Tea has a strong adsorption capacity and is highly susceptible to dampness, which can cause changes in quality. For the storage of Liubao tea, factors such as temperature, humidity, oxygen, and light are crucial for aging, transformation, and quality preservation. If improperly stored, it can trigger adverse biochemical reactions and microbial activities, leading to deterioration. Therefore, the quality of Liubao tea storage depends not only on suitable containers (as mentioned in our previous article) but also on specific requirements for the storage environment and method.

Post-fermented Liubao tea requires a unique maturation environment.

As a post-Fermented tea, Liubao tea needs a unique maturation environment to transform its quality, so the storage environment must meet the requirements for this process. Specifically:

01

Avoid Strange or Unpleasant Odors

Tea has a strong adsorption capacity and can easily absorb strange or unpleasant odors from its surroundings, affecting its aroma and taste and reducing its quality. Therefore, storing Liubao tea requires an odor-free environment. Additionally, the containers used for storing the tea should be free of any odors.

02

Control Environmental Dryness and Humidity

Appropriate dryness and humidity are critical factors for the maturation and transformation of Liubao tea.

Adequate moisture provides the basic conditions for the transformation of Liubao tea, allowing beneficial bacterial colonies to thrive. If the humidity is too low, the transformation process will be ineffective, prolonging the maturation period; if it is too high, the tea may become overly matured and moldy. Therefore, the storage environment for Liubao tea should maintain a certain level of dryness and humidity, with a range of 55% to 75%. It should be placed in a well-ventilated area. During seasons with high air humidity, dehumidifiers or other mechanical means can be used to control the humidity of the storage environment to prevent mold growth.

Note:

※New tea can generally be stored on the first floor, while Liubao tea over five years old can be stored on floors above the second.

※During rainy and humid seasons in the south, the storage environment does not need ventilation, and care should be taken to prevent external moisture from entering.

※If the tea stored occupies more than 80% of the warehouse or storage room space, primarily packed in cardboard boxes, there is no need to use a dehumidifier due to the relatively enclosed nature of the storage space.

03

Maintain an Appropriate Temperature

Temperature is a key factor for the storage and transformation of Liubao tea.

Excessively high or low temperatures can hinder the generation and reproduction of various microorganisms and beneficial bacteria, slowing down the transformation of the tea. An ideal temperature range is 20 to 28°C. During colder winters or hotter summers, air conditioning can be used to control the temperature and ensure the transformation process.

04

Maintain Moderate Ventilation

The storage environment for Liubao tea requires adequate ventilation, but this does not mean that faster air movement is always better.

Ventilation allows Liubao tea to better interact with oxygen, facilitating its maturation and transformation. However, excessive air movement is not conducive to the development of beneficial bacteria and may affect the later transformation of Liubao tea. Thus, correctly managing ventilation is crucial for storing Liubao tea.

The essence of tea storage can be summarized as “preferring warmth and dryness over cold and dampness, and favoring cleanliness over strong odors,” and this applies to Liubao tea as well. In addition to choosing good storage materials and environments, it is necessary to master proper storage methods.

※First, store at room temperature.

※Second, avoid direct sunlight, as exposure to sunlight can cause chemical changes in the tea, producing undesirable odors that affect its aroma and taste.

※Furthermore, different types of tea should not be stored together without isolation. For example, teas with strong aromas like Tieguanyin, Rougui, Black Tea, or Green Tea should not be mixed with Liubao tea to avoid flavor contamination.

※Moreover, adjust storage methods according to environmental changes. On clear and dry days, windows can be opened to allow the tea to interact fully with oxygen; during damp rainy days, doors and windows should be closed to prevent dampness.

※Finally, regularly inspect the storage conditions. Prepare some sample teas to be stored alongside the main batch, and taste them regularly to check and judge the maturation effects of the Liubao tea storage.

For tea lovers, choosing appropriate containers, storage environments, and methods to store tea properly is essential for ensuring and elevating its quality. Pay attention to these storage details to ensure that the tea remains safe, reassuring, and enjoyable to drink. Storing tea becomes both simple and enjoyable when done right.