When it comes to storing Tea, many people tend to seal the opened tea and store it in the refrigerator to prevent high temperatures from decomposing the aromatic substances in the tea. Indeed, this method is suitable for teas such as green tea, yellow tea, and Tie Guan Yin, which are unfermented or semi-fermented.

However, this approach isn't appropriate for Pu'er tea. We know that Pu'er tea is a post-Fermented tea, so many tea enthusiasts and manufacturers will pack newly made tea cakes in bamboo baskets and store them in an environment with a suitable temperature.

During the storage process, ripened Pu'er tea undergoes a slow oxidation reaction due to the low moisture and oxygen content within the tea cake, under the action of a large number of microorganisms and yeast. This results in the production of substantial amounts of proteins, hydrolytic enzymes, vitamins, and other nutrients, making the tea liquor gradually clear and the flavor mellow, adhering to the principle of “the older, the better.”

How to Store Opened Pu'er Tea Cakes

1. If you've only removed a small portion to drink and haven't fully opened the tea cake, you can use the original cotton paper to wrap the remaining part and store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight, monitoring any environmental changes. Once opened, the tea cake should not be stored for a long time; it's best to continue drinking it over time.

2. For completely opened Pu'er tea cakes, you can store them in clean clay pots or Ceramic jars, ensuring proper protection against dampness and sunlight. Do not completely seal the lid; instead, place a bamboo charcoal bag near the opening to absorb moisture, which is beneficial for preventing dampness.

3. When storing Pu'er tea cakes, always ensure protection against dampness, sunlight, and odors. However, don't completely seal the container to avoid sunlight; some ventilation is necessary for the aging process of the Pu'er tea cake. Storing the opened Pu'er tea cake in a jar also serves as a process of waking up the tea, allowing it to gradually awaken within the jar.

4. You can also store the opened Pu'er tea cake in a kraft paper bag or cardboard box, but make sure the packaging is clean and Odor-free. It's not recommended to store partially opened Pu'er tea cakes for a long period; it's best to consume them within two months.

Notes on Storing Pu'er Tea at Home:

For friends in the south, pay attention to protecting against dampness, especially during the plum rain season. The storage location should be at least ten centimeters away from the ground and walls. Alternatively, you can use cling film, place wood charcoal or bamboo charcoal in the corner to absorb dampness, or purchase a dehumidifier and set it to automatically remove dampness, which is simple and convenient.

For friends in the north, pay attention to avoiding excessive dryness. Although dry storage is advocated, it's not the case that the drier, the better. Tea is a living thing, and water is an essential element. Long-term storage in an environment with excessively low humidity is not conducive to aging and may even cause carbonization, losing its value for consumption.