霜降Frost's Descent
陈化陳化
chénhuà
Term · Ageing

ageing

Literal meaning

become old

Definition#

The slow ageing of pu'er (and other dark teas) during storage, combining oxidation, microbial activity and loss of volatile compounds, which darkens the tea and softens bitterness.

Translation and usage#

LanguageUseAlternatives & cautions
English ageing
slow ageing in storage
translation
Also acceptable
  • aging
  • maturation
Deutsch Reifung
langsame Reifung im Lager
translation
Also acceptable
  • Alterung
  • Lagerung
Русский выдержка
медленное созревание при хранении
translation
Also acceptable
  • старение
  • чэнь хуа
简体字 陈化
繁體字 陳化
Regional usage
  • 陳放
日本語 熟成

Common confusions#

  • German 'gereift'/'Reifung' is ambiguous with shou.
  • Ageing during storage is distinct from the wet-piling process used to make ripe Pu-erh. German Reifung can be ambiguous when both are discussed together.

Terms#

Sources#