The natural storage of Pu'er Tea cannot do without humidity and temperature. A constant temperature and suitable humidity are essential. Humidity and temperature complement each other, both being important factors. The optimal storage temperature for Pu'er tea is 20-30°C, with a humidity level of 50%-75%, similar to an environment that feels comfortable to humans. The humidity should not be too high nor excessively dry. If the humidity is too high, it can cause the tea to spoil or develop mold; if it is overly dry, the transformation of the tea will be too slow. The temperature should not change abruptly.
The storage of Pu'er tea is very particular, and the right balance of temperature and humidity is crucial for developing its aged aroma. Circulating air, constant temperature, appropriate humidity, and an Odor-free environment are all necessary for Pu'er tea to develop good flavor qualities.
Specific methods for storing Pu'er tea in Guangdong:
First, control temperature and humidity.
In autumn and winter: During hot and dry seasons, you don't need to control humidity but must control temperature. Place tea cakes on indoor racks that allow ventilation and heat dissipation.
In spring and summer: During hot and rainy seasons, you need to control both temperature and humidity.
Temperature can be controlled using air conditioning. For humidity control, dehumidifiers can be used, or strong adsorbent charcoal can be placed on the floor. However, it's more important to close windows to prevent humid outdoor air from entering. Use paper boxes with strong drying properties for tea storage.
Second, use different methods for different storage environments.
The impact of the environment on storage: Storing tea naturally can easily lead to spoilage. You must use artificial means or equipment to control temperature and humidity to ensure the quality of aging tea.
In large storage environments, where there is a lot of tea stored, the amount of absorbed moisture naturally increases, so a dehumidifier can be used for dehumidification.
For home storage, place some clean, odorless charcoal around the stored tea to absorb moisture, which helps reduce humidity. Home storage mainly involves dehumidification, ventilation, and warming to prevent and reduce dampness. One method is to install a dehumidifier in the room where the tea is stored during seasons with high humidity. If no dehumidifier is available, seal the tea tightly until the period of high humidity passes before airing it out. Another method is to open the windows in the morning and evening for ventilation while closing them during the day to prevent water droplets from entering the house. A third method is to use a warm air conditioner and dehumidifier during the day to reduce temperature differences and prevent rising humidity. In addition to these methods, you can also place bags of quicklime bought from supermarkets in various corners to absorb moisture. Do not store tea on the ground floor to avoid ground dampness.
Third, establish preventive awareness and take precautions against natural disasters. In humid seasons, pay attention to weather forecasts and take preventive measures before humid weather arrives. When selecting a tea warehouse, choose one with windows facing north or east to avoid south-facing windows that can bring in damp air.
Fourth, prepare a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the storage conditions of Pu'er tea, adjusting according to changes in humidity and temperature. Install a hygrometer and thermometer in the warehouse and dehumidify appropriately to keep the room's humidity below 75%.
Whether storing tea at home or professionally, factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, odors, and light exposure should all be considered.