The damp season is back again! The topic of Tea storage has once more become a point of interest.

In our previous articles, we mentioned that during seasons with excessively high humidity, the doors and windows of the tea storage room should be temporarily sealed to minimize entry and exit, preventing the tea from coming into contact with external moisture and becoming damp.

However, some tea enthusiasts have raised questions, pointing out that many Liubao tea packages state the need for “ventilation.” So, should one “seal” or “ventilate”? Let's delve into this topic today.

“Sealing” or “Ventilating”?

Actually, storing Liubao tea requires relative sealing, with sealing being the primary method, while allowing periodic ventilation.

Why seal? There are three reasons: First, if there is continuous ventilation, it will bring in too much oxygen, causing the tea to over-oxidize. Second, the aging process of Liubao tea is primarily driven by microorganisms. A certain degree of anaerobic environment is beneficial for the survival and reproduction of these microorganisms, so the tea storage area should be kept as sealed as possible to create a low-oxygen environment. Third, a sealed environment effectively blocks moisture from the air, preventing the tea from becoming damp and moldy.

Why ventilate? Imagine being in a long-term sealed environment; after a while, people tend to feel uncomfortable and want to open a window to let in fresh air. Tea, much like people, also needs to breathe.

There are several benefits of appropriate ventilation:

1) During the aging process, microorganisms produce metabolic waste. Over time, if this waste cannot be promptly expelled, it accumulates and can generate off-flavors, negatively impacting the tea's aroma. Proper ventilation can help reduce such off-flavors.

2) In the aging process of Liubao tea, besides microbial activity, there is also oxidation. Therefore, a moderate amount of oxygen is necessary. Appropriate ventilation brings in fresh air, facilitating the tea's positive transformation. Thus, the quality of the external environment around the tea storage area is also crucial.

3) Ventilation can regulate the temperature and humidity inside the tea storage area, avoiding conditions that are too dry or too moist, too hot or too cold. This allows the storage area to change with the seasons but keeps these changes within an appropriate range.

Storing Tea Professionally at Home

Sealing and ventilating properly, controlling the temperature and humidity in the tea storage area, are key to storing tea. However, if you want to make home tea storage more professional, there are other details to consider:

1) Keep away from sources of odd odors and pollution. Tea easily absorbs odors, and once it does, it can significantly affect its original flavor.

2) Avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight, as an external energy source, can cause the tea to heat up, triggering photochemical reactions and accelerating various chemical processes, which can disrupt the balance of reactions involved in the conversion of Liubao tea's components and alter its taste and quality.

3) Choose suitable containers. Since sealing is primarily required, along with periodic ventilation, it is not recommended to use completely sealed containers (except for aged teas). Containers made of materials with good breathability, such as purple clay pots or Nixing clay pots, are ideal for storage. Cardboard boxes are also excellent choices, as they can protect against moisture and retain aroma, making storage convenient and space-saving.

4) Store different types of tea separately. Liubao tea should not be stored haphazardly. It is recommended to designate a separate space for concentrated storage. For different types, especially those with different aromas, store them in separate cardboard boxes to prevent flavor mixing.

As suggested on many packages, Liubao tea should be stored in clean, well-ventilated, shaded, dry, odor-free, and pollution-free conditions. Each keyword carries significant meaning, and misunderstanding any of them can harm the tea. Only by paying attention to every detail can the tea truly improve over time and become more fragrant with age!

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