Quality ripe tea can be stored for about 10-30 years. The duration for which ripe tea can be stored is influenced by many factors, such as the variety of the tea, manufacturing process, storage method, and origin. Here are some key points to consider when storing ripe tea: avoid contamination, high temperatures, moisture, light exposure, and odors. These “five avoids” can extend the storage time and improve the quality of the ripe tea to the greatest extent. However, not all ripe teas are suitable for long-term storage; it depends on the specific tea.
Methods for Storing Ripe Tea
1. Permeable Storage
Ripe tea contains fermenting aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, the tea can become Damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, ensure good air permeability and prevent dampness. It's best to store ripe tea in a dry and ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room.
2. Avoid Light Exposure
Light is the enemy of ripe tea, as it can destroy effective components in the tea leaves, causing them to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place.
3. Clean Storage Containers
The containers used for storing ripe tea should be dry, odorless, and free from any unwanted scents, preferably made of ceramic or glass. Before storing the tea, clean the container to prevent any unwanted odors from adhering during storage. If the container is old, make sure to dry and clean it before use.
4. Regular Ventilation
Regular ventilation is very important during the storage of ripe tea. If the tea is sealed for too long, it can lose its original aroma and color. Therefore, open the storage container periodically to allow ventilation.
5. Avoid Contact with Odors
When storing ripe tea, avoid contact with odors like soap, paint, scissors, medicines, etc. These odors can affect the aroma and taste of the tea, so the storage area for ripe tea should be isolated from these items to prevent contact.
6. Avoid High Temperature Environments
High temperature environments can cause the aroma in ripe tea to evaporate, leading to a decline in tea quality. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, avoid placing it in high temperature environments, such as balconies or car trunks.
Precautions for Storing Pu'er Ripe Tea:
1. Avoid Contamination
The environment for storing Pu'er tea must not be contaminated. Contamination is something that should be strictly avoided when storing any type of tea, and Pu'er tea is no exception. Due to the presence of terpenoids and high molecular weight palmitic acid in Pu'er tea, it can quickly absorb the scent of other substances, masking or altering the tea's natural aroma. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea at home, strict precautions should be taken to prevent common odors, such as cooking oil, cosmetics, and medicines, from contaminating the tea.
2. Avoid High Temperatures
The storage temperature for raw Pu'er should not be too high or too low. A temperature range of 20-40°C is most suitable. High temperatures can cause the tea to become acidic. In particular, during summer, high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of chlorophyll in Pu'er tea, causing it to convert from fresh green to dark brown. The auto-oxidation of polyphenols and other substances in the tea will also increase at higher temperatures. Research shows that for every 10°C increase in temperature, the browning rate of Pu'er tea accelerates three to five times, making the tea more prone to aging and spoilage.
3. Avoid Moisture
Summer is a rainy season, bringing a lot of moisture. Pu'er tea is a porous, loose material, and many of its compounds are hygroscopic, easily absorbing moisture and becoming damp. When the moisture content exceeds 8%, Pu'er tea will deteriorate more quickly and may even develop mold if microorganisms grow.
4. Avoid Light Exposure
Summer light is stronger than in other seasons. Plant pigments and lipids in Pu'er tea can undergo photochemical reactions, resulting in sun-dried flavors and stale tastes. High-quality Pu'er tea is particularly sensitive to light, changing color after just 10 days of exposure. Therefore, store tea away from direct light.
5. Avoid Odors
In summer, items tend to emit their own odors due to the high temperatures, making Pu'er tea more susceptible to absorbing unwanted odors and spoiling. Since tea is a porous, loose material, it easily absorbs odors. Therefore, extra care should be taken in summer to ensure that Pu'er tea is not stored near items with strong odors.
6. Storage Method
Using bamboo wrappers helps filter out impurities during post-Fermentation, ensuring the tea remains pure.
Tea enthusiasts who enjoy drinking Pu'er ripe tea should purchase whole pieces or bundles for easier storage. If there are frequent rainy days, you can wrap the bundles or whole pieces in plastic Bags and place them in cardboard boxes off the ground. Check them every three to five months.
If you have loose cakes of Pu'er ripe tea or leftover tea, it's recommended to store them in paper bags or resealable bags. If you don't drink it often, you can simply open it up to let it breathe every few months. Some tea enthusiasts have mentioned that the humidity where they live is very high, to the point where even stones would mold. In such cases, I recommend sealing the tea in plastic bags and placing bamboo Charcoal around the cardboard box to absorb moisture.
How Long Should Ripe Tea Be Stored Before Drinking
1. Ripe tea within 1 year
The tea has a relatively hot nature and may still have some pile flavor and warehouse smell.
Ripe tea aged 2-5 years
The tea's nature transitions from hot to warm, and it begins to exhibit unique characteristics of Pu'er ripe tea: rich aroma, mellow taste, and noticeable sweetness. Suitable for those with a Cold constitution to drink daily.
Ripe tea aged 6-8 years
The tea enters a stable and slow conversion period, with a gentle nature suitable for all ages. From a tasting perspective, the taste becomes richer, smoother, and more delicate.
Ripe tea aged 8-10 years
Many seasoned tea drinkers believe that ripe tea aged 8-10 years is worth savoring. At this stage, the pile flavor has dissipated, and woody and glutinous aromas stand out, fully showcasing the tea's aroma, sweetness, richness, thickness, and smoothness. The only downside is that the longer the tea is stored, the less pronounced the rich aroma becomes.