Question: what is the difference between raw and ripe pu-erh?
Answer: Raw Pu-erh (Puerh Sheng, Non-Fermented Tea): This is a tea that does not go through the piling process, which is called raw pu-erh, it is harvested and stored naturally. ... Ripe Pu-erh (Puerh Shu, Fermented Tea): This tea does go through a piling process which causes it to be a bolder flavor.