Puer Tea requires long-term storage, but it does not need to be exposed to sunlight. According to the GB/T22111-2008 Puer Tea standard, Puer tea should be stored in a clean, ventilated, shaded, dry, and pollution-free environment. Therefore, Puer tea should be kept at room temperature (around 25°C) and away from light sources and direct sunlight to prevent the loss of flavor and spoilage.

Can Puer Tea Be Exposed to Sunlight During Storage?

Puer tea should not be exposed to sunlight because it contains a large amount of tea polyphenols. Under sunlight, these polyphenols can catalyze oxidation reactions, causing the color of the Puer tea to darken and its taste to become sour, leading to spoilage. Generally, Puer tea should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated environment to prevent dampness and avoid oxidation and spoilage of the tea cakes.

Precautions for Storing Puer Tea

First, Maintain an Appropriate Level of Humidity in the Storage Environment

Too dry an environment will slow down the aging process of Puer tea, while too humid conditions can cause mold growth. A balance is needed. In drier environments, you can place a small Cup of water near where the Puer tea is stored to slightly increase the air humidity.

Second, Maintain a Relatively Stable Temperature During Storage

Puer tea should not be exposed to direct sunlight and should be stored in a cool place. The storage environment's temperature should not be too high or too low; local ambient temperatures are sufficient without artificial adjustment. Normal indoor temperatures are fine. The optimal storage temperature should be between 20-30°C. Higher temperatures can accelerate fermentation and cause the tea to turn sour.

Third, Store in a Dry and Well-Ventilated Area

The storage area for Puer tea should have moderate air circulation but should not be placed directly in the wind. Although the aging process may be slower, this helps preserve the true nature of the Puer tea.

Fourth, Avoid Exposure to Odors During Storage

Puer tea easily absorbs moisture and odors from the air, so the storage environment must be clean and free of extraneous odors. Windows should be opened every morning to ventilate and quickly dissipate any household odors.

Fifth, Newly Purchased Puer Tea Should Not Be Immediately Stored in Containers; Allow Some Airflow

If newly purchased Puer tea has a strong warehouse smell, it should first be placed in a well-ventilated area until the smell dissipates before being stored. For odorless or slightly warehouse-scented whole cylinder cake Puer tea, the bamboo wrapping can be removed, and the individual cakes stored separately. Alternatively, the outer packaging paper can also be removed before storage.