The image explains how Pu-erh raw tea and ripe tea are made.
Overall, the process of making pu-erh raw tea and ripe tea is straightforward, involving roughly 5 steps and several natural phenomena.
Initially, lush green Pu-erh tea leaves are fried in a traditional pan over a wood fire to inactivate enzymes. This step is followed by rolling of leaves before they are placed in a wooden bowl and sun-dried. As a result, leaves turn loose, being ready for the next stages.
In the subsequent stage, loose raw tea leaves are fermented by mold, which makes them develop a dark brown skin and brittle structure. Once these leaves are compressed, Pu-erh ripe tea is ready.
Alternatively, mere compression of loose raw tea after being dried under the sun is enough to obtain Pu-erh raw tea, which then should be aged by storing if one wishes to enjoy vintage Pu-erh raw tea.
