Almost all pot enthusiasts are Tea lovers. Because they enjoy drinking tea, they are particular about the utensils used for brewing, which is why they choose the brewing tool, the purple clay pot.
However, to obtain a good tea-drinking experience, brewing is undoubtedly an important step, but storing the tea also has a significant impact. Many pot enthusiasts use purple clay pots for brewing and purple clay cans for storing tea, which shows how meticulous they are.
But just as there are rules for nurturing a purple clay pot when using it for brewing, there are also several considerations when using a purple clay can for storing tea. Today, I will talk about how to store tea in a purple clay can, so your tea can be stored better.
1. Characteristics of Various Tea Cans
Tea is a dried product that can absorb moisture and become damp, causing a change in quality. It has a strong affinity for water and odors, while its aroma is easily volatile. (Therefore, tea can also be used as a deodorizer, placed in the refrigerator to absorb odors.)
If tea is not stored properly, it can deteriorate. Therefore, the type of container used and where it is placed are important considerations. Tea cans were developed to meet the need for storing tea.
Those who have some knowledge of tea know that during storage, tea can easily develop a warehouse flavor. If completely sealed tea cans are used for storage, odors cannot escape, affecting the quality of the entire can of tea.
Speaking of tea cans, do you know the characteristics of tea cans made from different materials?
Bamboo and wood storage containers are suitable for storing heavily roasted teas. These containers are suitable for carrying around but not for long-term storage. The containers should be chosen with a mild, non-stimulating scent to prevent the tea from absorbing their odor.
Tin containers have strong airtight properties, excellent heat and moisture insulation, making them suitable for most types of tea, especially ideal for Pu'er tea.
Lacquerware containers are widely used in Japan and Taiwan and are known for their beautiful appearance. Lacquerware tea cans are typically used for storing matcha and White Tea.
Silver tea storage containers are finely polished and suitable for appreciation, handling, and display. Similar to tin containers, they are generally used for Green Tea, Yellow Tea, and white tea, combining practicality with collectible value.
Compared to other material tea cans, purple clay tea cans have better breathability, which is beneficial for the later transformation of the tea, while also preventing moisture from entering. They are particularly suitable for storing teas that require slight transformation over time, such as Pu'er tea and white tea.
2. What Should You Pay Attention to When Storing Tea in a Purple Clay Can?
A purple clay can is different from a purple clay pot. Since it is used for storing tea, it should not be washed with water. The porous nature of purple clay will absorb water, and even if it dries naturally later on, it will not be as dry as when it comes out of the kiln.
Usually, you can wipe it with a dry cloth, and clean the inside with a brush to remove dust. Wring out a damp cloth and wipe it a few times before letting it air dry.
For purple clay cans that are not in use for a long time, place them in a dry, ventilated area. Before storing tea, place a small amount of activated charcoal inside for a few days to ensure there is no residual moisture.
Newly acquired purple clay cans are not suitable for immediate use in storing tea.
3. Daily Placement of Purple Clay Cans
Avoid placing them in areas with high humidity, such as windows exposed to rain, damp corners, easily humidified warehouses, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Once you have decided on a fixed location, make sure the mouth of the purple clay can is sealed well.
If placed near a wall, leave a gap of 10-20 centimeters.
In northern China, where the weather is relatively dry and the humidity is low, there is less concern about dampness. However, friends in the south must be more careful.
4. Purple Clay Cans Are Not Just for Storing Tea
If you consider a purple clay can merely as a container for storing tea, then you would be mistaken. The purpose of a purple clay can is not only to store tea but also to serve as an elegant object and a plaything for tea enthusiasts, a piece of craftwork.
Purple clay cans often adopt mud painting or color painting decoration. Unlike teapots, which require spouts and handles, cans offer a broader scope for creativity.
During the Qing Dynasty, the Imperial Workshops commissioned the production of purple clay wares, including purple clay tea cans. Today, the Palace Museum still houses purple clay tea cans that were once used by the imperial family.
A finely decorated purple clay can is definitely a beautiful craftwork that brightens up life. Even if not used for storing tea, it is worth acquiring purely for decorative purposes.
When storing tea in a purple clay can, as long as the method is appropriate, it can maximize the utilization of the double-pore structure of the purple clay, promoting the aging of the tea without overpowering its aroma.
I believe that with this knowledge about storing tea, your tea will be preserved better, and you will enjoy a better tea-drinking experience.