Just from the perspective of age, aged Puer Tea is definitely better. The tea undergoes aging and fermentation during storage, and the taste and aroma of aged Puer are superior to that of fresh tea. Therefore, when choosing, aged tea is preferred. In some areas, aged Puer tea is even given as dowry, with storage beginning from the birth of a child.

Puer Tea: Is Aged Better Than Fresh?

The taste, aroma, and even the physical sensation of old and new teas are different, much like raw and ripe teas each having their own merits; it's hard to say which is better. Old tea isn't necessarily better than new tea, and good tea doesn't have to be old. With the concept of “Puer tea gets better with age” being passed down by word of mouth, many tea enthusiasts mistakenly believe that old tea must be better and even more valuable than new tea. Because the older the Puer tea, the more valuable it is, with age giving it an advantage over many new teas. Some even believe that the tradition of “grandfathers storing tea for grandsons to sell” has been around for years. In fact, in the past, there was no such thing as old tea; it could be said that ancient people did not drink old tea because there was no concept of aged tea at that time.

How to Properly Store Puer Tea

1. Avoid High Temperatures: The temperature for storing Puer tea should generally be between 20-30°C. Temperatures that are too high or too low are not conducive to the aging of Puer tea.

2. Prevent Moisture: The relative humidity of the storage environment should be maintained at 65-75%. In dry climates, Puer tea (especially raw tea) will enter a dormant state, which is not beneficial for aging. If in a very humid and hot place, the tea will absorb more moisture, making it susceptible to dampness and mold.

3. Moderate Ventilation: The nutrients in circulating air are beneficial for the proliferation of microorganisms and the aging process. However, the tea should not be placed in a drafty area, as this can cause the tea's aroma to dissipate and its flavor to become bland in later consumption.

4. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight to minimize the impact of ultraviolet rays on Puer tea. Sunlight can cause temperatures to rise, and high temperatures can render Puer tea inactive, gradually diminishing its value for storage.

5. Prevent Foreign Odors: Tea readily absorbs other odors, so it is essential to maintain a clean and odor-free storage environment. Avoid storing it near perfumes, tobacco, alcohol, kitchen condiments, and other strongly scented items.

Tea enthusiasts who enjoy Drinking Tea know that, in addition to its unique flavor, Puer tea can be stored for long periods and improves in taste over time.