The storage of Pu'er tea is not particularly demanding. Generally, as long as it's not exposed to direct sunlight or rain, the environment is clean and hygienic, well-ventilated with no other miscellaneous or strange odors, that's sufficient. Saying it's not demanding, there are still some points to pay attention to. What should be considered when storing Pu'er tea?
What to Consider When Storing Pu'er Tea
First, the storage environment should have a certain level of humidity
Too dry an environment will slow down the aging of Pu'er tea, but too humid can cause the tea to mold. This requires finding a balance. In a relatively dry environment, you can place a small cup of water where the Pu'er tea is stored to slightly increase the air humidity.
Second, maintain a relatively constant temperature during storage
Pu'er tea should not be exposed to sunlight; a shady spot is better. The storage environment's temperature for Pu'er tea should not be too high or too low, using the local climate as a guide, without artificial adjustments. A normal indoor temperature is fine. The best storage temperature should be between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Too high a temperature will accelerate fermentation and cause the tea to turn sour.
Third, store in a dry and ventilated area
Storing Pu'er tea requires moderately circulating air, but not in a drafty area. Although the transformation process is slower this way, it helps preserve the true nature of the Pu'er tea.
Fourth, avoid mixing with strange odors during storage
Pu'er tea easily absorbs moisture from the air and strange odors, so the storage environment needs to be clean and free of strange odors. Open windows every morning to ventilate and dissipate any household odors as soon as possible.
Fifth, new Pu'er tea should not be sealed in a container immediately after purchase; allow some ventilation
If new Pu'er tea has a strong Warehouse smell, it can be placed in a well-ventilated area until the warehouse smell dissipates before storage. For odorless or slightly warehouse-scented whole-tube Pu'er tea cakes, the Bamboo sheath can be removed, and individual cakes can be stored separately, or the outer wrapping paper can be torn off before storage.
What to Consider When Storing Pu'er Tea
1. Canister Storage Method
There are two methods of canister storage: one uses small canisters for sealing and storing, with each canister containing one type of tea. The other method uses large canisters for storage; large canisters cannot mix all types of tea inside. Each type of tea should be sealed in plastic Bags before being placed in the large canister and sealed for storage.
2. Cardboard Box Storage Method
The cardboard box storage method involves placing the tea in plastic bags, then placing the tea in a cardboard box, which is then sealed with tape and stored on shelves or in cabinets, away from walls and floors. Check periodically to prevent spoilage.
3. Loose Leaf Storage
For short-term storage of loose leaf tea, it can be sealed directly in plastic bags or stored in purple Clay jars. However, Pu'er loose leaf tea should ideally not be stored, as it hasn't been compressed and is prone to losing its flavor. After storing for 1-2 years, the aroma and taste of loose leaf tea will significantly decrease.
Pay attention to the above points. Understanding the correct method for storing Pu'er tea is important. Avoid drinking spoiled tea. While Pu'er tea is not picky about its storage location, it does require careful handling.