Almost all enthusiasts of purple clay teapots are also tea lovers. Because they enjoy Drinking Tea, they are particular about the vessels used for brewing, which is why they choose the excellent brewing tool that is the purple clay teapot. To achieve a good tea-drinking experience, brewing is indeed an important step, but storing tea also has a significant impact. Many enthusiasts use a purple clay teapot for brewing and a purple clay canister for storing tea, demonstrating a high level of attention to detail. However, just as there are specific ways to care for a purple clay teapot, there are also many nuances to consider when using a purple clay canister for storing tea. Today, I will discuss how to store tea in a purple clay canister, so your tea can be kept in the best condition possible.
How to Use a Purple Clay Tea Canister?
1. Characteristics of Various Tea Canisters
Tea is a dried product that can easily absorb moisture and become damp, leading to quality changes. It has a strong affinity for water, odors, and its aroma can evaporate very quickly. (Therefore, tea can also be used as a deodorizer; placed in a refrigerator, it can absorb unwanted odors.)
If tea is not stored properly, it can deteriorate. Therefore, the type of container used and where it is placed are both important considerations. Tea canisters were created to meet people's needs for storing tea.
Those who have some knowledge about tea know that during storage, tea can easily develop a storeroom flavor. If completely airtight tea canisters are used to store tea, the odors cannot escape, affecting the quality of the entire contents of the canister.
Speaking of tea canisters, do you know the characteristics of various materials used for storing tea?
Bamboo and wood storage containers are suitable for storing heavily roasted teas. These containers are convenient for carrying around but are not suitable for long-term storage. The containers should be chosen with a mild, non-stimulating scent to prevent the tea from absorbing any unwanted flavors.
Tinware has a strong seal, providing excellent insulation against heat and moisture, making it suitable for most types of tea, especially ideal for storing aged teas.
Lacquerware containers are more widely used in Japan and Taiwan and have a beautiful appearance. Lacquerware tea canisters are typically used for storing matcha and White Tea.
Silver tea storage containers are finely polished, suitable for tasting, handling, and display. Similar to tin tea canisters, they are generally used for storing green, yellow, and white teas, combining practicality with collectible value.
Compared to other materials, purple clay tea canisters have better breathability, facilitating the natural aging process of the tea while preventing moisture from entering. They are particularly suitable for storing teas that require minor post-storage transformations, such as Pu'er tea and white tea.
2. What Should You Pay Attention to When Storing Tea in a Purple Clay Canister?
Purple clay canisters are different from purple clay teapots. Since purple clay canisters are used for storing tea, they should not be washed with water. The porous nature of purple clay means it will absorb water, and even if it dries naturally later, it won't reach the same dryness as fresh out of the kiln. Normally, you can wipe them with a dry cloth. For the inside, use a brush to clean any dust, then wring out a damp cloth and wipe several times before letting it air-dry. Long-term unused purple clay canisters should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. Before use, place a small amount of activated charcoal inside and wait a few days to ensure there is no residual moisture before storing tea. A new purple clay canister is not suitable for immediate use to store tea.
3. Daily Placement of Purple Clay Canisters
Avoid placing them in areas with high humidity, such as windows where rain can enter, damp corners, warehouses prone to moisture, kitchens, and bathrooms. Once you have decided on a fixed location, make sure the mouth of the purple clay canister is sealed tightly. If placed near a wall, keep it 10-20 centimeters away. In northern China, where the climate is dry and humidity is low, there is less concern about dampness. Conversely, friends in southern regions must be more careful.
4. Purple Clay Canisters: More Than Just for Storing Tea
If you think of a purple clay canister merely as a container for storing tea, you would be mistaken. The role of a purple clay canister is not only to store tea but also to serve as an elegant utensil and plaything for tea enthusiasts, a piece of art. Purple clay canisters often feature mud painting or color painting decorations. Unlike teapots, canisters do not need spouts or handles, providing more creative space. During the Qing Dynasty, the Imperial Household Department commissioned the production of purple clay wares, including purple clay tea canisters. Today, the Palace Museum still houses purple clay tea canisters that were once used by the imperial family.
A beautifully decorated purple clay canister is undoubtedly a work of art that brightens up life. Even if not used for storing tea, it is worth acquiring simply as a decorative item. With proper storage methods, a purple clay canister can maximize the use of its dual-pore structure, promoting the maturation of the tea without overpowering its aroma. With this knowledge about storing tea, your tea will be preserved better, and you will enjoy a more satisfying tea-drinking experience.