You’re not alone if you’ve ever sipped ripe Pu-erh tea and noticed your mouth feeling drier or your throat tightening. Many tea drinkers experience this “dry sensation” or what we often call the “burning” or “throat-locking” feeling. But why does this happen, especially when ripe Pu-erh tea is known for its smooth, mellow taste? In this article, we’ll uncover the top three reasons why some ripe Pu-erh teas can feel “hotter” the more you drink them.
Improper Blending Ratios
Ripe Pu-erh tea, like many other teas, can be blended with leaves from different tea mountains, picking seasons, or even tea tree ages. This is called “tea blending” or “茶叶拼配”. The goal is to enhance the flavour and create a more balanced tea. However, when blending is not done properly, it can lead to an imbalance in the flavour profile. If the blending ratio is off, some flavours may overpower the others, creating an uncomfortable “dry” sensation in your mouth.
This is especially true in ripe Pu-erh tea, where blending involves balancing the tea’s age and variety and the fermentation levels. If too much young or improperly fermented tea is used, it can lead to the tea being overly astringent, leaving that burning feeling in your throat.
Pro Tip: Always make sure that the tea you’re drinking is made with a balanced and well-calibrated blend, as this helps reduce any undesirable sensations.
The Cold-Water Piling Process (渥堆发酵)
One of the distinctive features of ripe Pu-erh tea is the “cold-water piling” process, which is a type of fermentation that uses moisture and low heat to break down the compounds in the tea leaves. This long, gradual process helps create the deep, earthy flavours we love in ripe Pu-erh tea.
However, this process also has a downside. The fermentation heat can cause some “fire” or “dry” compounds to remain in the tea. Freshly fermented ripe Pu-erh can feel “hot” or dry in the throat, especially if it hasn’t had enough time to rest and settle.
Quick Tip: If your ripe Pu-erh feels too dry or harsh, try letting it age for a few months. This gives the tea time to mellow and release any remaining “heat” or “fire” from the fermentation.
Excessive Drying Temperatures During Processing
Another reason ripe Pu-erh tea can have that burning sensation is because of how it is dried after fermentation. Traditional drying techniques used lower temperatures, which allowed the tea leaves to retain more of their moisture. Today, however, some producers use high temperatures to speed up the drying process. While this is efficient, it can result in tea that is too dry, with fewer smooth and soothing properties.
When ripe Pu-erh is dried too quickly, it loses its ability to retain moisture, which contributes to that sharp, dry feeling in the mouth.
Pro Tip: If you find your ripe Pu-erh too dry, look for tea that has been naturally sun-dried or aged properly. These teas often offer a smoother, more balanced experience.
How to Improve the “Dry Sensation” in Ripe Pu Erh Tea
Now that we’ve explored the reasons behind this dry, “hot” sensation in ripe Pu-erh tea, you might be wondering what you can do to improve your experience. Fortunately, there are a few tricks to enjoy a smoother cup:
- Age Your Tea: Allow your ripe Pu-erh tea to rest for several months before drinking. This helps mellow out any remaining “fire” from the fermentation.
- Proper Storage: Store your ripe Pu-erh tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Humidity and heat can further alter the flavour and increase dryness.
- Use the Right Brewing Method: Avoid using boiling water when brewing ripe Pu-erh tea. Water that’s too hot can extract more bitterness and dryness. Try brewing at around 95°C (203°F).
Final Thoughts on Why Ripe Pu Erh Tea Can Feel Dry
Ripe Pu-erh tea can sometimes cause a “hotter” feeling due to blending, fermentation processes, and drying techniques. However, with the right storage, brewing method, and tea selection, you can avoid unpleasant dry sensations and fully enjoy the deep, mellow flavours that make ripe Pu-erh tea so beloved.
Ready to enjoy your perfect cup of ripe Pu-erh? Explore our Ripe Pu Erh collection and experience the wide range of flavours that await you.
