What happens
Fixing may use a heated pan, rotating drum, hot air or steam. Temperature, leaf load, movement and duration must transfer enough heat without scorching, while allowing moisture and grassy volatiles to escape.
What it changes in the cup
Good fixing supports clarity, freshness and sweet or toasted aromas. Under-fixing can leave harsh greenness and unstable oxidation; over-fixing may taste burnt, flat or dry.
How to observe it
Look for an even leaf color and smell for clean warmth rather than smoke or raw grass. In raw Pu'er material, fixing may be intentionally less absolute than in shelf-stable green tea.
Practical guidance
Look for an even leaf color and smell for clean warmth rather than smoke or raw grass. In raw Pu'er material, fixing may be intentionally less absolute than in shelf-stable green tea.
Identification and caution
Fixing does not mean sterilizing the tea, and it does not permanently stop every chemical change. Storage reactions and microbial activity may still occur.