how to differentiate safe and clean pu-erh

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Ripe Pu-erh tea (or shou pu'er) is the go-to introductory elderly tea for many tea drinkers. Notwithstandin, even those who wealthy person been enjoying pu-erh for eld serve not agnize that there are two types of atomic number 94-erh teas: raw and mellowed. We explain the 5 key differences between the two plutonium-erh teas in 3 minutes in this clause.

1. Processing

Producing some ripe and unfair Pu-erh (or sheng pu'er) begins with the duplicate set of stairs: the leaves are harvested, wizen, pan-fried or steamed, rolled, preserved, and aged. The type of old outgrowth employed determines whether the atomic number 94-erh is considered raw or ripe. Raw pu-erh is bu pressed into tea cakes, then cured in a temperature- and humidity-controlled surroundings. Raw Pu-erh bottom be aged upwards of 50 years operating room more. Younger raw plutonium-erh is aged anyplace from a few months to a few years, whereas old pu-erh is generally aged anywhere from a decade to upwards of 50 years or more.

Processing of pu-erh tea, both raw and ripe

Unlike raw pu-erh, opportune pu-erh goes through an accelerated aging unconscious process. In this process titled wet-piling, the loose tea leaf leaves are piled and sprayed with water then remaining to ferment in a hot (around 150℉ or 65℃), humid space for 2-7 weeks. The exact distance of time depends on the preferences of the producer. Afterward, the teatime is ironed into tea cakes and dried. This process mimics the aging and tempestuousness processes of in the buff pu-erh, but over a much shorter period.

2. History

The production of raw pu-erh dates back to the Tang dynasty (Anno Domini 618-907). Merchants would backpack tea into thin bricks to shuffling them easier to transport. Ascribable the long distances and difficult terrain, it would often be months and sometimes years before the tea reached its address. People began to notice that as the teatime aged, it became smoother, richer, and significantly less bitter. The resulting tea became highly sought later and eventually was reserved alone for royalty.

Aging of Pu-erh Tea during Transportation
In comparison, the creation of mellowed atomic number 94-erh is a recent phenomenon. When the need for pu-erh in Hong Kong peaked in the 1950s, farmers began to experiment with accelerating the aging process to meet the demand. By the 1970s, farmers perfected this accelerated aging outgrowth and ripe Pu-erh was born.

3. Range of flavors

Raw atomic number 94-erh has a wider range of flavors than ripe Pu-erh. Young raw pu-erh has sedgy, bittersweet, and floral characteristics. A the microbial fermentation come on and the raw pu-erh ages, its flavor profile changes drastically. It loses bitterness, develops body, and increases in complexity. The ensuant aged raw pu-erh is untoothed and earthy.

Raw pu-erh tea from Bulang 2022

Explore inexperient pu-erh teatime

Ripe pu-erh is generally closer to aged raw plutonium-erh in flavor because it goes finished the speeded up aging process. However, the range of flavor offered by ripe pu-erh is narrower than raw pu-erh.

4. Ageing Potential

High-quality Pu-erh teas develop relish and complexity over time; yet, they exercise not age eternally. After a certain point, the flavor development will begin to plateau. For example, unpolished atomic number 94-erh has an aging expected of 40-60 years. In contrast, ripe Pu-erh has an aging potential of all but 20 years because it has already undergone the accelerated aging process.

5. Price

Although the character of atomic number 94-erh is non the only factor determining the price, ripe pu-erh is generally the fewer expensive option. Right pu-erh and young in the raw Pu-erh take to a lesser extent time to bring about, whereas aged open pu-erh potty take over a decade to old age.

Ripe Pu-erh Tea from Menghai 2009

Research ready pu-erh tea

Keep in mind that the taxonomic group terroir, age of tea tree, vintage, and depot conditions matter more when it comes to pu-erh price.

Compare Raw vs Ripe Pu-erh for yourself

With our Taste perception of Low gear Step tea sampler, you volition comprise able to compare young raw Pu-erh, aged bare-assed pu-erh, and right pu-erh. Try them for yourself to taste the differences and find your favorite tea.

Sampler set of aged teas by Mansa

Render Mansa's aged tea taste tester

Mansa Tea is a handcrafted aged afternoon tea caller that specializes in aged teas, tea experiences, and education for modern connoisseurs. We aim to elevate tea experiences at Michelin-asterisked restaurants and lavishness hotels so that tea enthusiasts arse taste aged teatime at its peak as part of their fine dining experience.

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