The storage conditions for white Tea should be well-ventilated, avoiding direct sunlight, and kept in a dry area without any strong odors. By well-ventilated, we mean the storage area should have doors and windows and not be completely sealed off, like a basement. The standard method for storing tea involves a three-layer sealing technique. First, use a food-grade plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and tie it tightly.

Secondly, use an aluminum foil bag and also tie it securely. The purpose of this layer is to block out light. Finally, place the bags inside a cardboard box and close it. For exceptionally long-term storage, you can add another shipping box and seal the corners with clear tape.

How to Store Fuding White Tea?

Storing Fuding White Tea is relatively simple; unopened packages can be stored in cardboard boxes or large clay jars. However, if you are dealing with single cakes, especially those that have been opened, they should be sealed in food-grade bags and then placed in airtight containers such as tea cans. The fungi involved in the post-fermentation process of Fuding White Tea require an anaerobic environment to thrive. If the tea is exposed to frequent ventilation, the microorganisms will not survive well. Therefore, it's best to allow periodic airing. In drier climates like the north, compressed Fuding White Tea undergoes slower transformation, making it convenient for storage under natural conditions. For smaller quantities, use waterproof containers. For larger, whole packages of Fuding White Tea, do not open the outer packaging; instead, store them in a room with cardboard boxes or wooden boards underneath, but avoid placing them against walls.

Considerations for Storing White Tea in Southern and Northern Climates

In the south, represented by provinces like Guangdong and Fujian, the climate is warm and humid with abundant rainfall and high temperatures year-round. This climate is beneficial for the tea's maturation but poses risks for storage. If the air is too moist and the temperature too high, there is a risk of mold growth, commonly known as “wet storage” tea, prevalent in Hong Kong and Guangzhou. When storing white tea in the south, consider the following:

First, ensure the tea is dry. It must meet the required dryness standards before being sealed for storage. If the tea is not sufficiently dry, it can quickly develop mold in the hot and humid southern environment.

Second: Sealing. In the south, sealing is essential due to the high humidity. Tea can easily absorb moisture, and combined with the high temperatures, it becomes prone to mold. Therefore, after ensuring the tea's moisture content is below 6%, it should be sealed properly to preserve its flavor.

Third: Regular Sampling. Check the stored tea regularly to identify any issues promptly and take corrective action, including drying the tea when necessary.

Fourth: Ventilation and Dryness. Ensure the storage environment is well-ventilated and dry to maintain fresh air circulation. Avoid storing tea in basements or windowless rooms.

Fifth: Separate Storage. Store white tea separately from other items and teas to prevent flavor contamination and spoilage.

Sixth: Light Avoidance. Store the tea in a dark, cool space. Excessive heat or exposure to direct sunlight can negatively impact the tea's quality.

In the north, exemplified by Beijing, the climate is dry, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius for nearly half the year. To store tea effectively in the north, consider the following:

First: Sealing. Similar to the south, but with a different goal. In the north, the aim is to retain some moisture within the tea, which is beneficial for its maturation.

Second: Temperature Control. Temperatures drop significantly in the north starting in late November, almost freezing, causing the tea to enter a dormant state. Since we want the tea to undergo some maturation through oxidation and polymerization, maintaining room temperature is sufficient.

Third: Odor-Free Environment. In the north, store white tea in a well-ventilated, odor-free environment. Avoid storing tea in basements and keep it off the ground on specialized racks to prevent moisture from affecting the tea.

Fourth: Light Avoidance. Regardless of location, always store tea away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can harm its quality.

These are the key differences in storing white tea in the south versus the north. Proper storage, along with good production techniques and quality ingredients, can result in an excellent Cup of Fuding White Tea.