In fact, many people love Tea, and Kunming is a relatively ideal region for storing tea. It's generally good for storing Pu'er tea, but storing Pu'er tea requires consideration from multiple aspects. Therefore, we will introduce the correct method of storing Pu'er tea in Kunming (also known as the Kunming warehouse).
Kunming Warehouse (Photographed by National Tea Center)
When storing Pu'er tea, people should first pay attention to keeping it away from items with strong odors, and secondly, avoid direct sunlight. However, what many do not realize is that the temperature and humidity of the storage space are also very important.
According to one tea enthusiast, the room where they store their tea is on the second floor of a four-story duplex, with hardwood floors. The morning sun can slant into the room but does not directly shine on the tea, and after 10 am, the room no longer receives sunlight.
According to statistics, in the area where the tea is piled, the average temperature/humidity during the rainy season (early May to early October) is: 28.5°C/72%, with the highest temperature/humidity being: 32°C/78%; during the dry season (late October to late April), the average temperature/humidity is: 20°C/48%, with the lowest temperature/humidity being: 10°C/39%. Clearly, there are significant changes in temperature and humidity between the rainy and dry seasons throughout the year.
10-Year-Aged “Old Bingdao” in Kunming Warehouse (Photographed by National Tea Center)
Based on our experience at the National Tea Center of storing Pu'er tea in Kunming over many years, besides the temperature, humidity, and degree of light avoidance, it is even more important to store the tea according to its nature and origin. For example, the storage methods for teas from the Yiwu, Pu'er, and Lincang regions are different.
In general, the temperature and humidity during the rainy season are most favorable for the maturation of Pu'er tea, while during the dry season, although the temperature and humidity remain within normal ranges, they are somewhat low.
10-Year-Aged “Old Bingdao” in Kunming Warehouse (Photographed by National Tea Center)
1. In Kunming, open windows daily during the rainy season, especially when it's not raining or when the sun is out. This takes advantage of natural humidity while ensuring air circulation.
2. About a week before the end of the rainy season in Kunming, stop opening the windows to maintain the room's humidity. Ventilation is achieved by opening the door leading to the balcony outside the room every two to three days.
3. During the dry season in Kunming, place a large tub used for bathing a child when they were young in the room, filled with shallow water that can be changed daily. Air circulation is maintained using the method mentioned above, and the room windows are opened for ventilation about once every half month.
10-Year-Aged “Old Bingdao” in Kunming Warehouse (Photographed by National Tea Center)
In summary, when storing Pu'er tea in the Kunming region, temperature and humidity are key factors. If possible, it's best not to disturb the tea for short periods. Adapt based on natural laws and the specific storage location, and the value of the stored tea will be greater.