The diagram illustrates the production of two types of tea, pu-erh raw tea and ripe tea. This process has five stages for both types; however, it is noticeable that the final two stages differ between them.
To begin with, after being picked, the leaves are pan-fried to inactivate enzymes. Following this, tea leaves are rolled, and afterwards they are spread out on a round mat so that they can dry under the sun. During this stage, the leaves gradually lose moisture and develop their characteristic aroma. Once the leaves have been dried, the loose raw tea is ready to be divided into raw or ripe tea.
Pu-erh ripe tea is fermented by mold, and after this stage, it is compressed and ready for sale. Regarding the alternative process, Vintage Pu-erh raw tea, before being ready for sale, is first compressed and then left to age by storage, where it slowly develops a deeper flavour over time.
