Raw Pu'er Tea can be stored indefinitely without spoiling, and it is not uncommon for it to be kept for 10 to 20 years. Therefore, the concept of an expiration date does not apply to raw Pu'er tea. Raw Pu'er tea is made from sun-dried Yunnan large-Leaf tea and naturally aged without undergoing a pile-fermentation process. During aging, its internal properties undergo significant transformations, gradually changing its originally cool nature to a milder one, and its strong bitterness turns into a rich, lingering Sweetness, giving raw Pu'er tea very high drinking value. Raw Pu'er can typically be stored for around ten years. Raw Pu'er is made from freshly picked tea leaves that are stored naturally without going through a series of fermentation processes. Under sealed conditions, raw Pu'er can usually be stored for up to ten years. In terms of storage environment, in addition to being sealed, it is also crucial to store it at moderate temperatures, in a well-ventilated and dry area away from direct sunlight and odors.

How Long Can Pu'er Tea Be Stored?

Pu'er tea does not have a specific expiration date and is suitable for long-term storage. Pu'er tea can be divided into raw and ripe varieties, where raw Pu'er can be stored for 10 to 25 years, while ripe Pu'er has a shorter duration, generally around 5 to 10 years. However, to enjoy the best flavor of Pu'er tea, it is recommended to drink it sooner rather than later.

Pu'er tea can improve with age, and under proper storage conditions, teas that are 20 to 30 years old can develop ample aged and fruity aromas, with a red and concentrated liquor that displays a beautiful golden rim. However, if Pu'er tea is stored for too long, its character may be completely lost.

To ensure Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time, it is recommended to keep the tea in a clay jar and choose a well-ventilated, dark, and dry environment to prevent mold growth. Note that it should be isolated from any odorous foods and not stored near oily, meaty, or sauce-based foods.

Note the Following Five Key Points to Ensure Your Tea Ages Well

1. Dry Storage

Dry storage means storing the tea in a low humidity, temperature-controlled, and well-ventilated environment for post-fermentation, ensuring it doesn't mold and retains its true character.

The relative humidity should be maintained between 65% and 75%. Too high or too low a humidity level is not conducive to the aging of Pu'er tea. When the climate is dry, Pu'er tea (especially raw tea) may enter a dormant state, hindering aging. Humidity can be increased using a humidifier or by occasionally wiping the floor with a damp cloth, which serves both to increase humidity and clean the space.

2. Stable Temperature

The storage temperature for Pu'er tea should generally be between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures outside this range are detrimental to the aging process. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, as well as air conditioning and direct sunlight, as these can alter the quality of the tea.

A sudden rise in temperature or a sudden change in temperature can affect the liveliness of the tea liquor and taste. High temperatures not only make Pu'er tea lose its activity but are also not conducive to its natural aging. Over time, Pu'er tea will become “dead,” losing its value for further aging and storage.

3. Avoid Strange Odors

Tea is highly absorbent of strange odors, and once absorbed, these odors cannot be reversed, so it's important to maintain a clean environment free of strange odors.

4. Use Bamboo Shells Properly

Bamboo shells are sturdy and a natural material, ideal for wrapping Pu'er tea. They do not chemically penetrate the tea and protect it from external pollution, creating a favorable microenvironment for post-fermentation.

Tea wrapped in bamboo shells for a long time can emit a faint bamboo aroma when brewed. Bamboo shell packaging not only protects the tea but also makes transportation easier, hence its continued use today.

If possible, storing the tea without breaking the bamboo shell wrapping is the most appropriate method.

5. Pay Attention to Aging Cycles

The concept of “the older, the better” applies only within a certain timeframe. Every type of Pu'er tea has an optimal period for aging. Within this time frame, and under suitable storage conditions, the drinking quality of Pu'er tea improves over time. However, after the tea reaches its peak quality, its drinking quality can slowly deteriorate over time.

It is recommended to sample the tea at different stages of storage to gradually understand how it transforms and to choose the best period to drink it. Furthermore, the concept of “the older, the better” is based on high-quality tea leaves. If the quality of the tea is poor, no matter how long it is stored, it cannot develop superior tasting qualities.