Teas: Cooked or Uncooked

[thirdeye]

Folks, I am very new to the world of fine tea. Ya ya the stuff you get at the groc is what I know.

I have been looking at teas from China and I notice they sell cooked and uncooked tea.

What is the difference between the two and which is the preferred type?

Also, I like stronger flavors with and I do like high test. What are some teas you recommend I try and where should I purchase them?

[sehrgut]

You're looking at pu-erhs, apparently. "Cooked" pu-erh teas have been artificially aged, and do not further naturally age well. "Uncooked" pu-erh teas generally must age at least a year before they're considered drinkable, but will continue to improve with age, assuming proper storage.

[Hobbesoxon]

Brave soul! Try them both. Cooked (the black stuff) is more approachable, raw is more brutal, but has more complexity.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Suzuki]

Worth trying both - I prefer the sheng or "raw" versions.

Many of the young shengs can be bitter if not brewed properly, but, as Hobbes says, they have more complexity and lighter flavours - also many are very drinkable even when young.

[ouch]

I enjoy them both, but the uncooked is the top of the mountain.