Warehouse

Pu'er tea is an agricultural product, and theoretically, all agricultural products have an expiration date. After the expiration date, the internal components of the tea are oxidized, losing their taste and aroma. There isn't a definitive time limit for the specific expiration date of Pu'er tea. Does Pu'er Raw Tea Have an Expiration Date? Pu'er raw tea: The expiration date and optimal tasting period are generally 10 to 20 years. Pu'er raw tea has rich internal qualities, so it transforms during storage and can be preserved for a long time. Pu'er ripe tea: The expiration date is typically 8 to 15 years. Ripe tea has more stable properties compared to raw tea and can still be stored for a long time, albeit for a shorter duration. For personal or household storage of Pu'er tea, basic requirements include "avoiding light," keeping in a cool place, ensuring there is no odor or pollution, proper ventilation, and avoiding excessive humidity. If possible, individuals or households should have a dedicated "tea storage room" or "tea cabinet." Avoiding light includes not only direct sunlight but also artificial lighting. Pu'er tea should be stored under "natural light." The tea should not be directly exposed to sunlight…

First article: Representative Varieties and Three Aromatic Zones in the Yiwu Tea Area (click to read); Second article: Dongguan Warehouse, Kunming Warehouse, Hong Kong Warehouse, Flavors, White Frost, "Warehouse Manipulation" Issues (click to read); Third article: Storage Cycle Issues for Yiwu Green Bud Tea (click to read); Fourth article: Storing Puer, Pursue Famous Mountain Origins or Quality? Fifth article: Differences in Small Heap Fermentation, Large Heap Fermentation, and Tea Evolution Ripe Tea Techniques? The following is Part Four, focusing on storing Puer, pursuing famous mountain origins or quality? Shi Yun: I would like to express great appreciation for Teacher Li Yang's sharing. A young lady just now wanted to ask President Zheng and Teacher Li Yang about a conversion issue. Zhou Xin: Teacher, regarding storage, for example, Tianmen Mountain, does it mean that as long as its glycoside content is high, and the catechin and caffeine content is low, it suggests that it requires higher humidity? And Menghai tea, with higher catechin and caffeine content, has lower humidity requirements, only forming white frost when humidity exceeds 14%. This is the first time I've heard this, so I want to confirm if my understanding is correct. Zheng Shaohong: Indeed. For instance,…

Puer tea has the characteristic of becoming more fragrant with age, and its true value is best realized during post-fermentation transformation. This is why aged Puer teas are highly favored. What are the precautions for collecting Puer tea? Puer Tea Collection Precautions Firstly, some people blindly pursue Puer teas that are 30 to 50 years old, even seeking rare aromas like camphor or lotus. In reality, Puer teas over 20 years old are already quite scarce, and those over 30 to 40 years old are exceedingly rare. Some so-called "aged teas" sold on the market for hundreds of yuan are actually produced by merchants using teas that are only one to two years (or even a few months) old, compressed at a cost of just tens of yuan. Secondly, many believe that they can make substantial profits from collecting and aging Puer tea. However, there are significant challenges in personally collecting Puer tea at home. The aging process of Puer tea is influenced by factors such as time, temperature, air, humidity, and environment. Different storage environments and temperatures can result in significant differences in the quality of the tea. One characteristic of tea is its ability to absorb odors; therefore,…

As a post-fermented tea, Puer tea's rich internal components change over time. Many Puer tea enthusiasts store substantial quantities at home. How long Puer tea can be stored depends on its storage conditions; it could be as little as a few years or as much as several decades. When storing Puer tea, it is essential to note: 1. Avoid direct sunlight exposure, as it can impart an unpleasant sour taste. 2. Prevent any external water intrusion, as this can lead to too rapid maturation and possibly microbial fermentation, causing undesirable changes in quality. 3. Keep the tea away from any foreign odors that might taint its flavor. 4. Store single varieties together to avoid complicating the monitoring of their condition. 5. When removing tea for use, take enough for your needs to minimize disturbance and make it easier to monitor the tea's condition. Puer tea is a post-fermented tea that becomes more fragrant with age when stored under suitable conditions. However, those who have stored loose Puer tea for a while may notice that the originally enjoyable flavor changes over time, becoming bland or even acquiring off-flavors, failing to develop the characteristic of improving with age. This is because loose…

It is now the hottest time of the year, and most regions in the south have entered a hot and humid state. At this time, tea enthusiasts who have tea in their possession will face a severe challenge of storing tea during the summer. As we all know, tea leaves are very susceptible to environmental influences, and the requirements for storing tea are extremely strict. Especially with Pu'er tea, if stored well, it can become more fragrant over time and have collection value; if not stored properly, the tea can spoil, losing its drinking value and causing significant economic losses for individuals or businesses. Understanding the principles of tea transformation before storing tea is crucial for scientific storage. Factors Affecting Tea Transformation or Spoilage In fact, the transformation of tea leaves is directly related to temperature, humidity, oxygen, and light. Generally, the higher the temperature, the greater the humidity, the more sufficient the oxygen, and the stronger the light, the faster the oxidation, hydrolysis, polymerization, and other chemical reactions of the substances within the tea leaves will occur, resulting in a quicker change in taste components. Temperatures that are too high or too low are not conducive to the transformation…

Dry-warehouse Pu'er tea refers to Pu'er tea stored in a dry, ventilated warehouse environment with low humidity. "Dry" in "dry warehouse" means dry storage, which is not a manufacturing process of Pu'er tea but rather a method or environment for its preservation later on. How to Identify Dry-Warehouse Pu'er Tea 1. Appearance: Dry-warehouse Pu'er tea has compact and firm tea leaves, fresh and lustrous color, and a shiny surface, fully demonstrating the vitality of the tea. 2. Aroma: Dry-warehouse Pu'er tea has an aged tea aroma. 3. Infusion Color: The infusion color of dry-warehouse Pu'er tea is chestnut to dark chestnut, and the tea still retains bitterness and astringency. The infusion is clear and bright. 4. Leaf Base: The leaf base of dry-warehouse Pu'er tea is chestnut yellow to deep fruit color, with active softness and elasticity. 5. Cake Body: The edge of dry-warehouse Pu'er tea cakes is looser due to moisture, but it also becomes harder towards the center due to moisture and pressure. Characteristics of Dry-Warehouse Pu'er Tea Dry-warehouse Pu'er tea refers to tea stored in a clean, well-ventilated, and dry warehouse (generally with air humidity less than 70%) where the tea naturally ferments. It is best aged…

Never keep the tea sealed all the time; airtight storage is fatal to the transformation of the tea. It's important to emphasize "sealed," but it also needs appropriate ventilation. For example, if the weather clears up after being sealed for some time, we can open the self-sealing bag to ventilate after one or two clear days, and then seal it again after 7-8 hours. Once the rainy season has passed and humidity decreases, we can open the self-sealing bag and store the tea naturally. Puer tea must not be stored airtight all the time. Puer tea cannot be stored airtight, and the warehouse where the tea is stored needs appropriate ventilation. It's essential to keep the room clean and not to store the tea with other objects that have a strong smell, as Puer tea is highly absorbent and can easily pick up odors over time. The best way to store Puer tea is in a purple clay jar, not in airtight glass containers. The method of storing Puer tea is simple: just place the tea in a cool, ventilated area without any strange smells. Generally, avoid direct sunlight, do not store it in the refrigerator, do not place it…

Speaking of the Kunming warehouse, storing Pu'er raw tea for around twenty years is completely feasible. However, many teas are consumed before they reach that age, which leads to the notion that Pu'er tea does not have an expiration date. Compared to storage duration, I believe that the storage environment is the key point, as a good storage environment ensures proper transformation of Pu'er tea over time. Don’t waste your fine tea due to improper preservation. How Long is the Shelf Life of Pu'er Raw Tea?In the process of storing Pu'er tea, you should choose appropriate methods based on the specific conditions of the tea rather than simply focusing on the length of storage time.The aroma components in Pu'er raw tea mainly consist of alkenes, aromatic ring alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, phenols, heterocyclic compounds, lactones, hydrocarbons, etc. These components present different fragrances, so when tasting Pu'er tea, one often experiences various levels of fragrance, which are directly related to the raw materials used and the storage process. If the storage conditions are excellent, Pu'er tea can be preserved for at least 30-40 years, although its taste and health benefits will be significantly reduced.It's important to note that for storing Pu'er…

New ripe Pu'er tea, taking Menghai fermentation as an example, often carries some stack flavors and miscellaneous odors. After all, it spends several dozen days in the heap. However, after two years of storage, a new ripe Pu'er tea has largely lost its stack flavor, replaced instead by a hint of aged aroma (note that this is not the scent of agarwood). This aged aroma can be discerned from the adhesion on the cup. During the early stage of the tea, this fragrance is accompanied by a watery taste, making it indistinct. The thickness of good ripe tea is evident right from the start, but during its initial stages, it is still affected by the water vapor, making the texture less concentrated and somewhat bland. After about two years, the thickness is fully released, making it viscous and heavy on the tongue. The Depth of Quality in Ripe Pu'er Tea The sweetness in new ripe Pu'er tea isn’t very direct; in other words, there’s a straightforward sweetness, but the lingering sensation after swallowing isn’t prominent. If a ripe tea two or three years old doesn’t develop any sweetness, it means its potential for improvement is limited. Observing changes at different…

Generally, whether it's bottled green tea beverage or canned solid green tea leaves, you should not drink them if they have passed their expiry date, even if unopened. There is a possibility of spoilage, and continuing to consume them may affect your health. Can I Drink Green Tea That's 2 Years Past Its Expiry Date If It's Unopened? Green tea, being an unfermented tea, typically has a shelf life of around 12 to 18 months at room temperature, depending on the specific date indicated on the packaging. If the green tea is two years past its expiry date, it should not be consumed, even if it remains unopened. By this point, the tea might have already deteriorated in quality and flavor, which could negatively impact your health upon consumption. It is recommended to finish opened green tea within 2 to 4 weeks; otherwise, its taste and quality will be affected. This is because green tea is prone to oxidation when not stored in a sealed container, causing changes in both its color and character. Oxidized green tea will have a yellowish hue, diminished aroma, and a lighter taste. To preserve green tea, it should be kept sealed and refrigerated, ideally…

01Hong Kong Storage (HK)When it comes to Hong Kong storage, many Pu'er tea enthusiasts and merchants often equate it with damp storage. Damp storage refers to the aging process being somewhat out of control due to excessive humidity or light mold and spoilage. However, Hong Kong storage is simply a term and does not necessarily mean damp storage. The term only represents a concept of storage. Similarly, many tea enthusiasts in the north misunderstand Guangdong storage, assuming it has a storeroom flavor. It's important to emphasize that most of the high-priced old teas, including those from the mark-level and imprint-level categories, have been stored in Hong Kong. This has contributed a large number of quality aged teas. Decades of accumulated experience and techniques in storage have also created a unique quality of aged teas from Hong Kong storage that is difficult for other storages to replicate. This is very much worth learning from by Pu'er tea merchants. Early Hong Kong storage typically had two types: ground storage and dry storage. Ground storage was natural storage, building warehouses. It is said that when Hong Kong tea merchants built tea warehouses, they had specific requirements, choosing locations on the hillside facing southeast,…

Dry-warehouse Pu'er refers to Pu'er tea stored in a dry, ventilated environment with low humidity. Generally, dry-warehouse tea ferments and ages under conditions of moderate temperature and humidity, good ventilation, and a clean, odor-free environment. This natural aging process preserves the true nature of Pu'er tea and enhances its value for connoisseurship. The characteristics of dry-warehouse Pu'er tea Smell the tea leaves by lifting the tea cake. Good storage conditions produce Pu'er tea with an excellent aged aroma. If there are other miscellaneous odors, it indicates that the tea has absorbed other scents during storage. If you detect a watery smell, the tea must have been stored in a humid environment. If you notice a pungent odor, the tea has likely molded; aged tea should not have a pungent smell as it becomes milder over time. Brew a portion of the tea to taste. The liquor from dry-warehouse Pu'er tea is clear and bright, not murky, with a slight initial bitterness or astringency that quickly dissipates. If the liquor is murky, it is definitely not high-quality tea. Inspect the infused tea leaves. Dry-warehouse Pu'er tea leaves have a yellow or deep fruit color, are relatively intact, soft, and strong with…

Some concepts in Pu'er tea are originally very simple and clear to everyone, but after being over-interpreted by some people, they become complicated. People even add a lot of new content to these originally simple concepts, making their original meanings blurred. "Dry-warehouse" and "wet-warehouse" are such a pair of concepts. Originally, they had very simple meanings, but now they have become the most controversial and unclear concepts. Dry-warehouse and wet-warehouse mainly refer to Pu'er tea. From the perspective of storage environment, dry-warehouse and wet-warehouse can describe the storage environments for all types of tea. However, because Pu'er tea undergoes a unique post-fermentation process, and the warehouse environment has a significant impact on the fermentation results, when people discuss dry-warehouse and wet-warehouse today, they mainly refer to Pu'er tea. What is the difference between dry-warehouse tea and wet-warehouse tea? 1. Dry-warehouse tea: In a broad sense, dry-warehouse tea refers to Pu'er tea stored under suitable temperature and humidity conditions (year-round temperature not exceeding 32°C and humidity not exceeding 75%), avoiding direct sunlight, with moderate ventilation and no miscellaneous odors. 2. Quality characteristics of dry-warehouse tea: The dry tea has distinct strands, a glossy surface, and a pure and natural aroma, without…

The shelf life of Pu'er tea is 10 to 20 years. Pu'er tea is made from unique large-leaf varieties and is divided into raw and ripe teas based on its processing method. Its leaves are thick and substantial, rich in flavor, and capable of aging. Therefore, there isn't a fixed expiration date; it is generally believed that it can be stored for 15 to 20 years. According to the standard GBT22111-2008 Pu'er Tea, under proper storage conditions, it can be preserved long-term. Tea, as a food product, has an expiration date, but it differs from ordinary foods in that its shelf-life limit is very high. In other words, if the storage conditions are met, the shelf life can be extended. What are the storage requirements for Pu'er tea? For example, products should be stored in clean, ventilated, dark, dry rooms free of any peculiar odors. The warehouse should not be polluted by any foul-smelling gases, etc. Pu'er tea, due to its unique production process, is a post-fermented tea and thus has a longer shelf life. It can typically be stored for ten to twenty years, provided it is stored correctly and in a good environment. There is no precise expiration…

The concept of pure dry storage for Pu'er tea is a pseudo-concept. If your storage is very dry, your Pu'er tea will develop a strong sour taste that makes it unsuitable for drinking. Many people know that the transformation of Pu'er tea requires a certain level of temperature and humidity, and factors such as oxygen content and climate all influence the direction in which the tea transforms. Therefore, "pure dry storage" should be understood as the common term used in the market to refer to family-style dry storage. Characteristics of Dry-Storage Pu'er Tea Dry-storage Pu'er tea refers to tea stored in a well-ventilated, dry environment with low air humidity (usually referring to clean warehouse environments where the air humidity is less than 70%). The tea naturally ferments in this environment, and its optimal aging period is 10 to 20 years. Dry-storage raw tea: The tea leaves are tightly bound, with a fresh and lustrous color. They have a glossy appearance and emit a natural tea fragrance. The infusion has an orange-red color, turning into a deep chestnut color after long-term aging. The leaves retain their shape with elasticity and have a uniform color. Dry-storage ripe tea: The appearance is neat…

Ripened tea is an important type of tea in Chinese tea culture, traditionally possessing high artistic value and preciousness. Therefore, the storage of ripened tea is very important. Below are some methods for storing ripened tea. Ripened Tea Storage Methods 1. Aerated Storage Ripened tea contains fermented aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, it can become damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, it is important to maintain air circulation and prevent moisture intrusion. It is best to store ripened tea in a dry and well-ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room. 2. Lightproof Storage Light is the enemy of ripened tea, as it can destroy the effective components in the tea, causing it to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place. 3. Clean Storage Container The container used for storing ripened tea should be dry, odorless, and free from any peculiar smells, preferably ceramic or glass. Before storing the ripened tea, clean the storage container to avoid any unwanted odors during storage. If the container is old, make sure to dry and clean it thoroughly before use. 4. Periodic Ventilation Regular…

Recently, there has been frequent rainfall in South China, posing a challenge for storing Pu'er tea. Proper handling can lead to better transformation of the tea, while improper handling can cause issues such as mold. Storage has become a challenge, as different regions have varying climates, so is there a difference in storage methods? Don't worry, after reading this article, you will find answers to these questions. The Four Factors Affecting Pu'er Tea Storage When the same Pu'er tea is stored in different environments, the final aged quality will vary. The four factors that significantly influence the quality of Pu'er tea storage are "temperature," "humidity," "light protection," and "air." These play the most significant role in the transformation process of Pu'er tea during storage. 1. Temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in the transformation of Pu'er tea. Excessively high temperatures can cause the tea to develop off-flavors; in excessively low temperatures, the transformation process slows down or even stops. Therefore, a relatively suitable temperature is essential for storing Pu'er tea. The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should not be too high or too low, and it is recommended to maintain it around 25°C ± 3°C. 2. Humidity: Humidity is also…

Recently, aged white tea has been very popular. Many tea enthusiasts say that they brew several pots of aged white tea at home every day. After drinking it, they feel warm and comfortable, especially in their throats, which can be particularly soothing when dealing with a persistent cough after being ill. Why is aged white tea so popular in winter? There are probably three reasons: First, it has a unique color, aroma, and flavor: Over time, the aroma of aged white tea transforms from the fresh, floral notes of young tea to richer, more mature scents of dates, medicine, and lotus leaves, while its taste becomes more robust; Second, aged white tea has certain health benefits, helping to boost our immune system and prevent colds to some extent. This is based on the experiences shared by many tea enthusiasts. Third, aged white tea can be steeped, brewed, or boiled, making it perfect for the current trend of stove-top brewing that's sweeping across various platforms. However, because white tea undergoes transformation during storage, we should pay extra attention to how we store it. Otherwise, the aged white tea we've worked hard to preserve might end up as a pile of flavorless…

Storing Pu'er tea requires attention to sealing, avoiding light, preventing dampness and off-flavors, while also considering humidity and temperature. When storing, you can use a cardboard box; find a clean cardboard box, put the Pu'er tea inside, and store it in a tea room away from walls and the floor. For individual Pu'er tea cakes, you can use kraft paper bags or aluminum foil bags for storage, seal them well, and then place them in a ventilated area free of moisture. How to Store Pu'er Tea Cakes 1. Pu'er tea cakes are compressed from Pu'er tea leaves. Initially, they were made for convenience in transportation, so the shape and production method of Pu'er tea cakes determine their ability to be stored for a long time. For storing Pu'er tea cakes, you can choose clay jars, as they have good breathability and naturally provide ventilation. Clay jars do not need to be sealed; simply cover them with a layer of kraft paper to prevent dust. 2. When you first bring new Pu'er tea cakes home, avoid sealing them immediately for storage. Instead, let them air out in a dry place to get rid of any warehouse flavor. New Pu'er tea cakes…

Puer Tea Sealed Storage Experiment Sealed storage of Puer tea inevitably involves the issue of oxygen supply in the warehouse. According to post-fermentation theory, Puer tea requires oxygen and a certain level of humidity for post-fermentation, so the tea storage warehouse needs to be ventilated to allow the tea to undergo post-fermentation. However, many people have found that when tea is stored under ventilated conditions, while the infusion color turns red, it loses its aroma after two or three years, and the bitterness and astringency do not diminish over time. Additionally, under ventilated conditions, the tea's aroma naturally cannot be preserved. In fact, the later changes in Puer tea are influenced by two factors: one is microbial fermentation, which is an external effect; the other is the action of active enzymes within the tea leaves, which is an internal effect. After sealing and controlling the humidity, Puer tea does not require microbial fermentation, but instead relies primarily on the active enzymes present in the tea to facilitate its transformation. When storing tea in a sealed and oxygen-deprived environment, how would Puer tea change? This question led me to conduct an experiment on the effects of oxygen in sealed storage. Experimental…

Methods for storing Pu'er tea: 1. Purple clay jar, store the Pu'er tea in a purple clay jar in a cool, dry place; 2. Kraft paper resealable bag. Place the Pu'er tea in a kraft paper bag and store it in a clean, odorless refrigerator. Storage conditions for Pu'er tea: 1. Dry warehouse aging can preserve the authenticity of the Pu'er tea; 2. Clean and odorless, maintain a clean and hygienic environment. Storage Methods for Pu'er Tea 1. Purple Clay Jar Pu'er tea can be stored in a purple clay jar. First, prepare a clean purple clay jar, then place several bags of quicklime inside the jar, followed by the Pu'er tea you wish to store. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. 2. Kraft Paper Bag Pu'er tea can be preserved using a kraft paper bag. First, prepare a clean kraft paper bag, then place several bags of charcoal inside the bag, followed by the Pu'er tea. Seal the kraft paper bag tightly and store it in a clean, odorless refrigerator. Storage Conditions for Pu'er Tea 1. Dry Warehouse Aging It is recommended to age Pu'er tea in a dry warehouse, as this will…

The aroma and taste of Pu'er tea after brewing are determined by the raw materials, processing techniques, and storage conditions. Due to different storage environments in various places, the same tea can develop completely different flavor profiles after a few years of aging. When selecting mid-aged and older teas, in addition to considering factors such as brand, price, and vintage, where the tea has been stored and aged is also very important. Many tea enthusiasts enjoy drinking Pu'er tea from the Kunming warehouse. What are the distinctive features of these teas? Kunming is located on the Yunnan plateau at a high altitude, with relatively small annual temperature fluctuations and a climate that is moderately warm and humid. These conditions make it very suitable for storing Pu'er tea. Compared to lower-altitude warehouses with higher temperatures and humidity, Pu'er tea stored in Kunming may undergo slower overall transformation, but it enjoys high recognition among tea enthusiasts and often commands better prices for the same vintage. Characteristics of Pu'er Tea Stored in the Kunming Warehouse First, Aroma: The aroma changes are relatively noticeable, often featuring honey-like notes, but undesirable aromas such as smoky, burnt, or moldy scents are more difficult to dissipate. Second,…

For the same tea, being stored in different places means facing different storage environments, which leads to differences in Puer tea collection between the north and south. When discussing with experienced tea enthusiasts, Kunlun found that sending the same tea to over 20 cities across the north and south resulted in variations in taste due to differences in storage conditions, humidity, temperature, and other factors. The difference in regional environments determines the methods for preserving Puer tea. So what are the characteristics of Puer tea storage in different regions? Storage can be divided into pure dry storage and natural storage. Natural storage involves keeping the tea in a natural environment on floors below the second level, without artificial processing. The tea undergoes natural transformation. The surface of the tea has a dull luster, and there is no dry aroma. The taste is not significantly different from pure dry storage. Pure dry storage involves keeping the tea in a professional tea warehouse above the second floor, where it naturally ferments under constant temperature and humidity. The surface of the tea has an oily sheen, and the tea has a fragrant aroma. The taste is rich and smooth, with a noticeable aftertaste.…

Quality ripe tea can be stored for about 10-30 years. The duration for which ripe tea can be stored is influenced by many factors, such as the variety of the tea, manufacturing process, storage method, and origin. Here are some key points to consider when storing ripe tea: avoid contamination, high temperatures, moisture, light exposure, and odors. These "five avoids" can extend the storage time and improve the quality of the ripe tea to the greatest extent. However, not all ripe teas are suitable for long-term storage; it depends on the specific tea. Methods for Storing Ripe Tea 1. Permeable Storage Ripe tea contains fermenting aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, the tea can become damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, ensure good air permeability and prevent dampness. It's best to store ripe tea in a dry and ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room. 2. Avoid Light Exposure Light is the enemy of ripe tea, as it can destroy effective components in the tea leaves, causing them to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place. 3. Clean Storage Containers The…