Tea enthusiasts know that Pu'er tea, besides having a unique taste, can be stored for long periods and improves with age. Here's how to store Pu'er tea long-term at home.

Long-Term Storage Methods for Pu'er Tea

1. To store Pu'er tea long-term, you must establish a professional warehouse. Storing Pu'er tea in such a warehouse prevents it from molding while allowing it to age gradually. This ensures the tea remains authentic and can be preserved for a long time if done correctly.

2. For long-term storage, wrap the Pu'er tea in bamboo leaves before placing it in the warehouse. This promotes fermentation without absorbing too much Odor. Ensure the storage environment is relatively clean since Pu'er tea has strong absorbent properties. Avoid storing items with strong or unpleasant odors near the tea, as this can cause it to develop off-flavors during storage.

3. Storing Pu'er tea cakes at home is relatively simple: keep them in a cool, well-ventilated area. However, ensure the environment remains dry to prevent the tea from absorbing moisture and spoiling. Also, avoid storing the tea near foods with strong odors, as this can lead to spoilage.

4. Pu'er raw tea can be directly stored in a household thermos to prevent contact with air, which stops it from absorbing moisture and spoiling. Alternatively, store it in a dry clay or porcelain jar at home to preserve its natural flavor and prevent spoilage, allowing it to retain its quality for longer periods.

What to Consider When Storing

1. Avoid high temperatures. Under high temperatures, tea tends to darken. As the temperature rises, amino acids, sugars, vitamins, and aromatic substances in the tea are decomposed to varying degrees, reducing the quality, aroma, and taste. Different teas have different temperature requirements, so it's best to consult with the seller when purchasing.

2. Avoid humidity. Tea is a porous plant that readily absorbs water in humid conditions, leading to mold and spoilage. Therefore, it must be stored in a dry environment.

3. Avoid direct sunlight. Strong sunlight causes the chlorophyll and alcohols in the tea to oxidize and decompose, affecting the tea's quality and rendering it undrinkable.

4. Avoid strong odors. All teas should not be stored alongside items with strong odors. The special compounds in tea make it very susceptible to absorbing surrounding odors. If stored with strongly scented products, the tea may absorb these odors, making it difficult to remove the unwanted flavors and losing its original aroma.