Maocha
Definition
The rough, semi-finished tea produced after initial processing (withering, kill-green, rolling, and sun-drying) but before final shaping, sorting, or compression. Maocha is the raw material from which pu-erh cakes, bricks, and other pressed teas are made.
Why it matters
Maocha quality determines the ceiling of any finished pu-erh. Experienced buyers evaluate and blend maocha from different mountains and seasons before pressing, making it a critical concept for understanding pu-erh pricing and terroir expression.