The hot summer is not an ideal season for storing many items, and Pu-erh tea is no exception. Do you know the methods for storing Pu-erh tea in summer? Pu-erh tea may not have the mellow aroma of Da Hong Pao or the refreshing, transcendent quality of Tieguanyin, but its health and wellness benefits are remarkably impressive. Below are five methods for storing Pu-erh tea during summer.

1. Avoid Oxygen: The most critical aspect of summer Pu-erh storage is avoiding oxygen exposure. The tea polyphenols in Pu-erh are potent antioxidants, making them highly prone to oxidation. Once oxidized, the brewed tea liquor turns dark yellow and loses Pu-erh's characteristic subtle fragrance.

2. Avoid Odors: In summer, items tend to release their own scents more readily in high temperatures, making Pu-erh tea more susceptible to absorbing odors and spoiling. Tea is a porous, loose substance that easily absorbs surrounding smells. Therefore, extra care must be taken in summer not to store Pu-erh near other odorous items.

3. Avoid High Temperatures: Summer heat accelerates the degradation of chlorophyll in Pu-erh tea. Chlorophyll continuously converts to pheophytin, turning the vibrant green leaves to a dull brown. The auto-oxidation of compounds like tea polyphenols also intensifies. Research shows that for every 10°C increase in temperature, the browning rate of Pu-erh tea accelerates three to fivefold, leading to premature aging and spoilage.

4. Avoid Moisture: Summer is a rainy season, bringing significant humidity. Pu-erh tea is a porous, loose material with many hydrophilic compounds, making it prone to absorbing moisture and becoming damp. When the moisture content exceeds 8%, Pu-erh deteriorates faster and can develop mold due to microbial growth.

5. Avoid Light: Summer sunlight is stronger than in other seasons. The plant pigments and lipids in Pu-erh tea are susceptible to photochemical reactions, which can produce a sun-struck flavor or stale taste. High-quality Pu-erh is particularly light-sensitive and can discolor after just ten days of exposure. Therefore, it is best stored in sealed, opaque containers or dark packaging, avoiding clear glass jars or plastic bags.

Thus, storing Pu-erh tea in the scorching summer is quite straightforward with the right techniques. It should be kept in a cool, dry place. Ideally, store the tea in an airtight container and place it in a refrigerator for low-temperature preservation.