Recently, there has been frequent rainfall in South China, posing a challenge for storing Pu'er tea. Proper handling can lead to better transformation of the tea, while improper handling can cause issues such as mold. Storage has become a challenge, as different regions have varying climates, so is there a difference in storage methods? Don't worry, after reading this article, you will find answers to these questions.
The Four Factors Affecting Pu'er Tea Storage
When the same Pu'er tea is stored in different environments, the final aged quality will vary. The four factors that significantly influence the quality of Pu'er tea storage are “temperature,” “humidity,” “light protection,” and “air.” These play the most significant role in the transformation process of Pu'er tea during storage.
1. Temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in the transformation of Pu'er tea. Excessively high temperatures can cause the tea to develop off-flavors; in excessively low temperatures, the transformation process slows down or even stops. Therefore, a relatively suitable temperature is essential for storing Pu'er tea. The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should not be too high or too low, and it is recommended to maintain it around 25°C ± 3°C.
2. Humidity: Humidity is also critical for storing Pu'er tea. High humidity can reduce the quality and flavor of the tea product, and in severe cases, can cause mold and decay. In overly dry conditions, the aging process of Pu'er tea becomes slow, and it can become “dry.” Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea, the recommended humidity range is between 55% to 75%.
3. Light Protection: Long-term exposure to sunlight can raise the temperature of the tea leaves, reducing their moisture content. Additionally, ultraviolet light in sunlight contains high energy, which can destroy the inherent structure of the tea leaves, affecting the subsequent transformation of the tea product. On the other hand, when Pu'er tea is exposed to sunlight, phenolic substances and chlorophyll are more prone to oxidation, causing the tea to lose its original flavor and freshness, and developing a “greasy” taste from sun exposure. Therefore, Pu'er tea requires protection from direct sunlight during storage.
4. Air: The requirements for air in storing Pu'er tea primarily involve cleanliness and the absence of odors. Pu'er tea is very susceptible to absorbing odd smells from the air, and once the tea absorbs these odors, it is challenging to remove them. During storage, the air must be odor-free, but vacuum storage cannot be used. Oxygen is an essential element in the chemical reactions required for the continued transformation of Pu'er tea. If stored in a vacuum, the transformation process would be slow or non-existent.
How Should Storage Be Handled in Different Regions?
Adapt to Local Conditions and Adjust Temperature and Humidity Timely
The core production area for Pu'er tea is Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. In recent years, as Pu'er tea has become increasingly popular among tea enthusiasts, it is being stored all over the country, leading to the formation of different storage systems. So, how should Pu'er tea be stored in different regions?
Southern China: The most representative region in Southern China is Guangdong. Guangdong is a major consumer of Pu'er tea. Besides daily consumption, many people also store tea at home, forming what is known as the Guangdong storage method.
The weather in Guangdong is relatively humid. In February and March, during the return of the south wind, the warehouse needs to be closed, and dehumidifiers should be used to control the humidity. In summer, when the weather is hot and the temperature is high, exhaust fans can be used to expel the hot air indoors, with the temperature ideally controlled below 30 degrees Celsius. In autumn, the warehouse should be opened up, as the autumn breeze will blow away the dampness and heat. In Winter, the humidity is not high, so there is no need to run the dehumidifier, and temperature does not need to be managed in winter.
Southwestern China: The climate varies significantly across different areas in Southwestern China. Kunming is relatively dry, so the characteristic of storage in Kunming is very slow transformation. After several years of storage, the flavor of the tea when brewed may not differ much from fresh tea. However, the advantage is that the aroma of the tea at the fresh stage is preserved, and the outer Packaging paper is less likely to develop tea oil or insect holes. Since the temperature and humidity are within the required range for storage, there is no need for dehumidification, but attention should be paid to isolating odors and avoiding direct sunlight.
In addition to Kunming, areas like Xishuangbanna and Sichuan-Chongqing have higher temperatures and humidity. When storing tea, the principles are similar to those in Guangdong, requiring the use of exhaust fans for cooling and controlling humidity within reasonable ranges.
Northern China: Early consumers of Pu'er tea were in the Yunnan-Tibet region. By the 1980s and 1990s, it began to be sold in Northwest China (Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, etc.). In recent years, with the development of Pu'er tea, there has been a large consumer base in North China and Northeast China. Due to the drier climate in Northern China, the transformation of tea is slower, and there is no need for dehumidification during storage. However, when the temperature is too high, exhaust fans should be used to cool down and maintain the optimal temperature, and attention should be paid to isolating odors and avoiding direct sunlight.
Eastern China: Eastern China is the primary consumption area for green tea and oolong tea, and the storage of Pu'er tea has only gradually formed in recent years. Most of the climate types in East China are subtropical monsoon climates, characterized by warm and humid conditions, with high temperatures and abundant rain in summer. The most humid time is during the plum rains in summer, when the humidity is high, and dehumidification is needed. When the temperature is too high, ventilation should be used to lower the temperature.
How Should Home-Stored Tea Be Stored?
Independent Storage, Protection from Light and Isolation from Odors Are Key
Generally speaking, if the quantity of tea is too large, it is not recommended to store it at home. Instead, contact local professional warehouses or set up an independent warehouse for storage. In daily life at home, there may be kitchen fumes and bathroom odors, and if the quantity of tea is too large and the space is small, it is easy for the tea to absorb these odors. If the amount of tea is relatively small or only for daily consumption, choose a room without windows for storage to avoid direct sunlight and ensure it is cool and dry. At the same time, purchase shelving units to store the tea, leaving at least 20 cm of space from the ground and walls.
Storing tea at home can be affected by household Water usage, leading to excessive humidity. Especially in Guangdong during the return of the south wind and the rainy season, it is difficult for households to achieve the same level of equipment as professional warehouses. Therefore, we recommend equipping your home with dehumidifiers and other facilities to alleviate the unfavorable conditions for storing tea. Both temperature and humidity should be monitored at all times, and adjustments should be made immediately upon detecting changes in temperature and humidity, such as opening doors and windows.