Puer tea does not need to be stored in the fridge, as the high Humidity and low temperature within a fridge, along with its sealed environment, make it more susceptible to dampness and odor absorption, which is detrimental to enzymatic activity. Puer tea is a post-fermentation tea that improves with age under proper storage conditions.
Puer Tea: Should It Be Stored in the Fridge?
Puer tea does not need to be stored in the fridge, as the high humidity and low temperature within a fridge, along with its sealed environment, make it more susceptible to dampness and odor absorption, which is detrimental to enzymatic activity. Furthermore, puer tea is a post-fermentation tea that requires air and temperature for its substance conversion. Therefore, under normal circumstances, storing it at room temperature, in a well-ventilated and dry environment is sufficient.
What Types of Tea Need to Be Stored in the Fridge?
Green tea, floral teas, Yellow Tea, and lightly fragrant Oolong Tea should be refrigerated. These types of tea undergo minimal or no fermentation, making their internal substances highly reactive to oxygen and environmental factors. Storing them in the fridge helps isolate them from external influences and maintains their stability. However, when storing tea in the fridge, attention must be paid to internal moisture and proper sealing is necessary.
Green tea, lightly fragrant oolong tea, and yellow tea should be sealed and stored in a clean, odor-free fridge.
Green tea is prone to oxidation, which can diminish its freshness, so cold storage is ideal to maintain quality; exposure to light and heat can cause it to lose its green color and turn brown.
Lightly fragrant oolong stored in the fridge can effectively slow down the oxidation of various components in the tea, preserving its original aroma and flavor.
Yellow tea is stored similarly to green tea. If the quantity is not too large, wrapping it in Xuan paper can help prevent dampness before placing it in a sealed jar in the fridge.
How to Store Puer Tea
One: Cardboard Box Storage
If you are not a tea merchant or a serious collector but simply enjoy drinking tea, using a simple cardboard box is the most convenient way to store your tea. However, ensure the box is not placed near walls or on the floor, as these areas have higher humidity, which can lead to dampness. Instead, place the box on bookshelves or wooden stands.
Two: Jar Storage
Storing tea in jars is the most scientifically sound method, as jars effectively protect against dampness and prevent oxidation due to air exposure. Additionally, jar storage has the added benefit of “waking up” the tea, making it a two-in-one solution.
Three: Loose Leaf Storage
Some tea enthusiasts prefer to purchase loose leaf puer tea. Uncompressed puer tea is very susceptible to losing its flavor, and I do not recommend long-term storage. However, short-term storage is possible. For this purpose, consider using purple Clay jars.
The temperature where puer tea is stored should not be too high or too low; it should be based on the local environment without artificially creating specific temperatures. A normal indoor temperature is fine, ideally between 20-25 degrees Celsius year-round. High temperatures can accelerate fermentation and cause the tea to become acidic.