Sheng Cha, "Raw Tea", or literally: " live tea", are Pu Er teas of the traditional type. The tea leaves are briefly heated after the withering process, then formed and dried in the sun, or, with simpler qualities, also by hot air. This so-called Mao Cha, "Unfinished Tea", is either pressed into different forms or stocked and sold as Sancha, "Loose Tea". Old Sheng Cha teas differ significantly from young ones. When young, they are wild: tart, and at the same time extremely mellow and sweet. As they age, they become more mature: the tart taste goes over into spicy, and then turns into incredible aromas of moist earth. The sweetness then remains subtly in the background.
