Pu'er Tea is often enjoyed while being stored, but many tea enthusiasts struggle with its storage, often ending up with moldy or flavor-contaminated tea. Here are some points to remember when storing Pu'er tea: Pu'er tea easily absorbs flavors, so keep it away from the kitchen, bathroom, and areas where cosmetics and medicines are stored; the place for storing tea should be relatively dry, as moisture can cause mold; avoid direct sunlight, etc.

Pu'er Tea Storage Methods

1. Pu'er Tea Storage in Purple Clay Containers (Clay Jars)

Purple clay tea jars have strong practicality and high artistic value, making them popular among tea and collectors. The porous nature of purple clay makes it an ideal container for storing Pu'er tea, though modern purple clay jars can be quite expensive. If you find purple clay containers too pricey, you can use clay jars, which are more affordable. Before storing Pu'er tea, ensure that the container has no odors. After placing the tea inside, you can also add some bamboo charcoal to absorb moisture.

2. Whole Pieces of Pu'er Tea Storage

For home storage, purchasing whole pieces directly can save space. Cardboard boxes can help isolate odors and prevent dampness. When storing, make sure to place them a certain distance from the ground, or on wooden boards or cardboard boxes to prevent moisture.

3. Sealed Plastic Bag Storage

For small quantities of single cakes or a few cakes of Pu'er tea, the best method is to store them in kraft paper bags, which help prevent dampness and flavor contamination. Every few months, take them out to air. This ensures the tea cake's transformation and allows you to check for any signs of mold.

Tips for Storing Pu'er Tea

1. Pu'er tea comes in raw and ripe varieties, and they should be stored separately.

2. Choose a location that is off the ground and away from walls, as the ground can be damp, which could lead to mold growth.

3. During the storage process, protect the tea from direct sunlight, as it can significantly affect the taste of the tea.

4. Keep the storage area for Pu'er tea away from smoke (cigarette smoke, cooking oil fumes), fragrances (perfume), and other places with strong odors, as tea readily absorbs other scents.

Things to Note When Storing Pu'er Tea:

1. Prevent Flavor Contamination

Tea easily absorbs flavors, so the storage area should be kept away from the kitchen, bathroom, and places where cosmetics and medicines are stored.

2. Prevent Dampness

Once tea becomes damp, it can easily develop mold. In mild cases, this results in a warehouse-like flavor that changes the taste; in severe cases, there will be an unpleasant moldy smell, rendering the tea undrinkable. If the tea becomes damp, and you notice it in time, you can place the tea in a well-ventilated area to dry, or expose it to sunlight to dry it out. If not noticed in time and the tea has become severely moldy, even the best tea must be discarded.

3. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight on the tea can cause the chlorophyll in the leaves to fade, darkening the color of the tea. Additionally, it can oxidize the lipids in the tea, leading to a weaker taste when brewed, reducing its drinking value.

4. Avoid Windy Areas

What is a windy area? An area where the wind can blow directly. For example, balconies, windows, and doorways. This prevents strong winds from affecting the aging process of Pu'er tea.

5. Storage Location

If possible, use bookshelves, storage racks, or even a dedicated storage room to store your tea. Ensure that the tea is kept a certain distance from walls and the ground, generally not less than 10 centimeters.

Finally, here's a little tip to make your stored tea taste even better: if you plan to drink Pu'er tea that has been stored for a period of time, open and break it up in advance. Since Pu'er tea is stored in a different environment than our daily living conditions, it's important to let it breathe before drinking. By changing the environment, the internal components of the tea are awakened, resulting in a better flavor.