Raw or ripe?
Ripe, also called shou, develops its dark character through wet piling. Raw, also called sheng, has a different processing and aging path. Pu-erh alone does not describe one flavor. Ask which kind you are buying.
Begin with a sample
Ripe pu-erh offers a full, earthy cup. Some coffee drinkers enjoy that body; others dislike earthiness. A small sample helps you find out. Loose leaf or a small portion is simpler than breaking a large cake.
Check the details
Look for raw or ripe, production information and a storage description. A famous village or age claim is not proof of quality. Choose a seller that explains the product and offers a small amount to try.
Storage is a separate project
For a sample you plan to drink soon, follow the supplier instructions and keep it away from odors. Long-term aging involves climate and moisture. Do not treat an isolated internet humidity number as universal advice.
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