Generally speaking, storing Pu'er Tea is not difficult, as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight or rain, the environment is clean and hygienic, well-ventilated, and free from other odors. However, if you are storing high-quality aged Pu'er tea, you need to protect it from moisture and light.

Five Key Points for Storing Pu'er Tea

1. **Dry Storage**

Dry storage refers to storing the tea in an environment with appropriate humidity, temperature, and ventilation, which allows for post-fermentation without causing mold. This helps maintain the authenticity of the Pu'er tea.

The relative humidity should be kept between 65% and 75%. Both excessively high or low humidity levels are not conducive to the aging process of Pu'er tea. In dry climates, Pu'er tea (especially raw tea) can enter a dormant state, hindering its aging process. You can use a humidifier to increase air humidity appropriately or frequently wipe the floor with a damp towel, which both increases humidity and keeps the area clean.

2. **Stable Temperature**

The storage temperature for Pu'er tea should generally be between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures outside this range are detrimental to the aging process. It is also important to avoid changes in the quality of the tea due to air conditioning or direct sunlight.

Sudden changes in temperature within the storage space can affect the tea's taste and mouthfeel. High temperatures not only make the Pu'er tea lose its vitality but also hinder its natural aging process. Over time, the tea will become “dead,” losing its value for further storage and transformation.

3. **Avoiding Foreign Odors**

Tea is highly susceptible to absorbing foreign odors, and once absorbed, these odors cannot be removed. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure a clean and Odor-free environment.

4. **Use Bamboo Shells Properly**

Bamboo shells are sturdy and made of natural materials. They do not cause chemical penetration when used to wrap Pu'er tea, protecting it from external pollution and providing a good microenvironment for post-fermentation.

Tea wrapped in bamboo shells for a long time will emit a faint bamboo fragrance when brewed. The use of bamboo shell packaging not only protects the tea but also makes transportation easier, which is why this method has been used consistently over time.

If possible, store the tea without damaging the bamboo shell packaging, as this is the most appropriate method of preservation.

5. **Pay Attention to the Transformation Cycle**

The saying “the older, the better” applies only within a specific timeframe. Every type of Pu'er tea has an optimal period for aging, during which its flavor improves under suitable storage conditions. However, after reaching its peak, the tea's quality may gradually decline over time.

There is no definitive information on how many years Pu'er tea can last based on its seven transformation cycles. Often, the degree of aging must be judged by the taster's intuition. For very old Pu'er teas, it is necessary to store them in a sealed container to prevent further aging, which could lead to the loss of its character and decline in quality. The Pu'er tea offered as tribute to the Forbidden City has aged for over a hundred years, and its taste is described as: “The infusion still has color, but the flavor has diminished.” It is recommended to taste Pu'er tea at different stages of aging to gradually understand its transformation and choose the best period for consumption.