When people first discover puerh tea, a common question is: Should I drink raw puerh or ripe puerh? The difference between raw and ripe puerh is more than just taste—it touches on flavor, health benefits, caffeine levels, and even how your body feels after drinking. 

Flavor and Liquor Color

Raw Puerh (Sheng Pu)

Imagine the first sip gliding across your palate, luminous and vibrant. Raw puerh often captures bright floral whispers, fresh orchard fruit, and a spirited sweetness that gently unfolds. Over time, it softens into layers of honeyed warmth and elegant elegance. The liquor sparkles golden-yellow, as if sunlight glows from within each drop.

Ripe Puerh (Shou Pu)

Ripe puerh greets you with a velvety embrace—warm, rich, and deeply comforting. Its flavors weave together caramel, soft baked fruit, and a hint of warm woodiness, all wrapped in smooth silk. The tea is a deep, inviting reddish-brown—a visual comfort, as soothing as candlelight in autumn.

Health Benefits and Body Feel

One of the big differences between raw and ripe puerh lies in the health benefits and inner substances.

Raw Puerh

Less processed, raw puerh is rich in polyphenols and catechins—powerful antioxidants. These compounds are great for boosting metabolism and supporting overall wellness, but they can also feel stimulating and may irritate the stomach if the tea is young and strong.

Ripe Puerh

During fermentation, many of these compounds are transformed into gentler substances. This makes ripe puerh easier on the stomach and calming for digestion. Many tea drinkers appreciate it as a daily wellness tea that feels soothing and balanced.

Caffeine Comparison

When comparing teas, it helps to look at caffeine content on the same scale (per 100ml). This makes it easier to see how puerh fits alongside other everyday favorites.

• Americano Coffee                  80–100mg
• Black Tea                                20–40mg
• Green Tea                               12–30mg
• Oolong Tea                             16–55mg
• Raw Puerh (Sheng Pu)            25–30mg
• Ripe Puerh (Shou Pu)             12–20mg

So, Which Should You Choose?

There is no “better one.” It’s only about which type suits you more and which one you enjoy most. Perhaps the best way is to try both, as many tea drinkers appreciate both. That’s why we offer the sampler set of raw and ripe puerh, allowing you to experience them side by side with the lowest barrier to entry.