According to the storage conditions for Pu'er Tea, it should not be stored in sealed Packaging. This is because Pu'er tea undergoes post-Fermentation, and during its storage, there is an ongoing transformation process within the tea leaves. Tea polyphenols react with active enzymes through oxidation. This allows beneficial bacteria to reproduce quickly while killing harmful bacteria. This process requires the presence of oxygen and cannot occur in a vacuum. Therefore, if you want Pu'er tea to transform well over time, it must not be stored in a sealed environment. However, due to environmental limitations, many individuals storing tea at home do not have suitable conditions for tea storage and can only choose to store Pu'er tea in sealed bags. So, is it good to store Pu'er tea long-term in a sealed bag?
How to Store Pu'er Tea at Home
The main issues when storing Pu'er tea at home are moisture control and preventing odors. Do you have any good methods to address these? Please share them in the comments section:
In most cases, many households lack professional equipment and dedicated spaces for tea storage, making it difficult to manage moisture and odors effectively. However, personal tea storage at home can be quite simple with two tips—choose the one that suits you best, and you'll be able to store your Pu'er tea well.
1. In drier northern regions where Pu'er tea transforms more slowly, it can be directly stored in an odor-free environment. The specific method involves separating raw and ripe teas and placing them in different Cardboard boxes, which are then placed on odor-free shelves. For tea enthusiasts with smaller quantities of single cakes, simply use kraft paper bags and store them in a single Box, taking them out to air every six months or so.
2. In southern areas with higher humidity, many foods can mold and spoil if not properly preserved. Therefore, the best way to store Pu'er tea is by sealing it. The specific method is to purchase these sealed, moisture-proof bags and store individual Pu'er tea cakes inside to prevent dampness and odors. For entire bundles or cases of Pu'er tea, they can be wrapped in waterproof plastic bags for storage. Checking them every three to five months is sufficient.
Finally: For households without professional storage conditions, it is recommended to use moisture-proof bags to seal and preserve the tea, place them in thick, food-grade cardboard boxes, and store them in a ventilated, sun-shielded area raised off the ground. Do not store them in rooms with cosmetics. Regular checks should be conducted.