The Lu Yu Tea Classic states, "Among teas, those with purple buds are the best," referring to purple buds, which are exceptional in the world of tea.
Purple bud tea is a variant of Pu-erh tea, rich in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid derivative, are a safe and non-toxic natural food coloring that play an important role in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. They also have beneficial effects on eye health, circulatory issues, and inflammation.
The "Laotongzhi 2005 Purple Bud Tea Cake" is made from robust tea buds and has undergone 19 years of aging. Over 15 years, the purple bud cake has aged remarkably well, producing a beautiful, clear, and smooth tea soup. The aroma is sharp and persistent, while the tea's texture is smooth, with a rich and bright red color. The mouthfeel is delicate, and the flavor is rich and silky. The tea soup is smooth and full-bodied, with a sweet and harmonious entry.
With moderate fermentation, it offers a rich flavor and a pure, refreshing aftertaste. The rarity of purple buds makes purple bud ripe tea even scarcer, and its limited quantity is a significant characteristic of purple bud cakes.