The proper storage process of white Tea can be seen as a continuation of its processing. The environmental conditions for storage are very important. The main factors causing changes in the quality of tea include moisture, temperature, oxidation, and light. Therefore, when storing White Tea, these factors should be given special consideration. The conditions for storing Fuding white tea must be dry, at room temperature, sealed, shaded from light, and free from odors – all five of these conditions are essential.

Dryness

This refers to the fact that the lower the moisture content of white tea, the more favorable it is for long-term storage. Similar to other types of tea, the lower the moisture content of stored white tea, the better. The national standard for the moisture content of tea is 7%, but for long-term storage of white tea, it is ideal to keep the moisture content below 5%. Additionally, the place where white tea is stored should also be dry and well-ventilated.

Room Temperature

This means that the storage of white tea is relatively environmentally friendly, requiring only room temperature management, generally between 4-25°C, while maintaining a dry and well-ventilated state, without the need for refrigeration. This is because environmental temperature is an important factor determining the transformation of white tea's quality later on. The higher the temperature, the more intense and faster the conversion activity; when the environmental temperature drops below 10°C, the conversion activity becomes slower; when the environmental temperature falls below -6°C, the aging activity of any tea will basically stop. Generally, the optimal temperature for storing white tea is 4-25°C. However, due to differences in climate, there may be significant differences in how white tea is stored in different regions. In southern regions, the internal substances of the tea transform more quickly, while in northern regions, the process is slower. High temperature and high humidity environments can easily cause white tea to mold, so during the rainy season in the south, windows should be opened frequently to ventilate and attention should be paid to preventing dampness and moisture.

Sealed

This means that during the storage process, white tea needs to be packaged in a sealed manner to prevent the intrusion of moisture and odors, avoiding spoilage. The natural aging of white tea comes from the natural transformation of its internal substances, so the tea must be stored in a sealed container, avoiding the use of items like purple clay jars or Ceramic jars. During the rainy season in the south, when the air is humid, if the stored white tea is not properly sealed, it can easily develop mold. Stored white tea should not have its packaging opened frequently, as this can allow air to enter, potentially affecting the natural aging of the tea.

Shaded from Light

This means that white tea should be stored away from light. Light can cause the surface of white tea to oxidize, affecting its taste. Shading prevents the decomposition of nutrients in white tea, ensuring its quality. If possible, white tea can be sealed and stored using tin foil, which can protect against both moisture and light.

Free from Odors

This means that to ensure the aroma of white tea is not affected, it should be stored in an Odor-free environment. White tea leaves contain high-molecular palmitic acid and terpenoid compounds, making them highly susceptible to absorbing various odors, so contact with various miscellaneous and strange smells should be avoided. Smoking should not be done in the space where white tea is stored, and the storage location should be kept away from toilets and kitchens.

In summary, white tea can only be stored long-term in a place that is sealed, shaded from light, dry, at room temperature, and free from odors. In Fuding, the local method often used is a combination of “aluminum foil bag + plastic bag + cardboard box,” with the innermost layer being an aluminum foil bag, the middle layer being a food-grade plastic bag, and the aluminum foil bag and plastic bag must be tightly sealed. The outermost layer is a cardboard box, and the sides of the box should be sealed with transparent tape. The aluminum foil bag can shield from light and water and serves a sealing function, the plastic bag can protect against water, and the cardboard box itself can shield from light and has some degree of sealability.