Regarding the storage of Liubao Tea, you may all be familiar with the basic conditions: “well-ventilated, cool, dry, odor-free, and uncontaminated.” Although this statement is often repeated, practice often shows that “knowing” does not equal “being proficient.” Different interpretations and methods can lead to vastly different results in tea storage.

A successful storage results in tea that becomes more fragrant over time. Conversely, it could result in an “incident,” where at best, the flavor diminishes, and at worst, the tea deteriorates and molds, significantly reducing its value for both collection and consumption.

One common cause of these “incidents” is improper handling of the tea storage container, leading to failure even before the actual storage process begins!

01 Good Tea in a Good Jar ≠ Guaranteed Success

Tea enthusiasts enjoy selecting high-quality Liubao teas for both drinking and storage. As a result, various sizes of purple clay jars and Nixing clay pots are commonly used.

However, when faced with newly purchased purple clay jars or Nixing clay pots, people handle them differently, and many run into problems. We frequently receive requests for help from tea enthusiasts. Here are two typical examples:

One tea enthusiast experienced a change in the taste of their stored Liubao tea. They only wiped the inside and outside of the new purple clay jar with a dry cloth, then left it to air out for a few days. Not noticing any strong odors, they eagerly placed the Liubao tea inside. Unfortunately, the tea absorbed the earthy smell and residual heat from the new jar.

Another tea enthusiast found their stored Liubao tea had become damp, despite no change in taste. They washed the new purple clay jar with water and let it dry on the surface before sealing it with tea and placing it in storage. Unexpectedly, the tea became damp.

One jar was not cleaned, while the other was, yet both resulted in incidents with the stored tea. Why did this happen?

02 Properly Preparing Your Storage Container – The First Step in Storing Tea

Newly made purple clay jars and Nixing clay pots, regardless of size, will have some residual heat (drying sensation) and clay scent after firing, and there may also be some dust in newly purchased jars. Since tea easily absorbs odors, the storage jars need to be properly cleaned before use.

If you clean the jar with water, it needs to be thoroughly dried. Purple clay jars and Nixing clay pots have porous structures, making them breathable but also absorbent. If the jar is not completely dry inside and out before tea is added, the tea will act like a desiccant, absorbing all the moisture, ultimately causing the tea to become damp or moldy.

Therefore, we will use a purple clay jar as an example to further explain the process.

When you receive a new purple clay jar, you can follow these steps:

1) Generally, if the purple clay jar is of good quality and relatively clean, simply wipe the surface and interior with a soft, clean, odorless tea towel or cloth to remove any dust. Then place it in a dry, cool location and let it air out for several days to dissipate any odors.

2) If there is a lot of dust or impurities that are difficult to wipe clean, you can wash it with clean water. Do not use detergents or cleaning agents, as residues might be absorbed by the tea. After washing, if the residual heat (drying sensation) and clay scent are still strong, consider soaking it in clean water for 3-5 days, changing the water regularly.

After washing, ensure the purple clay jar is completely dry inside and out.

You can leave the washed purple clay jar in a dry, well-ventilated, and cool place. Ideally, allow about a month for the internal moisture to evaporate completely. Avoid direct sunlight or using tools to dry it; instead, let it air-dry naturally.

Here's a tip: If you're unsure whether the purple clay jar is completely dry inside and out, you can place a hygrometer inside. Based on accurate readings and the actual environmental conditions, you can decide flexibly whether to add tea.

Finally, once the purple clay jar is completely dry, you can directly place the tea inside and move it to a dry, dark, odor-free room for storage. It's best to place something under the jar to elevate it 10-20 cm off the ground to prevent dampness. This method not only has a great effect on waking up the tea but also allows for optimal transformation of the tea. Regularly open the purple clay jar to check the condition of the tea.

The same principles apply not just to purple clay jars but also to purple clay pots and Nixing clay pots. While the steps for preparing the tea storage container may be slightly tedious and time-consuming, they are crucial for your precious tea! By investing effort in the preparatory work, you can avoid mishaps and gradually enjoy the transformation of the tea over time, progressing together through the years.

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