Can aged Pu'er tea still be consumed if it has a moldy taste

Aged Pu'er tea has a moldy taste and is usually not recommended for continued consumption. The moldy smell may be caused by improper storage leading to the growth of mold. Drinking in small amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and long-term intake may increase health risks. Improper humidity control during long-term storage of Pu'er tea may lead to the growth of harmful microorganisms such as aspergillus and Penicillium on the surface of the tea leaves. These molds produce a musty odor and release toxins, which are difficult to completely destroy even when brewed at high temperatures. Mildly moldy tea leaves may cause cloudy tea soup and sticky leaf bottoms, which may lead to acute gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and diarrhea after consumption.

Some aged Pu erh teas produce a natural transformation that produces a similar earthy aroma, which is fundamentally different from the moldy taste. professional tea professionals will make comprehensive judgments based on factors such as dry tea color, soup color transparency, and leaf base elasticity. If it is not possible to accurately identify, it is recommended to discard moldy tea leaves directly to avoid losing out on small gains. Pu erh tea should be stored in a cool and dry environment, and regularly checked for moisture and clumping.

Pu erh tea can be stored daily in purple clay jars or cardboard boxes, placed off the ground and walls, and paired with food grade desiccants. Before drinking, smell the dry tea and observe for white or green mold spots. After brewing, pay attention to whether the tea soup is transparent and free of suspended solids. Even if the tea is washed twice at high temperature after a moldy smell appears, it is not recommended to take risks and drink it. People with special physical conditions need to be more cautious. It is recommended to choose legitimate channels to purchase aged tea products with complete packaging and clear storage records.