Squidy Ripe Puer that I enjoy. (I know this topic probably be discuss to death)

[Sandi]

Hi there,
I just started my journey into Gong Fu style Chinese tea. Currently, I have a cake of ripe puer that I got from Lazada. I have a lot of mixed feelings about it.

As my first cake of ripe, naturally, I believe that I probably will be paying tuition fees. Although it has a squid flavor, it is not off-putting to me, I always enjoy it all the way to its woody sweet end.

I usually do 2 washes of this tea. The first few steeps always make me yawn. But today's session I think I add a bit too much, I am surprised to find a cooling sensation throughout the session. And the taste took a surprising turn with a herby and metallic kind of flavor.

Now my dilemma is this: Should I get another cake of this? What about the squid flavor (not fishy)? I dun mind it as much but will it be okay down the road, health wise.

[mr mopu]

Hi there,
I just started my journey into Gong Fu style Chinese tea. Currently, I have a cake of ripe puer that I got from Lazada. I have a lot of mixed feelings about it.

As my first cake of ripe, naturally, I believe that I probably will be paying tuition fees. Although it has a squid flavor, it is not off-putting to me, I always enjoy it all the way to its woody sweet end.

I usually do 2 washes of this tea. The first few steeps always make me yawn. But today's session I think I add a bit too much, I am surprised to find a cooling sensation throughout the session. And the taste took a surprising turn with a herby and metallic kind of flavor.

Now my dilemma is this: Should I get another cake of this? What about the squid flavor (not fishy)? I dun mind it as much but will it be okay down the road, health wise.

I would suggest buying from a big factory with good sanitation practices or one of the smaller niche sellers that oversee their productions. Usually fishy or squid can sometimes mean fermentation gone wrong.

[Sandi]

[/quote]
I would suggest buying from a big factory with good sanitation practices or one of the smaller niche sellers that oversee their productions. Usually fishy or squid can sometimes mean fermentation gone wrong.

You are right. I will not get another cake but try something else. Sometimes the fear of missing out makes me do stupid things. haha
Thank you.

[mr mopu]

I would suggest buying from a big factory with good sanitation practices or one of the smaller niche sellers that oversee their productions. Usually fishy or squid can sometimes mean fermentation gone wrong.

You are right. I will not get another cake but try something else. Sometimes the fear of missing out makes me do stupid things. haha
Thank you.
[/quote]
Oh no, just part of the learning curve. We all have been there.

[Sandi]

Oh no, just part of the learning curve. We all have been there.

Hi Mr Mopu,
I would like your advice on the following issues:
I dig out 2 cakes that have been kept for about 10 years ripe puer. Unfortunately, I find these pu to not have any character at all. It just have wet rag cloth & chinese herbs kinda flavor.
Even my squidy tea I enjoy more than these teas.

Should I throw them away?
Break them up and add in my squidy pu and just use it as a daily drinker?
break them up in a jar and maybe flavor it with other flowers?

Thank you in advance to Mr Mopu and anyone who could also contribute to my helplessness.
Sandi

[mr mopu]

Oh no, just part of the learning curve. We all have been there.

Hi Mr Mopu,
I would like your advice on the following issues:
I dig out 2 cakes that have been kept for about 10 years ripe puer. Unfortunately, I find these pu to not have any character at all. It just have wet rag cloth & chinese herbs kinda flavor.
Even my squidy tea I enjoy more than these teas.

Should I throw them away?
Break them up and add in my squidy pu and just use it as a daily drinker?
break them up in a jar and maybe flavor it with other flowers?

Thank you in advance to Mr Mopu and anyone who could also contribute to my helplessness.
Sandi

I would break them up a bit and air them and give them another shot. Some fresh air and a touch of humidity may bring them around.

[Sandi]

I would break them up a bit and air them and give them another shot. Some fresh air and a touch of humidity may bring them around.

Thank you, I will definitely try it.