Enthusiasts of Pu'er Tea who have been enjoying it for some time will undoubtedly have a fine collection at home, ready to be savored over time. It's crucial to properly manage Humidity and odors to preserve your beloved teas. Here, we discuss the four don'ts and do's of storing Pu'er tea.
The Four Taboos of Storing Pu'er Tea at Home
Taboo One: Avoid High Temperatures
High temperatures accelerate the degradation of chlorophyll in Pu'er tea, causing it to convert into de-magnified chlorophyll, changing its fresh green color to dark brown. The auto-oxidation of polyphenols and other substances also accelerates under high temperatures. Research shows that for every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of browning in Pu'er tea accelerates, affecting its quality and aging process.
Taboo Two: Avoid Direct Sunlight
The plant pigments and lipids in Pu'er tea are susceptible to photochemical reactions, which can produce sun-dried and other off-flavors. Pu'er tea is particularly sensitive to light, so it should be stored away from direct sunlight.
Taboo Three: Avoid Strong Odors
Tea leaves are porous and easily absorb odors. Therefore, avoid storing Pu'er tea in places with strong odors, as these can taint the tea's natural flavor.
Taboo Four: Avoid Moisture
Pu'er tea is porous and contains many hygroscopic compounds that readily absorb moisture. Once Damp, the moisture content of Pu'er tea increases, accelerating spoilage and potentially leading to mold growth when the moisture content exceeds 8%. Store Pu'er tea in a cool, dry place.
After reading this comprehensive guide on the taboos of storing Pu'er tea, you should now understand how to properly store it. Regardless of the storage method used, avoid a laissez-faire attitude; check the tea for spoilage at least once every three months.