Puer Tea can be categorized into loose tea and compressed tea based on whether it is pressed or not, with cake tea being one form of compressed tea. Puer loose tea refers to sun-dried tea that retains its original loose and fluffy state without being shaped into any form. On the other hand, Puer cake tea is produced by steaming loose tea and then pressing it into a cake shape. Of course, there are also other shapes such as bricks, tuans, and tuo. The choice between Puer loose tea and cake tea can be considered a historical conundrum. Today, we will simply discuss which is better for storage: Puer loose tea or cake tea.

Puer Tea: Is Loose Tea or Cake Better for Storage?

First, the Essential Differences Between Loose Tea and Cake Tea:

1. Loose Tea: This refers to Puer tea processed through a series of steps including fresh Leaf picking, spreading out, fixation, rolling, and drying, resulting in the most original form of Puer tea;

2. Compressed Tea: This involves taking the loose tea made through the above process and steaming and pressing it into a specific shape, making the tea body more compact.

Second, the Advantages of Loose Tea and Compressed Tea:

1. Post-storage Transformation Speed:

The internal temperature and humidity of compressed teas are relatively stable, leading to uniform post-storage transformation and better durability. During post-storage transformation, they are less affected by external factors. Loose tea has more contact with air, resulting in faster transformation.

2. Storage Space:

Storing loose tea takes up more space; cake tea requires less storage space and is easier to store.

3. Difference in Taste:

Loose tea has more intact tea leaves and fewer broken pieces, suitable for enjoying the fresh and brisk flavor. Cake tea does not have as many intact leaves as loose tea. Generally, after storing it for a certain number of years, the taste becomes richer and fuller.

4. Aesthetic and Play Value:

The shape of loose tea is more common, while the pressed shape of tea cakes adds an element of play and appreciation.

Third, Recommendations for Newcomers:

1. For tasting, choose Puer loose tea: Compared to compressed cake tea, loose tea has a lower loss rate. Its intact tea leaves with fewer broken pieces better preserve the pure taste. It is also convenient to use.

2. For storage, choose cake tea or compressed tea, which saves storage space. The internal temperature and humidity of compressed teas are relatively stable, leading to uniform post-storage transformation and better durability, which benefits the transformation of Puer tea's taste and quality over time.

3. From a long-term tea-drinking perspective, it is recommended to primarily drink aged Puer tea, and only occasionally try new teas, avoiding prolonged consumption of new teas.

In summary, both loose tea and cake tea have their own characteristics and advantages, and both are worth trying. There is no clear superiority between the two. For those who drink tea regularly, it is suggested to focus on aged cake tea. Store new tea and drink old tea, making Tea drinking a habit.