Nowadays, many Tea enthusiasts enjoy collecting Pu'er tea. But how should you store and preserve it to ensure the best transformation and flavor development over time?

Generally, if a space feels comfortable for humans to live in, it is suitable for storing tea. Pu'er tea does not require strict storage conditions; no refrigeration or special equipment is needed. Simply keeping it in a study or any room with normal ventilation and no strong odors is sufficient.

The only absolute rule is to avoid storing tea near spaces with strong or mixed odors, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or newly purchased cabinets. As we all know, tea readily absorbs odors.

It's worth noting that China spans a wide range of latitudes, resulting in varying climates across different regions. Temperature and humidity play decisive roles in the storage and transformation of tea. Ideally, humidity should be controlled below 65%, and temperature around 25°C (77°F).

The changes in Pu'er tea can vary depending on the specific environmental conditions. Even teas from the same batch stored in different homes may show slight differences, sometimes even significant ones. This variability is part of what makes Pu'er tea so fascinating.

Three Key Factors for Storing Pu'er Tea

1. Stable Temperature: The temperature where Pu'er tea is stored should not be too high or too low. It's best to follow the natural environment and maintain a room temperature between 20–30°C (68–86°F). Avoid exposing the tea to direct sunlight, as it should be kept in a cool, shaded area. Higher temperatures can cause the tea to ferment too quickly and become sour.

2. Adequate Air Circulation: Adequate air circulation provides more oxygen, which is beneficial for the growth of microorganisms that help accelerate the tea's transformation. However, do not hang the tea out in the open air, as this can lead to a loss of flavor. Ensure there is some air movement but avoid placing the tea in areas with strong winds or odors. Do not store the tea in environments with kitchen or industrial smells.

Tips for Storing Pu'er Tea:

Choice of Storage Containers:

• In areas with high humidity, use containers with good airtight properties such as purple clay jars, food-grade aluminum foil bags, or glass jars. Regularly check and ventilate them.
• In areas with low humidity, options like purple clay jars, cardboard boxes, or wooden crates are suitable. If the tea is packaged in bamboo shells, simply place it on a bookshelf or tea rack.

Separate Raw and Ripe Pu'er:

It's best to store raw and ripe Pu'er separately to prevent flavor mixing. Place each type in separate rooms or containers.

Remove Warehouse Odors Before Storing:

Newly acquired Pu'er tea should not be immediately sealed in jars. Allow it to breathe slightly before storage. If the tea has no warehouse Odor, wrap it in Xuan paper, cotton paper, or kraft paper outside the bamboo wrapper. These papers help regulate moisture and protect against excessive external humidity.

Organize by Shape:

For long-term storage, if using cardboard boxes, prepare them accordingly. For whole barrels, secure them with wire or rope to prevent loosening and potential dampness. For loose tea, pack it tightly in kraft paper bags to prevent moisture absorption.

Regular Checks:

Stored Pu'er tea undergoes continuous changes, so regular tasting is the only way to monitor its progress. Besides tasting, check for mold or pests. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.