Xiao Qing Gan Pu'er Tea processed through mechanical baking has a shelf life of 1 year. Semi-sun-dried Xiao Qing Gan Pu'er tea can be stored for 3 years, while fully sun-dried Xiao Qing Gan has a longer shelf life and can be stored indefinitely under good environmental conditions. When storing Xiao Qing Gan, it's important to protect it from moisture, light, and odors.
How Long is the Shelf Life of Xiao Qing Gan?
Generally speaking, conventionally made Xiao Qing Gan can last 3-5 years.
Sun-dried Xiao Qing Gan, especially if the raw materials are of high quality, can also be stored long-term.
There's a saying that Xiao Qing Gan gets better with age, as both Chenpi (aged tangerine Peel) and Yunnan Pu'er tea improve over time. In a proper storage environment, Xiao Qing Gan can be stored for 10-20 years or more without any issues, and it will continue to improve with age.
What details should you pay attention to for long-term storage?
Since there's a saying that Xiao Qing Gan improves with age, there are many considerations when it comes to storage. To store Xiao Qing Gan properly, three key points need to be addressed: protection from moisture, pests, and odors. If these aspects are managed well, the tea will improve in aroma and flavor over time.
How to Store Xiao Qing Gan Pu'er Tea
(1) Sealed, away from light, and dry storage environment;
Xiao Qing Gan Pu'er tea is sensitive to light. Prolonged exposure to light can cause an optical reaction in the tea, leading to oxidation and a decline in taste. Therefore, it should be stored in a place with minimal light exposure, avoiding direct sunlight. Dried Xiao Qing Gan must be sealed and stored in a clean, dry, pollution-free, and non-humid environment. This is because the oily substances on the outer skin of the fruit are prone to volatilization. On humid days like rainy days or during monsoons, if not sealed properly, the surface of the fruit can soften and even mold. We recommend storing the tea in a food-grade sealed Bag or container, which makes it easy to monitor the condition inside and address any potential issues promptly.
(2) Protection from moisture, pests, and infestations;
Xiao Qing Gan Pu'er tea is made by filling Newhui tangerines with Pu'er tea, so it has strict requirements for storage temperature and humidity. Generally, the ideal humidity for storage is around 60%. If the air humidity exceeds 70%, the tea may become moldy and unsuitable for consumption. Additionally, due to its sweet aroma, Xiao Qing Gan Pu'er tea should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry, and clean environment. Regular checks should be performed to ensure the tea hasn't absorbed moisture or been infested by pests!
(3) Regular airing out, avoid storing in the Refrigerator or in environments with strong odors;
The Sugar content in Xiao Qing Gan Pu'er tea is relatively high, so it generally needs to be aired out about three times a year to promote the integration of the tangerine peel and Pu'er tea. During rainy weather or humid periods, it's necessary to check regularly and air out the tea as soon as possible. Pu'er tea has a strong ability to absorb odors, so it should be stored in an odor-free environment and kept moderately ventilated. Many people like to store food items in the refrigerator, but it's important to note that “Xiao Qing Gan Pu'er tea should not be stored in the refrigerator due to the strong odors inside, which can cause off-flavors. Furthermore, storing tea products in the refrigerator can diminish their aroma.”