu'er tea is known for its ability to improve with age, and its fragrance develops through microbial and enzymatic activities during…

For those just starting to learn about Pu'er tea, you may not know where to start, as many concepts, common knowledge, and terms related to Pu'er tea are unfamiliar. This is an article designed to help beginners quickly understand Pu'er tea. ◎What is Pu'er tea? Pu'er tea originates from the Lancang River basin in southern and western Yunnan. It is made from the fresh leaves of large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, processed into various compressed teas through steaming and compression, and then aged over a certain period of time. Alternatively, it can be made by post-fermenting sun-dried green tea from large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, resulting in compressed or loose Pu'er tea. ◎What is raw (sheng) tea? The large-leaf tea grown in Yunnan is processed through sun-withering and directly compressed into cakes, tuos, or bricks, which are referred to as raw cakes, raw tuos, and raw bricks. Uncompressed tea is called maocha (rough tea). ◎What is ripe (shou) tea? The large-leaf tea grown in Yunnan undergoes sun-withering followed by pile fermentation and is then compressed into cakes, tuos, or bricks, known as ripe cakes, ripe tuos, and ripe bricks. ◎How do you distinguish between raw and ripe Pu'er tea? There…