There are several methods for storing Pu'er tea at home, such as in ceramic jars, tin cans, leather paper bags, cardboard boxes, purple Clay pots, aluminum foil bags, or in their original packaging. When storing, it's important to ensure they are sealed, kept dry, out of direct sunlight, and away from odors. For single cakes of Pu'er tea, you can use aluminum foil bags to seal them. For multiple cakes, pack them in leather paper bags and place them in a cardboard box, then seal the box.
How to Store Pu'er Tea at Home?
1. Tea easily absorbs odors, so store it away from kitchens, bathrooms, and areas where cosmetics or medicines are kept.
2. Choose a location that is not prone to dampness.
Once tea becomes damp, it can easily develop mold. In mild cases, this may result in a storage flavor that alters the taste; in severe cases, it can produce an unpleasant musty Odor, rendering the tea undrinkable. If the tea gets damp and you catch it early, you can air it out in a well-ventilated area or sun-dry it until it is dry. However, if the tea has already developed significant mold, no matter how good the tea was, it should be discarded.
3. Store the tea in a place where it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight can cause the chlorophyll in the tea leaves to fade, making the tea appear dull. Additionally, it can accelerate the oxidation of lipids in the tea, leading to a weaker flavor when brewed and diminishing its value for consumption.
4. Avoid storing the tea in areas directly exposed to wind.
What does this mean? It means places where the wind can blow directly, such as balconies, window sills, and doorways. This helps prevent the negative impact of strong winds on the aging process of Pu'er tea.
5. If possible, use bookshelves, storage racks, or even a dedicated room to store your tea. Ensure that the tea is kept a certain distance from walls and the floor, typically no less than 10 centimeters.
Things to Note When Storing Tea at Home
When storing tea at home, pay special attention to preventing dampness, avoiding odors, and shielding from light. Additionally, ensure the storage area is clean, and try to store the tea in a concentrated area while separating raw and ripe teas. Allow for moderate ventilation.
1. Preventing Dampness
Preventing dampness is crucial for storing Pu'er tea, especially in southern regions, where extra care must be taken. Once damp and moldy, all previous efforts are wasted.
For whole pieces stored on the ground, create a raised layer 20 cm above the ground for ground-floor storage, and at least 10 cm for upper floors.
If using a jar for storage, cover the top with cotton paper, a palm fiber mat, or cloth.
During the plum rain season, keep doors and windows closed. If possible, place a box of quicklime in the room to absorb moisture, or use a Dehumidifier.
During the plum rain season, small quantities of Pu'er tea can be placed in large plastic bags and removed after the season passes.
2. Preventing Odors
Tea easily absorbs odors, and once absorbed, these odors cannot be removed. Therefore, items with strong odors should not be stored near Pu'er tea.