Storing Puer Tea is very important as it significantly impacts the quality of the tea. When storing Puer tea at home for extended periods in a sealed environment, the results of subsequent aging may not be satisfactory.

 How should you store Puer tea at home?

 1. Puer Tea Requires Oxygen for Post-Fermentation
 Puer tea is a post-Fermented tea that requires appropriate levels of oxygen and humidity to undergo post-fermentation. The post-fermentation process of Puer tea is complex, involving a series of intricate and interactive chemical reactions triggered by fungal fermentation and tea oxidation.
 Only under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, with the presence of sufficient oxygen, can microorganisms grow and reproduce in large numbers, secreting various enzymes that convert the internal substances of the tea—such as amino acids, cellulose, starch, and Pectin—into monosaccharides, which then polymerize into polysaccharides, enriching the taste and smoothness of the Puer tea.
 This is what makes Puer tea unique. The post-fermentation process of Puer tea requires the presence of oxygen and cannot occur in a vacuum. Therefore, to ensure good post-aging, Puer tea must not be stored in an airtight container.

 2. Consequences of Long-Term Sealed Storage of Puer Tea
 Some tea enthusiasts, concerned about moisture and mold, may choose to seal their tea for extended periods during storage. What are the consequences of this approach?
 When Puer tea is sealed for long periods without adequate exposure to oxygen, the active substances within the tea cannot transform, inhibiting the aging process. Over time, the vitality of the Puer tea decreases, and the tea develops a stuffy, green-like flavor.
 Eventually, the taste of the Puer tea becomes dull and flat, with persistent astringency that fails to dissipate, making it taste like fresh tea. This is because in sealed conditions with minimal oxygen, the oxidation pathways virtually cease, preventing the transformation of astringency, which significantly reduces the tea's drinking value.

 3. Correct Practices for Storing Puer Tea at Home
 The optimal conditions for storing Puer tea at home include temperatures between 28-35°C and humidity levels between 45%-70% in an oxygenated environment. If these conditions can be met, it provides a good environment for tea storage, but there are additional points to consider:
 ① Avoid direct sunlight and odors in the storage area;
 ② Once opened, store tea cakes in cardboard boxes or kraft paper bags;
 ③ For larger quantities, separate raw and ripe teas and store them in corrugated cardboard boxes;
 ④ During humid seasons, keep windows closed, especially those facing south, to prevent moisture intrusion.
 Article source: Cangpin Puer  |  Image source: ChaYouNet