As is well known, Pu'er Tea stored properly becomes more fragrant over time, which is why many enthusiasts rack their brains on how to store it correctly, hoping for pleasant transformations as time goes by. The storage environment for Pu'er tea is very particular, and many tea lovers encounter various issues during storage that prevent the tea from developing in the desired manner. Given these reasons, let's explore what you should pay attention to when storing Pu'er tea at home.

Principles of Storing Tea

1. Moisture-proofing: The key to storing tea is to protect it from moisture, as dampness can cause it to deteriorate. We can use cans or bags with good airtight properties to store tea, placed in a dry area to avoid dampness or leaks.

2. Avoid Light: Tea must be stored in a place not directly exposed to light, as light can cause oxidation, leading to loss of aroma and color.

3. Ventilation: The jars used to store tea should be vented from inside out to prevent dampness from entering.

4. Temperature: The ideal temperature for storing tea is around 20-25 degrees Celsius. This temperature prevents the tea from becoming too dry or damp.

Things to Note When Storing Tea at Home

1. Avoid Places with Strong Smells: Tea has a strong absorption capacity, so areas like kitchens and bathrooms with strong smells should be avoided. Even though a wardrobe might seem clean, the scent of detergent on freshly washed clothes can still be absorbed by Pu'er tea. If possible, dedicate a separate room for storing tea. If not, a study can also be a good choice, but tea should not be stored together with books; they should be kept separately.

2. Avoid Humidity and Direct Sunlight: Tea storage should neither be too humid nor exposed to direct sunlight. Once tea gets damp, it can easily develop mold and an unpleasant Odor if not addressed promptly, rendering it undrinkable. Even under dry conditions, exposure to direct sunlight is not advisable as it can negatively affect the tea's flavor development, making it bland.

3. Avoid Drafts and Ensure Ventilation: Areas with strong air circulation, such as near windows or vents, should be avoided as prolonged exposure can lead to the dissipation of the tea's aroma and a reduction in taste quality. However, some ventilation is necessary to help dry out the tea and prevent mold growth. Thus, the paper wrapping of tea cakes and outer packaging boxes should be made of materials with good breathability.

4. Store Raw and Ripe Teas Separately: In theory, raw and ripe teas should be stored separately to avoid flavor contamination. They should also not be stored together with other types of tea due to differences in aroma profiles.

Meeting all these requirements, it is recommended to store Pu'er tea in batches, ideally in cardboard boxes with some distance from walls and floors. For those with the means, storing tea on shelving units is also a good option. Ultimately, storing tea requires patience and meticulous care. Only then can you ensure the proper aging of your tea!

Methods for Storing Pu'er Tea at Home

1. Entire Packages of Tea: If you have purchased a complete package of Pu'er tea, there isn't much technique needed for storage. The bamboo shell itself has some moisture-proofing effect, so simply placing it in a corrugated cardboard box is sufficient. Remember to keep it in a dry, cool place and away from dampness. Do not place it directly on the floor; instead, use a small object or stand to elevate it. Also, remember to store raw and ripe teas separately and keep them away from places with strong odors.

2. Several Pieces of Unwrapped Pu'er Tea: If the bamboo shell packaging has been opened and you only have several pieces of Pu'er tea that you plan to consume within a short period, you can use airtight bags for storage. Although thin, these bags provide excellent airtightness, effectively isolating external damp air and odors. Before using, make sure to remove all air from the bag to create a vacuum-like environment to ensure the tea's preservation.

3. Long-Term Storage of Tea: If you have a larger quantity of tea that you plan to store long-term, you can use a purple clay tea cake jar. Purple clay jars have excellent breathability. After firing, the internal structure of the jar develops double-pore and chain-pore structures, which allow air exchange while excluding odors, aiding in the ongoing fermentation of Pu'er tea. These jars are typically large enough to hold a significant amount of tea, including entire packages. The effects of storing tea in a purple clay jar are far superior to cardboard boxes, which only provide storage and moisture protection. To use a purple clay jar for tea storage, proper moisture control is essential, and it should not be placed directly on the floor; instead, use a wooden shelf to elevate it and prevent dampness.

4. Broken-Up Tea: If the tea cake has already been broken up, it indicates that you plan to consume it soon. In this case, using a pure tin tea canister is ideal. Although metallic, pure tin provides excellent softness and airtightness without imparting a metallic taste, extending the tea's freshness. Historically, pure tin canisters were commonly used for storing tea at home. When opening a pure tin canister, you will hear a “pop,” indicating its excellent airtightness. The coolness of the tin canister helps lower the temperature of the tea inside, keeping it fresh.