Pu-erh tea is considered one of the most exquisite types of Chinese traditional drink. This type of tea quickly gained popularity among Russians, but not everyone knows how to choose the right Puerh. There are a few simple guidelines, thanks to which you can get real Pu-erh.
Tip 1
Before buying tea, be sure to pay attention to the packaging and storage conditions. Good pu-erh is always kept in a cool dry place, away from any food that has a strong odor. Otherwise, the tea will absorb foreign aromas, which will spoil the taste.
The ideal option is Pu-erh in a dense paper package. This indicates compliance with the storage rules. Pu-erh in briquettes is not distinguished by decent quality of raw materials and, as a rule, is made from what remained after the production of elite varieties. The name of the company must be written on the packaging. The most famous Chinese tea factories are Xiaguan, Menghai and Shuangjiang Mengku.
Tip 2
Ask the seller to smell the tea. This is a completely normal procedure in any specialty tea shop in China. The aroma of true Puer is made up of a combination of woody, nutty and chocolate notes. If you smell a distinct fishy or earthy smell, then do not buy such a product. Most likely, the tea was stored in the wrong way or made from low-quality raw materials.
Tip 3
The appearance of tea can tell a lot. A reddish tint can be an indicator that Puer is more than 5 years old. Young tea is always greenish in color. Small white blotches on the Puerh briquette are a sure sign that the tea has fallen into disrepair.
The tea leaves should be dry and tight to each other. And in a briquette, a dense consistency and an even surface are appreciated.
