Pu'er Tea storage can be described through “four levels of mastery.” These levels are: Without Intention, With Intention, Seclusion, and Pilgrimage.

The Four Levels of Pu'er Tea Storage

1. Without Intention

The first level of storing Pu'er tea is perhaps storing it without intention. For example, border trade teas were casually piled up in temple storerooms or corners of Tibetan homes, still drinkable after decades, albeit with a strong buttery flavor. In fact, from the storage of imperial tribute teas during the Qing dynasty to the early storage practices in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, most were stored without much intention, with the utmost concern being whether they had started to mold. If there were any signs of this, they would simply be turned over and aired out. There is no hierarchy among these four levels; storing without intention does not mean that good tea cannot be stored. Pu'er tea stored without intention but in alignment with nature's subtle wonders is actually very good.

2. With Intention

Storing with intention is reflected in the deliberate control of techniques and methods used for storing tea. Generally speaking, as long as the humidity is controlled to avoid excessive dryness or mold growth, and the temperature isn't too low to cause freezing, there's no need to be overly deliberate. Sometimes, going with the flow yields better results.

3. Seclusion

Pu'er tea enthusiasts have gradually discovered that sealed storage is far superior to ventilation. There are two reasons for this: First, it preserves a large amount of the aromatic compounds in Pu'er tea. Using this method, the tea retains its aroma even years later, and it becomes more complex. Second, this method increases the concentration of effective substances in a small environment, which accelerates the transformation process of the tea, making it more effective than ventilation. This method of sealing the tea is somewhat akin to seclusion, where the Pu'er tea undergoes intense internal refinement.

4. Pilgrimage

Like the wandering monks on their spiritual journey, Pu'er tea also needs to go on pilgrimage, to travel and verify its transformation in the vast world. Although this sounds romantic, it may seem a bit mysterious. However, it's not that mysterious. The transformation of Pu'er tea during storage is related not only to the quality of the tea itself but also to microorganisms and other components in the air. Temperature and humidity are not the whole story. Every time it arrives at a new place and encounters new air, Pu'er tea gains another layer of life experience and integration. This is the essence of pilgrimage.