Pu'er tea, in terms of its appearance when made into tea, comes in different forms such as tea cakes, tuocha, brick tea, and loose tea. Among these, tea cakes are the most common. Pu'er tea is favored by tea enthusiasts for its unique taste and Health benefits. So, how should Pu'er tea cakes be stored for the long term?
How to Store Pu'er Tea Cakes for the Long Term
To store Pu'er tea for the long term:
1. A professional Warehouse must be established. When Pu'er tea is placed in a professional warehouse, it will not mold but will slowly age. This ensures that the tea does not spoil and maintains its authenticity. If stored properly, it can last for a very long time.
2. It's best to wrap the Pu'er tea in bamboo leaves before storing it in the warehouse. This promotes fermentation without absorbing too much odor. When storing Pu'er tea for the long term, it's important to provide a relatively clean environment since the tea has strong adsorption properties. Do not store items with strong or pungent odors near the tea, as this can cause the tea to absorb unwanted flavors during storage.
3. Storing Pu'er tea cakes at home is relatively simple. They just need to be kept in a cool, well-ventilated area. However, the environment must remain dry to prevent the tea from absorbing moisture and becoming damp, which could lead to spoilage. Additionally, do not store the tea near foods with strong odors, as this can also cause the tea to spoil.
4. Raw Pu'er tea can also be stored directly in a thermos, which prevents it from coming into contact with outside air, thus avoiding moisture absorption and spoilage. Another method for storing Pu'er tea at home is to place it in a dry clay or Porcelain jar.
Stages of Storing Pu'er Tea Cakes:
1. Three Months
A newly pressed spring tea that has been stored for two to three months will have lost most of its moisture. At this stage, the tea is potent and full-bodied, with both green and robust flavors. Its strengths and weaknesses are clearly apparent, and its aroma is high and pervasive. This tea is suitable for a light tasting. Drinking new tea is like trying something fresh; however, the tea's strong nature can harm the stomach, so those with weaker constitutions should avoid drinking too much.
2. One Year
After a year, the wateriness of the tea disappears, and the flavor stabilizes, becoming more substantial. The tea's shortcomings become less noticeable, and its chill diminishes. At this stage, one can truly taste the tea's character. Those with sensitive stomachs can drink it once or twice a week, preferably an hour after eating, as it aids Digestion and helps to reduce heat in the body.
3. Seven Years
After seven years of aging, a raw Pu'er tea cake will begin to develop a mature flavor, and its aroma will transform in countless ways. For example, floral fragrances may evolve into fruity Honey aromas, or a previously weak aroma might become rich and floral. The joy of storing tea lies in the pleasant surprises it brings over time. After seven years, the tea becomes warmer in nature, making it excellent for nourishing and strengthening the stomach.
4. Ten Years
At this stage, the tea is truly “rare and hard to come by.” Aged Pu'er tea has a rich aroma and a smooth, concentrated taste.
Conclusion:
During the early stages, raw Pu'er tea is not suitable for drinking. Pu'er tea aged between seven and ten years is ideal for regular consumption. If stored well, raw Pu'er tea will experience a significant improvement in quality after ten years. Although the concept that Pu'er tea improves with age is well-established, one should not become overly obsessed with the changes brought about by aging. After all, tea is meant to be consumed, not treated as a lofty antique.