Those who enjoy drinking Pu'er ripe Tea usually keep some at home. However, those lacking storage experience often find their tea has molded, deteriorated, or developed strange odors after a few years. So, how should we correctly store Pu'er tea?
Key Points for Storing Pu'er Ripe Tea
1. Avoid Pollution: The environment in which you store Pu'er tea must be free from pollution. Pollution is something to be avoided when storing any type of tea, and this is no different for Pu'er tea. Pu'er tea can quickly absorb the odors of other substances, potentially masking or altering its own scent. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea at home, it is crucial to prevent common odors like cooking oil, cosmetics, and medications from contaminating the tea.
2. Avoid High Temperatures: The ideal temperature range for storing Pu'er tea is between 20°C and 30°C. Higher temperatures can cause the tea to become acidic. In daily life, many regions do not meet this condition, so storing it at home under normal conditions is sufficient. It is important to note that during the storage process, avoid placing Pu'er tea near heat sources such as fireplaces, kitchens, or machinery where temperatures may rise.
3. Avoid Moisture: Pu'er tea is a porous and loose structure that easily absorbs moisture and becomes damp, especially during the rainy season when there is an abundance of humidity. This can lead to the growth of microorganisms and subsequent mold formation.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Many tea enthusiasts overlook the impact of sunlight on Pu'er tea. When exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period, the tea can develop a sun-dried Odor that overwhelms its natural aroma, significantly affecting the taste during consumption.
5. Avoid Strong Odors: Pu'er tea not only absorbs moisture but also odors, making it susceptible to absorbing unwanted scents. This can lead to the tea picking up odors like perfume or kitchen fumes, which can drastically alter its flavor profile. Therefore, it's important not to store Pu'er tea alongside items with strong odors.
Methods for Storing Pu'er Ripe Tea
There are many ways to store Pu'er ripe tea, and here is a simple and practical method. For those who enjoy drinking Pu'er ripe tea, it is recommended to purchase it in bulk, either by the piece or by the package, as this makes storage easier. If it rains frequently, you can place the tea in a plastic Bag and then put it in a cardboard box, keeping it off the ground. Check it every three to five months.
For loose Pu'er ripe tea cakes or partially consumed tea, it is suggested to store them in sealed paper bags or resealable bags. If you don't drink it often, simply open the bag every few months to let it breathe. Some tea enthusiasts have mentioned that the humidity in their area is very high, to the point where even stones would mold. In such cases, I recommend sealing the tea in a plastic bag and placing Bamboo Charcoal around the cardboard box to absorb excess moisture.