As modern work pressures increase and sub-health issues become more prominent, there is a growing demand for a healthy and eco-friendly beverage for daily consumption. In recent years, Pu'er tea has gained popularity among tea enthusiasts due to its authentic taste, sweetness, and Health benefits. More and more people are starting to drink Pu'er tea, but faced with the wide variety of Pu'er teas on the market, how can one purchase high-quality and cost-effective options? For newcomers in particular, are there any tips that can help them discern good from bad Pu'er tea? With the right approach to tasting and buying tea, you're sure to find the best Pu'er tea. Here are the “five key principles” that will certainly assist you in selecting top-quality Pu'er tea.
Purchasing Pu'er Tea: Master the “Five Principles”
The first principle is not to assume that older tree age or leaf type is always better.
Many consumers today believe that large leaves indicate wild growth. Upon close inspection, if the leaves are large, flat, and thin, they cannot be from wild plants but are likely cultivated under certain commercial interests. Genuine Yunnan-grown Pu'er tea is grown without fertilizers or pesticides, so consumers should not blindly trust claims about the tree age or leaf type.
The second principle is not to judge by the depth of the Infusion color.
Pu'er raw tea, when stored in a clean and well-ventilated environment, will slowly ferment. Even after 50 or 100 years, the tea liquor should remain clear and glossy, turning from golden yellow to reddish-brown. Therefore, if a seller claims that darker infusion color indicates an older tea, do not believe it.
The third principle is not to assume that the older the better.
The production history of Pu'er raw tea spans several centuries, but the first batch of ripe tea processed through controlled Fermentation (wet-piling) was produced in 1973. As such, most Pu'er ripe teas over 35 years old on the market are likely counterfeit.
The fourth principle is not to trust added flavors.
The only flavor characteristic of Pu'er raw tea is the camphor aroma, which becomes richer with age. The best way to distinguish Pu'er ripe tea is to look for those with less wet-piling fermentation and shorter blending and pressing times. If the tea has a musty smell or other off-flavors, it is likely moldy or of inferior quality.
The fifth principle is not to trust fraudulent packaging.
When purchasing Pu'er tea, consider whether the price aligns with the claimed age and packaging. For example, decades-old tea is now quite rare, yet the market seems to have ample supplies. Red Seal tea is also highly valuable, yet wholesale “Red Seal” teas can be suspiciously cheap. If the claimed age, price, and packaging do not make logical sense or are not in line with market trends, avoid buying out of greed, as this could lead to being duped.
Five Principles for Storing Pu'er Tea
1. Store Raw and Ripe Pu'er Separately
It's best to store raw and ripe Pu'er separately to prevent flavor mixing. Try to keep them in different rooms or containers.
2. Remove Warehouse Flavors Before Storage
Newly purchased Pu'er tea should not be immediately stored in containers. Allow it to breathe for a bit before storing. If new Pu'er tea has a strong warehouse flavor, place it in a well-ventilated area until the flavor dissipates. If there is no warehouse flavor, wrap the tea in Xuan paper, cotton paper, or kraft paper outside the bamboo wrapper for storage. These papers act as a buffer against excess moisture from the outside.
3. Categorize and Store According to Form
For long-term storage, if using cardboard boxes, prepare them accordingly. Tighten any loose bamboo-wrapped Pu'er tea with wire or rope before storing to prevent moisture ingress. Loose tea should be wrapped in kraft paper to avoid dampness.
4. Regularly Check Storage Conditions
The stored Pu'er tea is continuously changing, so regular tastings are the only method to check its condition. Besides tasting, inspect the tea for mold or insects. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
5. Keep Accurate Records
Many people store their Pu'er tea without keeping records and eventually forget details. To avoid this, label each tea item with its production date and purchase date.
Enjoying Pu'er tea is a refined and elegant experience. To continue savoring the wonders of Pu'er tea over time, a scientific and reasonable storage method is essential. The above guidelines summarize the precautions to take when storing Pu'er tea. We hope that every Cake of Pu'er tea in your possession stands the test of time while retaining its value.