When it comes to Pu'er Tea, the topic of “the older, the more fragrant” always comes up. For Pu'er tea to become more fragrant with age, it not only requires high-quality raw materials and strict production processes but also proper storage conditions.

The Importance of Storage for Pu'er Tea

1. Dry aging: moderate temperature and humidity. Dry storage refers to the post-fermentation storage of tea in an environment with moderate humidity and temperature, good ventilation, and air permeability. In dry storage, there is no risk of mold, and the transformation process is relatively slow, but it helps preserve the true essence of Pu'er tea.

2. Avoid various strong odors. The molecular structure of tea is similar to that of activated carbon, making it extremely susceptible to absorbing flavors. Strong odors from daily life, such as perfume, cooking oil fumes, cured meats, etc., should be avoided. It is essential to maintain a clean and Odor-free storage environment.

3. Avoid wind and sun exposure. Under sunlight, phenolic substances and chlorophyll oxidize more easily, causing the tea to change color and quality. Higher temperatures can also accelerate fermentation, leading to a sour taste. While oxygen in the air is beneficial for the proliferation of microorganisms in the tea and thus accelerates its transformation, the tea should not be hung in a drafty area, as this can cause the aroma and flavor to dissipate, resulting in a bland taste when consumed.

4. Use bamboo wrappers for packaging whenever possible. This traditional packaging material and method effectively prevent moisture and absorb odd odors, ensuring the purity of the tea during post-fermentation.

5. Pay attention to the tea's age and lifespan. There is no definitive data on how long Pu'er tea can last—whether 60 years, 100 years, or even longer. The degree of aging is often determined by the taster's intuition.

Kunming-Aged Pu'er Tea

Kunming storage is located in northeastern Yunnan at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters. It has a subtropical low-latitude plateau monsoon climate with an annual average temperature around 15°C and humidity around 70%. Winters are mild, summers are cool, and the climate is spring-like all year round. Influenced by the warm, humid currents from the Indian Ocean, Kunming also exhibits temperate climate characteristics, with small annual temperature fluctuations. Pu'er tea stored in dry conditions in Kunming benefits from constant temperatures, suitable humidity, and a dry climate throughout the year.

Given the climatic conditions in Kunming, most Pu'er teas stored in dry conditions here tend to remain relatively dry, preserving their original characteristics.

High-quality Pu'er tea becomes more fragrant with proper storage over time. Whether stored in dry, humid, or natural conditions, as long as the tea follows a normal transformation path, it will develop different regional storage flavors. This allows tea lovers to experience a variety of tastes from different Pu'er teas.