Someone once said, “Pu'er Tea can be stored wherever humans can live.” Theoretically, this is true, but it's necessary to designate a specific storage space. Otherwise, if stored long-term in the same environment as daily living, it can easily be invaded by unwanted odors.
To store ripened Pu'er tea at home: find a clean, Odor-free, dark, and relatively dry area, such as a study. Prepare a purple clay jar or Ceramic jar, clean it and let it dry. Then place some tea leaves or charcoal inside to remove any odors. Once dried, put the tea (with its paper wrapper) into the jar, cover it, and place it on a shelf about two levels high, keeping it off the floor and away from walls. Check it periodically.
Key Points for Storing Ripened Pu'er Tea
1. Avoid Pollution: The environment where you store Pu'er tea must not be polluted. Pollution is something to be avoided when storing any type of tea, and this is no less true for Pu'er tea. Pu'er tea can quickly absorb the smell of other substances, masking or altering its own scent. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea at home, make sure to prevent common odors like cooking oil, cosmetics, and medications from contaminating it.
2. Avoid High Temperatures: The storage temperature for Pu'er tea should not be too high or too low, with 20 to 30 degrees Celsius being ideal. Higher temperatures can cause the tea to become sour. However, many regions do not meet these conditions, so storing it at home is acceptable. What's important is not to store your Pu'er tea near sources of heat, such as fireplaces, kitchens, or machinery.
3. Avoid Humidity: Pu'er tea is a porous, loose structure that readily absorbs moisture. This is particularly true during the rainy season when there is an abundance of humidity. Pu'er tea can easily absorb moisture, which can lead to the growth of microorganisms and mold.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Many tea enthusiasts overlook the impact of sunlight on Pu'er tea. Long-term exposure to sunlight can result in a sun-dried flavor that dominates and masks other aromas in the tea, negatively affecting its taste during consumption.
5. Avoid Unwanted Odors: Pu'er tea not only absorbs moisture but also odors, making it vulnerable to contamination by unwanted smells, leading to off-flavors. Perfume and kitchen fumes are especially problematic. Therefore, avoid storing Pu'er tea alongside items with strong odors.