Puer tea has the characteristic of becoming more fragrant with age, and its true value is best realized during post-fermentation transformation. This is why aged Puer teas are highly favored. What are the precautions for collecting Puer tea?
Puer Tea Collection Precautions
Firstly, some people blindly pursue Puer teas that are 30 to 50 years old, even seeking rare aromas like camphor or Lotus. In reality, Puer teas over 20 years old are already quite scarce, and those over 30 to 40 years old are exceedingly rare. Some so-called “aged teas” sold on the market for hundreds of yuan are actually produced by merchants using teas that are only one to two years (or even a few months) old, compressed at a cost of just tens of yuan.
Secondly, many believe that they can make substantial profits from collecting and aging Puer tea. However, there are significant challenges in personally collecting Puer tea at home. The aging process of Puer tea is influenced by factors such as time, temperature, air, Humidity, and environment. Different storage environments and temperatures can result in significant differences in the quality of the tea. One characteristic of tea is its ability to absorb odors; therefore, Puer tea should not be stored in sealed containers but should be exposed to the air to allow continuous oxidation. However, it's challenging to find a place free of unusual odors for storing tea for ten to eight years in a typical household. Once the tea absorbs odors like kerosene or perfume, it becomes worthless.
Thirdly, some believe that the older the Puer tea, the more valuable it is. However, this is not always the case. In the 1970s, there were still some “human head” shaped tea cakes from the Qing Dynasty stored in the Forbidden City's warehouses, which had been used as tribute. After evaluation by tea experts, it was found that the century-old tea had only a dark red liquor with no taste left. This is because the tea had aged excessively due to its age and lost its drinking value.
What are the key points to consider when storing Puer tea?
1. Stable Temperature
The temperature at which Puer tea is stored should be consistent with the local environment, and room temperature is ideal. A range between 20°C to 30°C is best. Higher temperatures can accelerate fermentation and lead to an acidic taste. Generally, Puer tea changes more quickly in spring, summer, and autumn than in Winter. Regardless of the season, Puer tea should not be exposed to direct sunlight and should be kept in a cool place.
2. Moderate Humidity
Puer tea should be stored in a ‘dry warehouse,' meaning it should be kept in a dry environment and should avoid moisture. Too dry conditions will slow down the aging process, so there needs to be some humidity. Humidity should be controlled within certain limits, with an annual average not exceeding 75%. Due to the warm oceanic climate in coastal areas, humidity can rise above 75% during the Plum rain season, so it's important to open windows for ventilation to disperse moisture.
3. Circulating Air
Circulating air contains more oxygen, which is beneficial for the growth of certain microorganisms in the tea, accelerating its transformation. There should be moderate air circulation, but the tea should not be placed in a drafty area. It's also important to ensure that the surrounding environment does not have any odors, as the tea can absorb these and change its flavor.