There are many methods to store Pu'er Tea, divided into professional storage and personal home storage. Regardless of whether it is professionally stored or personally stored at home, attention should be paid to the storage environment. Commonly used storage methods involve keeping the original packaging of Pu'er tea, storing it off the ground, and avoiding dampness and unwanted flavors.
How to Store Pu'er Tea Properly
① Direct Storage
The storage of Pu'er tea can use multiple paper bags or Bamboo shells for direct packaging and storage; there is no need to wrap an outer layer with a plastic bag to avoid hindering air circulation. Similarly, Refrigeration is not necessary for storing Pu'er tea.
② Canister Storage Method
Using a canister to store Pu'er tea is a relatively scientific method, which is more suitable for collectors. A well-sealed canister can effectively prevent the tea from becoming damp, avoid contact with air that could cause oxidation reactions, and has the effect of waking up the tea. It is recommended to use a purple clay jar or a ceramic jar.
Additionally, different teas should not come into contact with each other to prevent flavor contamination, as the varieties and aromas of Pu'er tea differ. After placing the tea in the canister, ensure that the canister is sealed to prevent the tea aroma from dissipating.
③ Economical and Effort-Saving Cardboard box Storage Method
If you are not a collector but simply enjoy drinking Pu'er tea, you can use a simple cardboard box for storage, which is both convenient and efficient. However, do not place the cardboard box near walls or on the floor, as high humidity from walls and floors can cause the tea to become damp. Choose to place it on shelves or wooden stands instead.
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Storing Pu'er Tea?
1. Temperature
Temperature greatly affects the storage of Pu'er tea. The temperature of the storage environment should generally be between 20-30°C, which is the optimal conversion temperature. Higher or lower temperatures will affect the taste transformation of Pu'er tea.
2. Humidity
In addition to temperature, the overall space humidity must be maintained, ideally between 65%-75%.
If the weather is too dry, a humidifier can be used to appropriately increase air humidity, or a damp Towel can be used to wipe the floor, which simultaneously cleans and humidifies. During very damp and hot weather, the tea easily absorbs moisture from the air, leading to dampness and mold, so ventilation and dehumidification should be ensured.
3. Ventilation
The conversion process of Pu'er tea requires “breathing,” with oxygen and moisture being essential factors. Therefore, Pu'er tea is best stored in a dry and ventilated area at home, where the oxygen in circulating air facilitates the proliferation of microorganisms in the tea and the natural conversion of its internal substances. However, note that the term “ventilation” here does not mean directly exposing it to a draft. Pu'er tea requires moderately circulated air.
Should Pu'er Tea Be Stored in Airtight Containers?
Pu'er tea should not be stored in airtight bags, but during seasons of high humidity, to ensure the tea does not develop mold, it may need to be placed in airtight bags. Once the humidity decreases, the airtight bags must be removed. Pu'er tea has the attribute of becoming more fragrant over time, so many who enjoy aged tea have the habit of storing it. According to the storage conditions for Pu'er tea, it should not be stored in airtight packaging, as Pu'er tea undergoes post-fermentation. During long-term storage, the tea undergoes a slow conversion process, where polyphenols react with active enzymes, promoting the rapid growth of beneficial bacteria while eliminating harmful bacteria. This process requires the presence of oxygen, which cannot occur in a vacuum. Therefore, for Pu'er tea to convert well over time, it should not be sealed for storage. If the humidity is too high, seal the tea in bags during the rainy season, ensuring complete airtightness to prevent moisture from evaporating within the bags, which would quickly lead to mold formation. One week after the rainy season, when the humidity significantly drops, remove the airtight bags. This ensures the tea does not mold during the rainy season without being stored in a complete vacuum.
How Should Pu'er Tea Be Stored at Home?
1. Whole, Unopened Packages of Tea
If you purchase whole, unopened packages of Pu'er tea, you do not need complex storage techniques. The bamboo shell itself has some moisture-proofing effects. Simply store it in a corrugated cardboard box. Remember to keep it in a dry, cool place and prevent dampness, which could affect the tea inside.
Do not place it directly on the floor; use a small object to elevate it or store it off the ground. When using cardboard boxes to store Pu'er tea, separate raw and ripe teas to prevent flavor contamination and keep them away from areas with strong odors.
2. Several Pieces of Unwrapped Pu'er Tea
If the bamboo shell packaging has been opened and you only have a few pieces of Pu'er tea that you plan to consume shortly, you can use airtight bags. Despite their thinness, these bags have excellent sealing properties, which can isolate external damp air and odors, making short-term storage feasible. However, ensure that all air is expelled from the airtight bags before sealing, creating a vacuum state, to avoid affecting the storage of the tea.
3. Long-Term Storage of Tea
If you have a large amount of tea that you plan to store long-term, you can use a purple clay tea cake jar. Purple clay tea cake jars have good breathability. After firing, the internal structure of the purple clay jar produces dual and chain pores, allowing air to circulate and eliminating unwanted odors, which helps in the subsequent fermentation of Pu'er tea.
Purple clay tea cake jars typically have a large capacity, capable of storing a significant amount of tea. Even whole packages of tea can fit comfortably. The preservation effect of purple clay jars is much better than that of cardboard boxes, which only serve to organize and protect against dampness. Purple clay jars also promote the fermentation of tea cakes. However, when using purple clay jars to store tea, moisture protection measures should still be taken, and they should not be placed directly on the floor. Use a wooden stand to elevate them off the ground.
4. Broken-Up Tea
If the tea cake has already been broken up, it should be consumed within a short period. The most important aspect is to seal it to prevent air exposure, making a pure tin tea can the best choice. Although made of metal, pure tin tea cans are soft and have excellent sealing properties, ideal for storing tea without imparting a metallic taste and extending its freshness.
In ancient times, people often stored tea in pure tin tea cans. When opening the can, there would be a “pop” sound. Pure tin tea cans have a naturally cool quality, giving a distinct feeling of coldness and chilliness upon opening, lowering