Tea has a spiritual essence, and storage is the second life of Puer tea. The same Cake of tea stored in different places or by different people will develop different flavors over time. In this sense, every Puer tea collector is a creator of the tea's production and quality. As long as you provide it with meticulous care and nurture, it will surely reward you with its vital strength and captivating aroma.
To achieve the goal of Puer tea becoming “better with age,” attention must be paid to every detail. For general personal or household storage of Puer tea, avoiding light exposure, keeping the area cool, free from odors and pollution, ensuring proper ventilation, avoiding excessive moisture, and maintaining suitable temperatures are basic requirements.
Taboo One for Storing Puer Tea: Avoid High Temperatures
High temperatures can accelerate the degradation of chlorophyll in Puer tea, causing it to convert from fresh green to dark brown. The automatic oxidation of substances like polyphenols also accelerates at higher temperatures. According to research, for every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of browning in Puer tea accelerates, which can lead to aging and affect its quality.
Taboo Two for Storing Puer Tea: Avoid Direct Sunlight
The plant pigments and lipids in Puer tea are prone to photochemical reactions, leading to a sun-dried flavor and other off-flavors. Puer tea is particularly sensitive to light, so it should be stored away from direct sunlight.
Taboo Three for Storing Puer Tea: Avoid Odors
Tea is a porous and loose body that easily absorbs odors. To avoid having your Puer tea absorb unwanted odors that could alter its true flavor, do not store it near any sources of strong odors.
Taboo Four for Storing Puer Tea: Avoid Moisture
Puer tea is a porous and loose body, and many of its components are hygroscopic. When exposed to moisture, Puer tea can absorb Water and become Damp. Once the moisture content of Puer tea exceeds 8%, it can deteriorate more quickly and even develop mold if microorganisms grow. It should be stored in a cool and dry place.