Storing Pu'er Tea has a significant impact on its unique qualities and aged aroma. Storing Pu'er tea is not difficult, as long as it's kept away from direct sunlight, in a clean and hygienic environment, well-ventilated, and free from other odors.

How to Store Pu'er Tea Properly

1. Original Packaging Storage

For some tea enthusiasts who purchase tea in bulk, usually by the bundle or full case, these teas generally don't require additional packaging if they aren't opened frequently. The original bamboo shells, cotton paper, and cardboard boxes serve as protective barriers for the Pu'er tea, making storage straightforward.

A small room can be designated for storing tea, or you can find a relatively dry, ventilated, and Odor-free environment, such as a bookshelf in a study. Having a separate tea room is ideal. You can prepare a dehumidifier and humidity meter. During normal weather, there's no need to use the dehumidifier; just maintain the indoor humidity. On rainy days, close the windows and doors of the small room and turn on the dehumidifier to create a relatively dry indoor environment.

2. Ceramic Container Storage

For Pu'er tea that will be consumed within 1-2 months or for teas that need to be awakened (usually around 1 month), you can store them in clay pots, ceramic jars, or vases. Place the tea cakes in the container (which should be odor-free, clean, and tidy). This is because ceramic products are well-ventilated and suitable for storing Pu'er tea. There's no need to seal the container mouth; simply cover it with a clean cloth to prevent dust and foreign objects while allowing natural ventilation.

3. Paper Box Storage

Paper boxes are convenient and readily available, and they don't take up much space. However, the paper box must be clean and odor-free. When using a paper box, pay attention to any odors it might have, so ensure the source of the box is clean; a five-layer corrugated paper box is sufficient. Teas stored in paper boxes should be left whole in their original bundles or packages if possible.

For smaller quantities of tea cakes that are not enough to fill a bundle, you can first place them in kraft paper bags before placing them in the paper box. Then, place batches of the same type of Pu'er tea into the paper box, seal it with tape, and place it on a shelf at least two layers above the ground, away from walls, and at room temperature. When storing tea in paper boxes, be aware of the weather conditions; in humid climates, especially in southern China, the moisture can damage the paper.

Considerations for Storing Pu'er Tea

1. Air Circulation

Adequate air circulation helps microorganisms thrive, accelerating the aging process of Pu'er tea. A sealed environment not only stifles the tea but also allows it to absorb the odors of the enclosed space. Therefore, Pu'er tea should be stored in a well-ventilated area, but not directly in the wind, as direct airflow can affect the aging process.

2. Constant Temperature

The storage environment should have a constant temperature, ideally at normal indoor temperatures, without artificial manipulation, preferably between 20-30°C. Higher temperatures can cause the tea to ferment too quickly, resulting in an acidic taste. Generally, Pu'er tea changes faster during spring, summer, and autumn than in winter. Also, avoid exposing the tea to direct sunlight; a shaded location is preferable.

3. Suitable Humidity

The three conditions required for Pu'er tea fermentation are water, temperature, and oxygen. Without moisture, fermentation cannot occur, so the storage environment needs a certain level of humidity. If the environment is too dry, you can place a small Cup of water near the tea to increase the air's humidity.

4. Clean and Odor-Free Environment

Tea easily absorbs odors from the air, so the storage area for Pu'er tea must be clean and free from other smells to prevent the tea from absorbing unwanted aromas.