Table of Contents
"Choose Pu-erh tea with our unbeatable 4-step method. Never doubt yourself when choosing the best Pu-erh tea with our foolproof guide."
Pu-erh ripe tea is a type of tea that is known for its complexity.
This complexity is due to various factors such as origin, microenvironment, tree species, picking time, production process, and production year.
These factors contribute to the subtle and rich flavors of Pu-erh tea, making it a unique and mysterious experience for tea enthusiasts.
Each tasting feels like a new journey of exploration, full of surprises and expectations.
However, because of its complexity, it is difficult to measure the quality of Pu-erh tea with a precise data index system.
If you want to choose Pu-erh tea, you must know how to judge its quality. Our 4 steps will teach you exactly that. Don't settle for mediocre tea any longer. Follow our guide and become an expert in selecting the finest Pu-erh tea. Trust us, you won't regret it.
Choose Pu-erh Tea Step 1: Appearance
When it comes to the color of a high-quality Pu-erh ripe tea cake, it should display a deep and consistent brown color or a brownish-brown color with a hint of warmth. This color is not just a superficial surface color but a unique color naturally formed by the tea leaves through time sedimentation and fermentation. It contains the traces of years and the essence of tea leaves.
In terms of appearance, the tea buds in a good Pu-erh ripe tea cake should be tightly and neatly arranged. Each bud is like a carefully crafted artwork, tightly clustered together, showing a harmonious and orderly beauty. This tight and orderly appearance reflects the quality of the tea leaves and is powerful proof of exquisite craftsmanship.
The aroma of dry tea is essential in determining the quality of a Pu-erh ripe tea cake. If the tea leaves emit a moldy, pungent, earthy, or fishy smell, the tea likely has quality issues. On the other hand, an excellent ripe Pu-erh cake should have a strong aroma of dried dates and a comforting and pleasant scent reminiscent of a fruitful date orchard. It may also emit a lovely smell of old wood, carrying the essence of time and simplicity, giving a sense of tranquility and remoteness.
Choose Pu-erh Tea Step 2: Brewing
When brewing tea, the first step is to rinse the tea leaves with hot water. Next, pour out the first brew, and the heat will gradually increase, causing the tea aroma to diffuse from the fairness cup. At this point, you should be able to smell the rich and pure fragrance of dried dates, a refreshing scent that feels like a gift from nature.
It's important to note that there should be no musty or pungent odors during this process. If these odors exist, then it's safe to say that the tea is not of good quality. A good tea should have a pure and intoxicating aroma that brings pleasure to people, not discomfort and aversion. Do you find this version more apparent?
Choose Pu-erh Tea Step 3: Observing the Soup Color
The color of a fine Pu-erh ripe tea should display adorable features, such as a bright red hue that is reflective like a mirror and as transparent as crystal. This particular color seems to be created by the most radiant colors found in nature, emitting a distinct light that is irresistible to those who see it.
When it comes to tea, the color of the soup is critical. A dull and turbid soup color is unacceptable, as it can make people feel lifeless and depressed. In contrast, high-quality Pu-erh ripe tea has a bright and inviting soup color that will lift your spirits.
When you pour the bright red tea soup into your cup, you'll notice an incredible feeling of viscosity. This sensation is like thick soup, providing a rich and satisfying experience. This is because ripe Pu-erh tea contains many water-soluble substances, such as tea polyphenols, amino acids, fructose, and pectin. These substances interact to create a unique viscous feeling in the tea soup. They are the essence of Pu-erh ripe tea and a testament to its exceptional quality.
Choose Pu-erh Tea Step 4: Tasting
When sipping on a cup of Pu-erh ripe tea, we should immediately notice a rich and mellow taste that spreads through the mouth, as if a sediment of essence has been dancing on the tip of the tongue for years. Additionally, there will be a unique aroma similar to aged wooden furniture that lingers from the mouth to the nose, leaving one feeling intoxicated and unable to extricate themselves.
There should be no musty, pungent, or uncomfortable feelings throughout the tasting process, such as difficulty swallowing. Such bad tastes and feelings can ruin the entire tea-tasting experience and leave people doubting the quality of the tea.
As one continues to drink the tea, the tea soup will bring a delicate feeling, like silk passing gently over the tip of the tongue, soft and smooth, without any roughness or astringency. At the same time, it seems as though one is in a quiet forest, feeling the moisture and tranquility in the air, giving the mind a moment of peace and relaxation. Does this description help you more vividly feel the beauty of tasting a good Pu-erh ripe tea?
In Conclusion
An exceptional Pu-erh ripe tea should have a deep and long-lasting aged aroma, blending aromatic elements such as woody, fruity, and floral. The aroma should be captivating and immerse you in a deep and mysterious breath, making it difficult to extricate yourself.
Furthermore, a good Pu-erh ripe tea should have a silky and viscous mouthfeel that is natural and not artificially created. The delicate texture of the tea should be like silk dancing on the tongue, providing the ultimate enjoyment.
In addition to the superior taste and aroma, a good Pu-erh ripe tea should exhibit a rich and vivid red color. The color of the tea soup should be like the sunset on the horizon, providing a solid visual impact. This rich and vivid red color is not just a surface-level phenomenon but the external manifestation of the internal quality of the tea leaves, which is a perfect crystallization of the tea leaves that have been tempered by time and carefully crafted. This color is a visual enjoyment and a symbol of the quality and value of the tea leaves.
The Most Authentic Pu-erh Tea We Selected
Click on the picture above to view our Puerh tea collection
Author: Cary Woo
Cary Woo has been working in the tea industry for over 10 years and has run a tea house for over 6 years, serving thousands of tea enthusiasts each year. He has a deep passion for various types of Chinese tea and is also the operator of Orientaleaf. He advocates for Orientaleaf's business philosophy: "We only sell tea that we have personally enjoyed and believe to be of high quality." He hopes to make the beauty of Chinese tea accessible to tea enthusiasts worldwide through simple means.
