Shou Pu'er Tea is not necessarily better with age. During its production, the tea undergoes full fermentation, stabilizing the internal substances. Unlike raw Pu'er tea, which matures over time, the quality of cooked Pu'er does not significantly change or improve with age and may even decline if stored for too long.

Is Older Shou Pu'er Tea Always Better?

Shou Pu'er tea doesn't necessarily get better with extended storage. Generally, the optimal time to consume Shou Pu'er is around the third year of storage. Shou Pu'er is made from Yunnan large-Leaf Green Tea that has undergone a heap fermentation process, giving it a dark red color and a pure, harmonious taste. The third year marks the complete dissipation of any off-flavors, allowing for the purest tasting experience.

The quality of Shou Pu'er does not inherently improve with age as its internal substances have already been transformed during the fermentation process. As such, regardless of how long it's stored, there won't be significant changes. There are three ideal times to drink Shou Pu'er: 2-3 months after production, 2-3 years after production, and around 10 years after production. Beyond these periods, Shou Pu'er doesn't offer much in terms of aging value.

How Long Should Shou Pu'er Tea Be Stored?

Shou Pu'er tea is best when stored for 3-5 years. At this point, the tea has had enough time to lose any harshness, and its internal qualities have stabilized, revealing a sweet, smooth, and mellow flavor without being overly stimulating to the palate.

Key Points for Storing Shou Pu'er Tea:

1. **Avoid Pollution:** The environment where you store Shou Pu'er tea should be free from pollution. Like other teas, Shou Pu'er can quickly absorb odors, which can alter its natural aroma. It's important to keep it away from common pollutants like cooking oils, cosmetics, and medications.

2. **Avoid High Temperatures:** The ideal temperature range for storing Shou Pu'er tea is between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures can cause the tea to become sour. However, if you cannot maintain this temperature, simply store it in your home. Just avoid placing it near heat sources like fireplaces, kitchens, or machines that generate heat.

3. **Avoid Moisture:** Shou Pu'er tea is porous and can easily absorb moisture, leading to mold growth. This is particularly important during the rainy season when humidity levels are high.

4. **Avoid Direct Sunlight:** Exposing Shou Pu'er tea to direct sunlight can significantly affect its taste by producing a sun-dried flavor that dominates and masks other aromas, negatively impacting the overall drinking experience.

5. **Avoid Strong Odors:** Shou Pu'er tea is highly susceptible to absorbing strong odors, which can alter its taste. Perfumes and kitchen odors, in particular, can have a significant impact on the tea. Therefore, it's crucial to store Shou Pu'er separately from items with strong odors.