Tea Knowledge

What is Tieguanyin? Tieguanyin is a semi-fermented tea that belongs to the oolong category, widely popular for its unique aroma and flavor. Originating from Anxi County in Fujian Province, China, it is one of the top ten famous teas in China. The leaves of Tieguanyin are thick and robust, retaining their rich fragrance even after multiple infusions, earning the reputation of having "lingering fragrance after seven infusions." The History and Legends of Tieguanyin There are two main legends about the origin of Tieguanyin. One involves Wang Shishi, who is said to have discovered a special tea plant during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. After cultivating and processing it, he presented it to Emperor Qianlong, who bestowed upon it the name "Tieguanyin." Another legend revolves around Wei Yin, who found and cultivated this exceptional tea plant following a dream in which he was guided by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, naming it after her. The Production Process of Tieguanyin The production process of Tieguanyin is intricate, involving over a dozen steps such as cooling, sun-drying, shaking, stir-frying, rolling, initial roasting, re-roasting, and slow baking over a low flame. Each step must be executed with precision to ensure high-quality tea. During production,…

Those who enjoy drinking Pu'er ripe tea usually keep some at home. However, those lacking storage experience often find their tea has molded, deteriorated, or developed strange odors after a few years. So, how should we correctly store Pu'er tea? Key Points for Storing Pu'er Ripe Tea 1. Avoid Pollution: The environment in which you store Pu'er tea must be free from pollution. Pollution is something to be avoided when storing any type of tea, and this is no different for Pu'er tea. Pu'er tea can quickly absorb the odors of other substances, potentially masking or altering its own scent. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea at home, it is crucial to prevent common odors like cooking oil, cosmetics, and medications from contaminating the tea. 2. Avoid High Temperatures: The ideal temperature range for storing Pu'er tea is between 20°C and 30°C. Higher temperatures can cause the tea to become acidic. In daily life, many regions do not meet this condition, so storing it at home under normal conditions is sufficient. It is important to note that during the storage process, avoid placing Pu'er tea near heat sources such as fireplaces, kitchens, or machinery where temperatures may rise. 3. Avoid Moisture:…

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…

Ming-Qian tea refers to the tea harvested before the Qingming Festival. It is less affected by pests, with tender buds and leaves that are bright green in color, delicate in fragrance, mellow in taste, and beautiful in form, making it a premium quality tea. At the same time, since the temperature is generally lower before Qingming, the number of sprouts is limited, and their growth rate is slow, very little of it reaches the standards for picking, hence the saying "Ming-Qian tea is as precious as gold." Ming-Qian tea refers to the tea harvested before the Qingming Festival. It is less affected by pests, with tender buds and leaves that are bright green in color, delicate in fragrance, mellow in taste, and beautiful in form, making it a premium quality tea. At the same time, since the temperature is generally lower before Qingming, the number of sprouts is limited, and their growth rate is slow, very little of it reaches the standards for picking, hence the saying "Ming-Qian tea is as precious as gold." Characteristics of Ming-Qian Spring Tea Ming-Qian tea (spring tea) is better than summer or autumn tea. Due to the moderate spring temperatures and ample rainfall, along…

 "Nothing is better for brewing than purple clay, and among these, the most exquisite teapots come from Yangxin (Yixing)." As the ideal utensil for brewing tea, a purple clay teapot needs the company of tea to reveal its gentle elegance. We know that tea brewed in a purple clay pot has a wonderful aroma, and the longer it is used, the more fragrant it becomes. This is because the purple clay has good breathability, preventing the tea water from spoiling. Some people like to leave tea in the pot for long periods, which they call nurturing the pot. The tea brewed in such a nurtured pot is even sweeter, due to the accumulation of tea stains on the pot's walls. ▲ Persimmon Pot Before using a newly purchased pot, you can first soak some tea leaves in hot water. Soaking multiple times is even better, then clean both inside and out to thoroughly remove any residual sand particles. (The method mentioned above can help eliminate any odd smells that may be produced). Why should tea stains not be left behind? 1 Some say that the tea stains on a purple clay pot can nurture the pot and do not need…

Enthusiasts of Pu'er tea who have been enjoying it for some time will undoubtedly have a fine collection at home, ready to be savored over time. It's crucial to properly manage humidity and odors to preserve your beloved teas. Here, we discuss the four don'ts and do's of storing Pu'er tea. The Four Taboos of Storing Pu'er Tea at Home Taboo One: Avoid High Temperatures High temperatures accelerate the degradation of chlorophyll in Pu'er tea, causing it to convert into de-magnified chlorophyll, changing its fresh green color to dark brown. The auto-oxidation of polyphenols and other substances also accelerates under high temperatures. Research shows that for every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of browning in Pu'er tea accelerates, affecting its quality and aging process. Taboo Two: Avoid Direct Sunlight The plant pigments and lipids in Pu'er tea are susceptible to photochemical reactions, which can produce sun-dried and other off-flavors. Pu'er tea is particularly sensitive to light, so it should be stored away from direct sunlight. Taboo Three: Avoid Strong Odors Tea leaves are porous and easily absorb odors. Therefore, avoid storing Pu'er tea in places with strong odors, as these can taint the tea's natural flavor. Taboo Four: Avoid…

Baihua Tan is part of the Tongqing River, a renowned Pu'er tea production area in Yiwu, located in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is situated at the confluence of the Tongqing River, Bulong River, and Jinchang River, and its unique geographical location has created a favorable natural environment. It is a tranquil place nestled in the forest by the water. Various wild flowers grow near the mountain stream, with baihua (wildflowers) being the most abundant, hence the name. Baihua Tan stands out from the Tongqing River as an emerging micro-production area, following Bingdao, Laobanzhang, and Cha Wang Tree as another classic micro-production area for tea. The ancient tea trees in Baihua Tan can reach heights of over ten meters, with deep roots and broad crowns, and large leaves. Its tea leaves have a distinctive flavor, a heavy body, and a strong wild character, with great vigor and full tea energy. The raw tea is highly recognizable, with straight, hard strips, due to the high content of pectin in the leaves. Those fortunate enough to taste the ancient tree tea from Baihua Tan often describe it with the word “wild.” Its flavor…

"White Peony tea," a precious variety, is produced in Zhenghe, known as the "Hometown of Chinese White Tea." White Peony tea is picked at the stage of one bud and two leaves, requiring that the buds and leaves are covered with white down, referred to as "three whites." The shape of the tea is two leaves embracing a bud, with a natural leaf posture and white down covering the back of the leaves. After brewing, the liquor turns apricot yellow or orange-yellow, clear and bright, with a fresh and lasting downy fragrance. The veins are slightly red, scattered among the green leaves, earning it the praise of "red dress on a white body." The preparation method for drinking White Peony tea is similar to that of green tea but, due to the lack of kneading, the tea juice does not easily seep out, so the brewing time is slightly longer than for green tea. "White like clouds, green like dreams, clean like snow, fragrant like orchids," this tea, which is cold and cool in nature, has the effects of heat-clearing and summer-heat dispelling, making it an excellent drink for refreshing the heart and purifying the spirit in summer. It is…

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…

The quality of Zhengshan XiaoZhong is particularly excellent. Its overall quality characteristics are divided into four categories: 1. Leaf Tea: A type of traditional broken black tea, with tight and uniform strips, a lustrous dark color, an aromatic fragrance, a bright red infusion, a rich taste, and a red and bright leaf base with many tender stems. 2. Broken Tea: With heavy and uniform granules in appearance, a lustrous dark or brownish color, a fragrant aroma, a bright red infusion, a strong, fresh, and refreshing taste, and a uniformly red leaf base. 3. Shredded Tea: Entirely in the form of ear-shaped shreds or wrinkled angular pieces, with a dark brown color, a relatively pure aroma, a somewhat red infusion, a somewhat strong and slightly astringent taste, and a uniformly red leaf base. 4. Cai Tea: One of the earliest varieties in Wuyi Mountain. Its bushes are very small, and its branches are relatively thin. It is a variety propagated sexually through seeds. It has abundant flowers and seeds, suitable for sowing.

For Pu'er tea, many tea enthusiasts have the concept of "drink old tea, store new tea." So, how can we determine if a new tea has collection value? First, making a good tea requires many factors. The most critical are the following three aspects: What kind of new tea has the greatest collection value? I. Raw Materials Without good raw materials, no matter how skillful the process is or how correctly it's stored later, the tea cannot develop a good taste during its transformation later on. 1. Tea Variety A good tea is cultivated by people and is also the result of natural selection over thousands of years. Among various tea varieties, the sexual reproduction-based large-leaf type native to Yunnan is best suited for making Pu'er tea. 2. Growing Environment A suitable environment for growing tea trees. This includes appropriate altitude, proper sunlight duration and intensity, well-spaced planting, appropriate intercropping, no need for pesticides due to biodiversity that prevents the occurrence and development of diseases and pests, etc. 3. Picking Parts and Time Different parts of the tea leaves such as the bud tip, leaf, stalk, and yellow leaf play different roles in the post-fermentation process and have different effects…

Tea culture in China has a long history, and the variety of tea brewing tools is vast. Porcelain, as an ancient and elegant tool for brewing tea, has always been favored by tea enthusiasts. But is porcelain really suitable for brewing tea? This article will take you through all aspects of brewing tea with porcelain. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) Advantages of Brewing Tea with Porcelain Porcelain has been an excellent choice for brewing tea since ancient times, mainly due to the following advantages: 1. Preserves Tea Aroma: The delicate and smooth material of porcelain does not absorb the aroma of the tea, thus it can well preserve the original aroma of the tea leaves. This is particularly important for teas with rich aromas, such as Tieguanyin and Oolong tea. 2. Good Heat Conduction: Porcelain has moderate heat conduction properties, which allows it to evenly disperse heat, keeping the tea temperature stable. This prevents over-steeping or sudden drops in temperature that could affect the taste of the tea. 3. Aesthetically Pleasing: Porcelain is beautifully crafted with rich patterns and designs, offering high aesthetic value. Whether at home or in a teahouse, brewing tea with porcelain is a feast for…

Tea, a treasure of Chinese culture, has captivated countless people with its unique charm since ancient times. Among them, floral teas and reprocessed teas stand out for their distinctive flavors and production processes, becoming shining gems in tea culture. Today, let's embark on a journey into the world of floral and reprocessed teas to experience their allure and essence.Floral tea is a specialty beverage made by blending tea leaves with aromatic flowers. Among various floral teas, jasmine tea is particularly beloved for its fresh and elegant fragrance. The production process of jasmine tea is meticulous and labor-intensive, with each step embodying the wisdom and dedication of skilled artisans. Firstly, high-quality green tea is selected as the base and undergoes precise processing to retain its original freshness and flavor. Fresh jasmine flowers are then picked and layered with the tea leaves, allowing the tea to absorb the aroma of the jasmine fully. This scenting process requires multiple repetitions, with strict control over time and temperature to ensure perfect fusion between the tea and the flower’s fragrance. Finally, after careful scenting and roasting, jasmine tea is born. The flavor of jasmine tea is unique, combining the freshness of green tea with the…

Huoshan Yellow Monkey is a Chinese green tea and one of China’s Top Ten Famous Teas, produced in the Huangshan District (formerly Taiping County), Anhui Province. This tea is not only renowned for its unique appearance and excellent taste but also cherished by tea enthusiasts for its long history and rich cultural heritage. Let's delve deeper into what makes this tea so special. Huoshan Yellow Monkey: History and Origins Huoshan Yellow Monkey, a name that evokes a sense of legend, is produced in the Huangshan District of Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The natural conditions here are exceptional, with high mountains, fertile soil, and misty clouds providing an ideal environment for tea growth. The history of Huoshan Yellow Monkey dates back to the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, when Mr. Zheng Shouqing cultivated tea gardens along the Mochuan River. Through meticulous care, he produced a flat and upright “pointed tea” that was fresh and flavorful. Due to its outstanding quality, it was named “Taiping Pointed Tea,” which later evolved into the Huoshan Yellow Monkey we know today. Huoshan Yellow Monkey: Appearance and Characteristics Huoshan Yellow Monkey is well-known for its distinctive appearance. The tea leaves are flat and upright, resembling…

Gafengzhai is truly a mysterious and unique place! It is located in the Mahei Village Committee, Yiwu Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is a Yao ethnic village. The altitude here is high, the climate is suitable, and the annual precipitation is abundant, providing an ideal environment for the growth of tea trees. The ancient tea trees in Gafengzhai are distributed in the primeval forest, far from human settlements, with excellent ecological conditions and little human interference. The tea trees grow slowly here and have a strong wild character, with low bitterness and astringency and a quick return to sweetness. Its tea leaves combine strength and softness, possessing a unique mountain charm. They are a superior quality that is gentle yet powerful, embodying aroma, taste, charm, and qi, representing the highest standard of good Pu'er tea. Tasting Gafengzhai, one can experience its sweet and mellow flavor, honey fragrance, smooth texture, and the restrained yet potent tea qi. The beauty of its transformation over time is amazing; new teas start with sweetness, while aged aromas emerge gradually, captivating those who savor it. The charm, high aroma, and returning sweetness of Gafengzhai make it a typical representative of…

Huangshan Maofeng, one of China’s top ten famous teas, is renowned for its tender buds, beautiful appearance, rich aroma, and sweet taste. It is produced in the Huangshan Scenic Area in Anhui Province and has a history dating back over 1,800 years, often referred to as the “saint of teas.” The quality of Huangshan Maofeng primarily depends on the harvest time, leaf grade, and production methods. Harvest Time The harvest times for Huangshan Maofeng are generally divided into pre-rain, post-rain, before the clear spring (mingqian), Guyu, and White Dew. Among these, those harvested pre-rain and before the clear spring are of the highest quality and, accordingly, the most expensive. Leaf Grade The leaf grades of Huangshan Maofeng mainly include Special Grade, First Grade, Second Grade, and Third Grade. Among them, the Special Grade Huangshan Maofeng has the most delicate buds, vibrant green color, rich aroma, and sweet taste, making it a true delicacy. Production Methods The production process of Huangshan Maofeng includes picking, withering, stir-frying, shaping, and drying. Among these steps, the stir-frying process is crucial and directly impacts the tea’s quality. Price of Huangshan Maofeng The price of Huangshan Maofeng ranges from dozens of yuan to several thousand yuan…

Over several hundred years, the family of white tea tree species has seen the addition of many new members. Do you know which species your white tea comes from?Theoretically, fresh leaves from any tea tree can be processed into different types of tea using various techniques. However, due to differences in species, some are better suited for specific types of tea. Traditional white tea requires a tea tree with abundant downy hairs, prominent white hairs, and high amino acid content. White tea made from such trees is covered in white hairs, with a pronounced hairy aroma and a fresh, refreshing taste.In the beginning, white tea was made from the fresh leaves of vegetable tea. Later, the range of tea tree species expanded, and varieties like Fuding Dahao, Fuding Dahao, Zhenghe Dahao, and Narcissus gradually entered the scene.Superior National Cultivars The most well-known are Hua Cha No. 1 (Fuding Dahao) and Hua Cha No. 2 (Fuding Dahao). These two species can be considered the two leading members of the white tea family, strong and at the peak of their popularity.Fuding Dahao is also known locally as "white-haired tea." It originated in Baiqiu Village, Nodding Town, Fuding. It is clonal, a small…

The diverse and ever-changing scents of tea are one of the main motivators for many new tea enthusiasts to get started, and a source of enjoyment for seasoned tea connoisseurs. For example, green teas have a "roasted chestnut" or "fried bean" aroma, while black teas tend towards a "sweet fruit" or "flower honey" scent. The variety of aromas in Pu'er tea is even richer, with raw Pu'er offering lotus, orchid, and fruity scents, as well as apricot aroma, while ripe Pu'er has glutinous rice, jujube, woody notes, and more. Many of these aromas can overlap. Where do all these aromas come from? Why do so many of them only approximate rather than perfectly match the descriptions they're given? In this article, Lu Li will guide tea enthusiasts through the different layers of tea aromas and where the various types of Pu'er tea aromas originate. Sources of Pu'er Tea Aromas In earlier times, Taiwanese tea expert Deng Shihai summarized four types of Pu'er tea aromas: camphor, lotus, orchid, and green (fresh) aromas. Later, the industry continued to summarize the rules of changes in Pu'er tea aromas, adding more descriptive terms that contributed to the development of the Pu'er tea aroma system.…

According to the GB/T30375-2013 Tea Storage standard, the storage temperature for Dahongpao (Oolong tea) should not exceed 25°C. The environment should be well-ventilated, dry, clean, cool, and shielded from light. Therefore, Dahongpao is best stored at room temperature to ensure its flavor and aroma remain stable. The fridge has a complex environment with high humidity, so it's not necessary to store Dahongpao in the fridge. How Should Dahongpao Be Stored? Dahongpao tea easily absorbs odors and is also susceptible to moisture, high temperatures, and sunlight. After roasting, Dahongpao tea leaves are quite dry; they can crumble under gentle finger pressure, which is the ideal moisture content for long-term storage. The most ideal temperature for storage is around 0-10 degrees Celsius. At an ambient temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius, the shelf life should not exceed four months. At temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius, the shelf life should not exceed two months, or else the tea will exhibit noticeable changes in color and taste. Direct exposure to light accelerates oxidation, so the tea should not be stored in transparent glass containers or exposed to direct sunlight. Dahongpao should not be stored for more than one year under normal temperature conditions. For…

There's a popular saying about white tea: "One-year tea, three-year storage, seven-year treasure." Based on its aging period, white tea can be categorized into new and aged varieties: New white tea refers to the tea harvested and processed in the current year; aged white tea is the tea that has been stored for years and exhibits characteristics typical of aged tea. However, distinguishing between new and aged white tea can be challenging for many tea enthusiasts. Today, we will compare the appearance and quality of one-year new tea, three-year-old tea, and seven-year-old tea to help you discern and appreciate the differences between new and aged white teas. One-Year New Tea Appearance Naturally spread out, with plump and upright buds, even and mostly intact leaves with slight fragmentation; The leaves display a natural gray-green or bluish-green color, with a fresh luster, creating a beautiful contrast between the bluish top and the silvery-white underside; Abundant soft silver-white down. The aroma is delicate floral and downy. Quality The infusion of new tea is clear and bright, with a light apricot-yellow hue, and its taste is particularly fresh and sweet. Three-Year Aged Tea Appearance The integrity of three-year-aged tea is slightly compromised; It has…

Many tea enthusiasts have this dilemma: why does my tea not taste as good as others', even when using the same tea leaves, the same teaware, and the same water? Note Three Aspects Assuming there are no issues with the quality of the tea, brewing a great cup primarily depends on three factors: teaware, amount of tea used, and steeping time. These elements are interrelated. Teaware: The appearance of a gaiwan or teapot is secondary; what matters is its capacity, which directly affects the amount of tea used, the volume of water added, and steeping time. For example, a packet of rock tea contains 8 grams, and when brewed in a 100cc and a 130cc gaiwan, the volumes of water added will differ. With the same steeping time, the resulting flavors will vary, with the former being more concentrated. Amount of Tea Used: If you're brewing pre-packaged teas, it's convenient as rock tea is typically 8 grams per pack and black tea is 5 grams. For loose-leaf tea, if you're unsure how much to use, start by experimenting with an appropriate amount. If it's too weak or too strong, you'll know how to adjust for the next brewing session. Steeping…

Green tea is one of the most common types of tea on the market, and there are many varieties. The price of different types and qualities of green tea varies slightly. Cheaper green teas can be bought for several dozen yuan per pound, while more expensive ones can reach several thousand yuan per pound. In addition, the price of green tea can also vary slightly depending on location and season. Actual prices should be based on local market conditions. Different Market Prices of Green Teas 1. Longjing Tea: 800 to 8,000 yuan Longjing tea has a prominent reputation among green teas. When the first batches of West Lake Longjing hit the market, they can sell for around 3,000 to 5,000 yuan per pound. This price maintains for about four or five days before gradually decreasing. By the time of Qingming (Tomb Sweeping Day), the price may fall to as low as 800 yuan per pound. Some extremely high-quality West Lake Longjing can sell for 5,000 to 8,000 yuan per pound. If there is any speculation, the price might even reach 10,000 yuan per pound. 2. Biluochun: 400 to 5,000 yuan The price of authentic Biluochun generally ranges from 400 yuan…

Lincang Bingnong Mountain Pu'er tea is a spot Pu'er tea produced in the Bingnong Mountain area of Lincang, Yunnan Province, China. It is renowned worldwide for its distinctive semi-mountain quality and flavor, making it a key component of traditional Chinese tea culture. Bingnong Mountain is located in the Lincang region of Yunnan, an alpine area above 1,000 meters elevation with rugged terrain, variable climate, abundant annual rainfall, and fertile soil—ideal conditions for growing Pu'er tea trees. Bingnong Mountain Pu'er tea is made using the traditional Daxueshan technique passed down through generations. The tea trees are cultivated and managed under strict environmental conditions to ensure consistent quality and flavor. Its taste is characterized by a smooth and rich mouthfeel, with a long-lasting sweetness. The leaves are relatively thick and full-bodied, while also exuding a unique fragrance. How much does the 2024 Lincang Bingnong Mountain Ancient Tree Spring Tea cost? The 2024 Lincang Bingnong Mountain Ancient Tree Spring Tea, pure raw loose tea, is priced at 125 RMB for 250 grams. The 2024 Lincang Bingnong Mountain Ancient Tree Spring Tea, pure raw loose tea, is priced at 250 RMB for 500 grams. The 2024 Lincang Bingnong Mountain Ancient Tree Spring Tea, pure…

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…