Pu'er Tea, due to its post-fermentation characteristics, is not as picky about storage conditions compared to green teas, especially premium ones that require sealed, shaded, and low-temperature storage. For everyday home storage of Pu'er tea in small quantities, there's no need to be overly meticulous; the main considerations are a clean environment, absence of odd odors, shade, ventilation, and dryness. However, if storing larger quantities, attention should be paid. After all, it would be a shame for perfectly good Pu'er tea to suffer in flavor due to improper storage. So, how do you store Pu'er tea at home? Do you know?
1. Conditions for Storing Pu'er Tea at Home
1. When storing Pu'er tea, the tea itself needs to be relatively dry. Professional experimenters have found that tea samples with a moisture content of 9% are best stored under these conditions, which can serve as a reference point. However, not everyone has access to the tea's moisture content, so buying from reputable tea companies is a reliable option.
2. Avoid excessively high relative humidity. Professional studies suggest that an average humidity level of 65% can maintain the tea's moisture content. Generally, humidity levels below 75% (high humidity) can be considered safe for storing tea. Humidity is influenced by many factors, and areas with abundant vegetation, coastal regions, or higher rainfall tend to have higher air humidity. In humid areas, maintaining ventilation can help reduce humidity to some extent.
3. Avoid odors. Tea is easily affected by other odors due to its strong absorbency, so storage should avoid any unusual smells.
4. Store at room temperature. Natural aging occurs at room temperature, while higher temperatures can accelerate the tea's transformation. Studies have shown that at 37 degrees Celsius, raw Pu'er tea develops a mature aroma initially and later a sweet aroma; while at 55 degrees Celsius, the initial aroma is jujube-like, followed by an acidic taste.
5. Ensure adequate ventilation. Ventilation significantly affects the quality of the tea, and proper airflow promotes the aging process of Pu'er tea.
After two years of storage, raw Pu'er tea should be tasted every three months to check on the appearance, color, and aroma to ensure it is developing as expected. If any abnormalities occur, adjustments should be made based on the home environment.
2. Containers for Storing Pu'er Tea at Home
There are generally two ways to store Pu'er tea: direct storage and storage in tea jars/cans.
1. Direct Storage
Pu'er tea is often packaged in paper bags or bamboo shells and can be stored directly without additional plastic wrapping, which could hinder air circulation. Refrigeration is neither necessary nor suitable for storing Pu'er tea.
2. Tea Jars/Cans
Opened tea or frequently accessed Pu'er tea can be stored in tea jars. Tea jars come in Porcelain and Clay, and we recommend clay jars for their better breathability and ability to retain aroma, which helps regulate temperature and humidity, thus enhancing the transformation of the tea.
3. Suitable Locations for Storing Pu'er Tea at Home
For home storage, a clean, odor-free, shaded, ventilated, and dry environment is suitable. Following this principle, areas like kitchens or where cosmetics are stored should not be used for tea storage.
Odor-free storerooms, tea-tasting rooms, or spare rooms are good places to keep tea. In the south, it is recommended to store Pu'er tea on the second or third floor. When storing, do not place individual cakes of tea directly on the ground; if storing in bulk, use wooden racks or place boards on the ground. Also, do not place the tea directly against walls.
Which Places at Home Are Best for Storing Tea?
1. The study is the best choice for home storage.
2. Use Yixing clay jars or clay containers for storage, but do not vacuum-pack the tea.
3. Try not to remove the bamboo shell packaging.
4. Good ventilation is essential to prevent mold growth.
5. Moldy tea or tea with a musty smell should not be consumed.
6. Pu'er tea should be stored separately from other types of tea.
The feature of “getting better with age” is one of the unique characteristics distinguishing Pu'er tea from other tea types. As “drinkable antiques,” the “aged aroma” of Pu'er tea tends to increase in value over time. Therefore, “storing tea” becomes a subject of concern for every Pu'er tea enthusiast. Have you learned from this article?