Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea is loved by tea enthusiasts due to its unique production method and its compact size. Its distinctive taste and refreshing fruity aroma are also highly sought after. But do you really know how to store it properly? Let's explore the correct storage methods for Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea.
Correct Storage Methods for Xiaoxinggan Pu'er Tea:
(1) Store in a sealed, shaded, and dry environment;
Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea is sensitive to light. If exposed to light for an extended period, it can cause an optical reaction within the tea, leading to oxidation and a reduction in flavor. Therefore, it should be stored in a dimly lit area away from direct sunlight. Dried Xiaoxinggan must be sealed and stored in a clean, dry, uncontaminated, and non-humid environment. This is because the oily substances on the outer surface of the tangerine peel are prone to evaporation. On humid days or in damp weather, if not sealed properly, the peel may soften or even mold. We recommend storing Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea in food-grade sealed Bags or containers, which makes it convenient to observe the condition inside and promptly deal with any potential issues such as mold.
(2) Protect against moisture, pests, and infestation;
Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea is made by infusing Pu'er tea into tangerine fruit from Xinhui. The storage conditions, including temperature and Humidity, need to be strictly controlled. Generally, the humidity should be around 60%. If the air humidity exceeds 70%, the tea might mold and become unusable. Additionally, because Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea has a sweet aroma, it should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry, and clean environment. Regular checks should be conducted to ensure that the tea has not absorbed moisture or been infested by pests.
(3) Regularly sun-dry and avoid storing in the Refrigerator or in environments with strong odors;
The Sugar content in Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea is relatively high, so it generally needs to be sun-dried about three times a year to promote the fusion of the tangerine peel and the Pu'er tea. Especially during rainy weather or humid periods, timely checks and sun-drying are necessary. Pu'er tea is highly absorbent; in environments with strong odors, the tea will quickly absorb the smells. Therefore, Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea should be stored in odor-free areas with proper ventilation. Many people like to store their daily foods in the refrigerator, but it's important to note that “Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea should not be stored in the refrigerator. The strong odors in the refrigerator can lead to cross-contamination, and the tea's fragrance can be diminished.”
Is Xiaoxinggan Made Through Baking?
Xiaoxinggan is not made through baking; instead, it relies on a full natural sun-drying process, followed by regular sun-drying. The sun-drying of full natural sun-dried Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea helps promote aging, protects against moisture, pests, and mold, thereby extending the tea's Shelf life and improving quality.
Editor's Note: A good Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea requires time for aging and appropriate care through sun-drying. It's not just about the initial processing but also the subsequent storage and maintenance. Only under suitable storage conditions can we enjoy the rich and mellow flavors of Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea.
Source: Xinhui Qianhui Citrus Peel. Good articles are meant to be shared. If there are any copyright issues, please contact us to remove them!