Pu'er Tea: How should it be stored for the best results?

For tea intended for consumption in the short term, it is recommended to store it in a sealed aluminum bag. Open when breaking up the tea, and return it to the sealed bag after taking out what you need.

In addition to sealed aluminum bags, you can also choose airtight glazed porcelain jars, tightly sealed tin cans, purple clay pots, etc., as long as the seal is secure, it will prevent excessive oxidation.

Some people have the habit of storing broken tea leaves in a purple clay pot, but this might actually lead to excessive oxidation, diminishing the taste of the tea.

This is because the tea in a purple clay pot comes into contact with oxygen, which can eliminate substances that cause off-flavors, bitterness, and sourness. However, if left for too long, it can lead to a dispersed texture and significant degradation of active compounds. Therefore, it is not recommended to store Pu'er tea in a purple clay pot for long-term preservation.

How should Pu'er tea be stored long-term?

First, store it in a sealed container in a clean, dark, and humidity-controlled environment.

Second, Compressed tea is preferred, and the tighter the better. Loose tea has a larger surface area exposed to air, making it prone to oxidation, which is not suitable for long-term storage. The tighter the compression, the more stable the microenvironment will be.

Third, the larger the amount of tea stored, the better. A larger quantity helps maintain a stable microbial microenvironment.

How to store Pu'er tea at home

Isolation from odors

Pu'er tea is highly susceptible to absorbing other odors. Considering the long-term storage of Pu'er tea, even slight odors will be absorbed and concentrated. Both pleasant and unpleasant smells are considered odors to Pu'er tea. Therefore, it's essential to isolate it from any odors at home. For example, do not store it with tobacco or alcohol, nor in the kitchen.

Suitable temperature and humidity

The ideal temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius, and the humidity range is between 50% and 70%, similar to a comfortable living environment. Too high humidity can cause the tea to spoil and develop mold; too low humidity can slow down the aging process. Avoid areas with unusual temperature and humidity fluctuations, such as directly under an air conditioner (which also has Odor issues), near heaters, or close to a refrigerator.

Air circulation

While Pu'er tea storage doesn't require ventilation, there should be some air movement. In an appropriate space, maintaining good air circulation can enhance the activity and speed of the tea's transformation. There is no need to have strong airflow, as this could cause the tea aroma to dissipate.

Avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight

The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can be extremely harmful to tea, especially Pu'er tea, which is not strictly sealed. Especially for cakes wrapped in just one layer of paper, they should be protected from direct sunlight.

Storage location

At home, the top of a bookshelf in a study room would be a suitable place to store tea—it's likely odor-free, does not compete with other household items for space, and is sufficiently high off the ground to avoid dampness.