Storing Pu'er Tea is actually not difficult, and the storage conditions are not particularly complex. It's also relatively convenient to store it yourself. However, tea enthusiasts are still concerned that they might not store it properly, fearing that the quality may not be good or that it won't meet their desired goals. For those who lack knowledge about storing tea, it's possible that carelessness could result in good Pu'er tea being stored improperly. After several years of storage, the tea might become undrinkable, resulting not only in financial loss but also significant disappointment. So, how can you better store Pu'er tea?

Better Ways to Store Pu'er Tea

1. Temperature: The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should be controlled between 10°C and 25°C. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent overheating or freezing. During hot summers, keep Pu'er tea in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

2. Humidity: Excessively high humidity can cause Pu'er tea to develop off-flavors or mold, while excessively low humidity can cause it to turn yellow or lose its characteristic flavor.

3. Ventilation: The storage area for Pu'er tea should have good ventilation to maintain air circulation and effectively prevent mold growth.

4. Dryness: Before storing Pu'er tea, clean the exterior of the tea container and ensure that the interior is dry and well-ventilated. Also, disinfect it to avoid bacterial or microbial contamination.

Pu'er Tea Storage Methods

Purple Clay Containers (Clay Jars):

Purple clay utensils have traditionally been used alongside tea. When we Brew tea, the best choice of Teaware is usually purple clay. For loose Pu'er tea intended for long-term storage, a purple clay container is the best option. Purple clay teaware is breathable and improves with use, making it the ideal container for storing Pu'er tea. Although modern purple clay jars can be expensive, you can use clay jars as an alternative, which are significantly cheaper and sufficient for ordinary collectors.

When using these containers, newly purchased ones must be cleaned to remove any potential contaminants. You can do this by repeatedly rinsing them with clear water and hot water, or by boiling some low-grade tea leaves in water to clean them. Allow the containers to dry thoroughly before use. After placing the tea inside, you can also add some bamboo charcoal. When placing the tea in the container, remove the outer bamboo shells from Compressed tea cakes (if packaged in bundles) and store the individual cakes (or bricks).

Cardboard Boxes:

For personal storage at home, using cardboard boxes is one of the most practical methods. While cardboard boxes don't offer the same advantages as purple clay containers, they do have significant benefits. Cardboard boxes are readily available and free, and they are also convenient to store at home without taking up much space.

When using cardboard boxes to store Pu'er tea, pay attention to any odors the box might have. Therefore, it's important to understand the original purpose of the cardboard box you're using. If there is an Odor, let it sit for a period of time until the odor dissipates before storing the Pu'er tea. It's recommended to store compressed teas in cardboard boxes. For smaller quantities (a few cakes), place them in paper bags first before placing them in the box.

Pu'er tea has the unique characteristic of developing a distinct flavor over five years, a process that endows it with a unique drinking charm and drives the trend of “tasting old tea and storing new tea.” Over the past decade, the consumer base for Pu'er tea has increased tenfold. If stored properly, the value of Pu'er tea can increase by around ten percent, demonstrating its considerable investment potential. For tea enthusiasts who love Pu'er tea, a cake of “Laobanzhang” is a prized possession worth discussing.