Those who store Pu'er Tea know that it becomes more fragrant with age. As it ages, the tea develops a rich, smooth, and silky texture, as well as a thick and mellow taste. This is the intriguing characteristic of Pu'er tea becoming more fragrant over time. Therefore, storing Pu'er tea is something everyone looks forward to. Consequently, the value of Pu'er tea, and its ability to become more fragrant over time, has become one of the fundamental benchmarks in people's minds. It also contributes to why Pu'er tea is considered “drinkable antiques.” So, how can we avoid pitfalls when storing Pu'er tea?

How to Avoid Pitfalls in Storing Pu'er Tea?

First, storing raw and ripe teas together.

Some tea enthusiasts believe that since both raw and ripe teas are Pu'er tea, they can be mixed together. However, this is not advisable. The microbial communities in raw and ripe teas differ. Storing them together can cause the microbial communities to mix, and the aromas will cross-contaminate, making it difficult to preserve the pure aroma of each tea. Over time, this can affect the taste of the tea and decrease its drinking and collection value. The correct approach is to store raw and ripe Pu'er teas separately, placing all raw teas in one box and all ripe teas in another, ensuring independent aging environments for each type.

Second, frequently opening the boxes to handle the tea.

Some tea enthusiasts, after purchasing their beloved Pu'er tea, cannot help but open the boxes regularly to check on their precious tea, flipping through it and smelling it, feeling quite pleased. However, from a storage perspective, such practices are not ideal. After sealing the tea in boxes, a relatively stable environment gradually forms inside, allowing aromatic compounds to accumulate and settle. As the years pass, the flavor becomes richer and more refined.

Frequently opening the boxes disrupts the stability of the storage environment, causing the tea to absorb moisture from the outside, which affects the transformation process. In professional tea warehouses, the tea is rarely disturbed to ensure a consistent microbial count and quality of aging. If you really want to check on the transformation progress, you can open the cardboard boxes every three months or so on a sunny day, allowing the entire bundle of Pu'er tea (bottom, top, and edges) to come into contact with the air appropriately. Then reseal the box and rotate the positions of the upper and lower layers of tea boxes.

Third, using Yixing clay jars to store tea.

Yixing clay jars are among the most popular containers for storing Pu'er tea, with many enthusiasts believing that they provide both breathability and airtightness, making them perfect for “nurturing” tea. However, this is entirely a misconception. Yixing clay jars are made from special clay that is unglazed both inside and out after high-temperature firing, with a surface covered in fine pores. They can be used directly after firing, giving them a certain degree of breathability compared to porcelain jars.

However, good breathability also means that air and moisture can seep into the jar through these tiny pores. During long-term storage, the tea inevitably absorbs moisture, potentially leading to dampness or spoilage. Especially during spring and humid seasons, moisture in the air can enter the jar through the clay pores, causing the tea to become damp and moldy. Therefore, it is not recommended to use Yixing clay jars to store Pu'er tea. For home storage, corrugated cardboard boxes are the best choice, being economical, practical, and providing basic protection against dampness and odors. Before using cardboard boxes, try exposing them to sunlight for a few days to remove any unwanted odors. When placing the boxes, make sure they are not touching walls or the floor.

Fourth, storing tea outdoors.

Some enthusiasts store their tea very casually, either placing it on living room shelves or leaving it exposed on balconies or tea rooms. This is detrimental to the quality transformation of the tea. Pu'er tea needs to be stored away from light and protected from strange odors. Storing it exposed and without any packaging is not conducive to the development of its aroma and taste. When storing Pu'er tea, choose an undisturbed environment with a temperature range of 15-35°C and humidity levels between 40%-75%. Avoid direct sunlight and ensure adequate ventilation. If possible, dedicate an empty room in your home for tea storage.

Why doesn't Pu'er tea become more fragrant over time? The main reasons why Pu'er tea does not improve with age often relate to issues with the raw materials and processing methods. To understand the specifics, one would need to examine specific examples. Many people go up the mountains to collect tea, receiving new teas with excellent taste and aroma. However, when they store the tea themselves, they do not achieve the desired improvement over time. Some enthusiasts purchase commercial teas, which are recommended for sealed and dry storage. Eventually, their Pu'er tea resembles Green Tea, with diminishing aroma and taste, and reduced Steeping durability. Such Pu'er tea exhibits signs of spoilage and does not represent true Pu'er tea.