We have learned a lot about how to store Pu'er tea, mostly focusing on the storage methods for whole cakes. But how should we store opened Pu'er tea?
How to Store an Opened Pu'er Tea Cake
1. If you only pry off a small portion to Drink and haven't fully opened the cake, you can use the original cotton paper to wrap up the remaining tea cake and store it in a dry place away from light, keeping an eye on any changes in the environment. Once opened, the tea cake cannot be stored for a long time and should be consumed gradually afterwards.
2. If the Pu'er tea cake has been completely opened, you can store it in a clean purple clay jar or ceramic jar, taking care to prevent dampness and sunlight. Do not seal the lid tightly; instead, place a Bamboo charcoal bag at the opening, which can absorb moisture and is very beneficial for preventing dampness.
3. When storing Pu'er tea cakes, it's essential to keep them away from dampness, light, and strong odors. However, don't completely seal the container to avoid light; ensure there is some ventilation, as this is conducive to the aging of the Pu'er tea cake. Storing an opened Pu'er tea cake in a jar is also a form of airing the tea, allowing it to gradually awaken within the jar.
4. You can also package the opened Pu'er tea cake in a kraft paper bag or cardboard box for storage, but make sure the packaging is clean and odorless. Once prying open, it's not recommended to store the tea cake for a long time; it's best to consume it entirely within two months. The tea cake can be stored in the refrigerator after being well-packaged, but take care to avoid absorbing other odors.
Tips for Storing Pu'er Tea:
For home storage, friends living in southeastern coastal areas should primarily focus on preventing dampness, especially during the plum rain season. Ensure that the tea is kept at least ten centimeters away from walls and floors. You can wrap the tea tightly with cling film or use wood or bamboo charcoal in the corner to absorb dampness. Alternatively, purchasing a simple dehumidifier that automatically operates based on humidity settings can be a simple and hassle-free solution.
For those in northern regions, attention should be paid to preventing excessive dryness. Although the industry now advocates dry storage, it's not true that the drier the better. Pu'er tea is a living tea, and Water is an essential element for all life. If stored in an environment with excessively low relative humidity for a long time, it will not only fail to undergo transformation but may also become carbonized, losing its drinking value. The solution is simple: just place several basins of water or use a humidifier in the storage area.