Puer Tea, due to its post-fermentation characteristics, is relatively less demanding in terms of storage requirements compared to Green Tea, which requires sealing, light protection, and low temperature storage. For the everyday home storage of Puer tea, if the amount stored is not large, there's no need to be overly meticulous; mainly focus on keeping the environment clean and hygienic, free from foreign odors, away from light, ventilated, and dry. However, if a larger quantity is being stored, attention should be paid. After all, it would be a real pity if the taste of good Puer tea was affected due to improper storage. So how do you store Puer tea at home? Do you know?

I. Conditions for Everyday Home Storage of Puer Tea

1. When storing Puer tea, the tea itself needs to be relatively dry. Professional experimenters have found that when the moisture content of the tea sample is 9%, the stored tea sample is in the best condition, which can serve as a reference. However, not everyone can easily determine the moisture content of the tea, so for ordinary tea enthusiasts, purchasing tea from reputable and well-regarded tea companies is a reliable strategy.

2. Avoid high (relative) air humidity. Professional experimenters have pointed out through research that an average humidity of 65% can basically maintain the moisture content of the tea. Generally speaking, air humidity below 75% (high humidity) can be considered a relatively safe humidity level for tea storage. Humidity is influenced by many factors, and generally, coastal areas, areas with abundant vegetation, and areas with higher rainfall have higher air humidity. In some humid regions, maintaining ventilation can reduce air humidity to some extent.

3. Avoid odors. Tea is susceptible to absorbing odors, which can affect the aroma of the tea, so Odor should be avoided during storage.

4. Store at room temperature. Natural aging occurs at room temperature, while higher temperatures can promote the transformation of tea. Research has shown that storing at 37 degrees Celsius, raw Puer tea will develop a mature fragrance in the early stage and a sweet fragrance in the later stage; while at 55 degrees Celsius, it will present a jujube fragrance in the early stage and an acidic flavor in the later stage.

5. Maintain ventilation. Ventilation has a significant impact on tea products, and air circulation promotes the aging of Puer tea.

After two years of storage, raw Puer tea should be tasted every three months to check whether the appearance, color, and aroma are developing as expected. If any abnormal changes occur, adjustments to the storage location may be necessary based on the home environment.

II. Containers for Everyday Home Storage of Puer Tea

There are generally two ways to store Puer tea: direct storage and storage in tea jars/cans.

1. Direct Storage

Puer tea is often packaged in paper bags or bamboo shells and can be stored directly without wrapping in plastic bags, which would prevent air circulation. Also, refrigeration is neither necessary nor suitable for storing Puer tea.

2. Tea Jars/Cans

Loose leaves or frequently accessed Puer tea can be placed in tea jars. Tea jars come in porcelain and clay varieties. Porcelain jars generally maintain humidity well, but we recommend clay jars for their excellent breathability and ability to retain aroma, which allows for better control of temperature and humidity, thus improving the transformation effect of Puer tea.

III. Locations for Everyday Home Storage of Puer Tea

For home tea storage, a clean and hygienic environment, free from foreign odors, protected from light, ventilated, and dry, can all serve as suitable storage environments. Following this principle, places like kitchens or areas where cosmetics are stored should not be used for storing tea.

Unscented storage rooms, tea tasting rooms, or unused rooms in your home can be used for storing tea. In the south, it is recommended to choose second or third floor spaces for storing Puer tea. When storing, do not place individual cakes of tea directly on the ground; if storing whole cases, it's best to use wooden racks or place boards on the floor. The tea should not be in direct contact with walls either.

Which Places Are More Suitable for Home Tea Storage?

1. The study is the preferred location for home tea storage.

2. Use Yixing clay jars or earthenware jars to store tea, vacuum packaging is not recommended.

3. Try not to remove the bamboo shell packaging.

4. Ensuring proper ventilation is crucial to avoid mold growth.

5. Molds or severely moldy teas must not be consumed.

6. Puer tea should be stored separately from other types of tea.

“The older, the more fragrant” is a distinctive feature that sets Puer tea apart from other tea categories. As “antiques that can be tasted,” the “aged fragrance” of Puer tea tends to increase in value over time. Therefore, “tea storage” has become a subject of concern for every Puer tea enthusiast.