Pu'er Tea does not need to be stored in the fridge, as the fridge has high humidity, low temperature, and a sealed environment. Storing Pu'er tea in the fridge makes it more susceptible to dampness and flavor contamination, which is not conducive to enzyme activity. Pu'er tea belongs to the category of post-fermented teas and requires the assistance of air and temperature for its substance transformation. Therefore, under normal circumstances, storing it at room temperature, in a well-ventilated, dry environment is sufficient.
The Three Essential Factors for Storing Pu'er Tea
One, Constant Temperature: The temperature at which Pu'er tea is stored should not be too high or too low; it should be based on the local environment and not artificially created. A normal indoor temperature is fine, ideally between 20-30 degrees Celsius year-round. Too high a temperature can cause the tea to ferment too quickly and turn sour. Generally, the changes in Pu'er tea are faster during spring, summer, and autumn than in winter. Regardless of the time, Pu'er tea should not be exposed to direct sunlight but kept in a cool place instead.
Two, Circulating Air: Circulating air contains more oxygen, which is beneficial for the proliferation of some microorganisms in the tea, thus accelerating its transformation. However, do not hang Pu'er tea on balconies, as this will blow away the tea's aroma and flavor, making it taste bland. There should be moderate air circulation, but the tea should not be placed in a drafty area. Also, make sure there are no strong odors nearby, as the tea can absorb these flavors. Therefore, do not store Pu'er tea in environments with household or industrial odors, such as kitchens.
Three, Moderate Humidity: Good Pu'er tea emphasizes ‘dry storage,' meaning it should be stored in a dry environment. Avoid moisture, as an overly dry environment will slow down the aging process of the tea. In a relatively dry environment, you can place a small Cup of water next to the stored tea to increase the humidity slightly. However, too much moisture can lead to rapid changes in the tea, often in the form of mold, rendering it undrinkable. Humidity should be controlled by humans, and the average annual humidity should not exceed 75%. Due to the warm oceanic climate in coastal areas, the humidity can exceed 75% during the plum rain season, so it is important to open windows and ventilate to disperse moisture.
Taboos for Storing Pu'er Tea
First Taboo: Storing Raw Pu'er and Ripened Pu'er Together
Many tea enthusiasts may store raw and ripened Pu'er together without understanding their distinct characteristics. Although both are referred to as Pu'er tea, raw and ripened Pu'er have different production processes, tea properties, aromas, and flavors. If stored together for a long time, the raw tea will develop the flavor of the ripened tea, and vice versa. The resulting tea will have mixed flavors. Some enthusiasts might think that separating them later would solve the problem, but they overlook the fact that tea has a strong adsorption ability. After being stored together for a long time, the aroma will have set, and it is difficult to restore the original state. Therefore, remember to store raw and ripened Pu'er separately when you purchase them!
Second Taboo: Storing Tea in the Fridge
As more tea enthusiasts enjoy ripened Pu'er, some who previously drank Green Tea might apply the same storage method to ripened Pu'er. However, not all types of tea are suitable for storage in the fridge, and green tea and ripened Pu'er have significant differences in character. Green tea values freshness, while ripened Pu'er values aging. Household fridges, besides storing tea, also contain other items, which can lead to flavor contamination. Pu'er tea storage should avoid dampness, and the fridge is a very humid environment where the tea can easily become damp and moldy. As mentioned earlier, storing Pu'er tea in the fridge is detrimental, so avoid doing this!
Third Taboo: Frequently Checking Your Stored Pu'er Tea
Some enthusiasts, after storing their tea, often feel the urge to check on it frequently. This is actually a major taboo in tea storage. Before opening the box, the tea may have already adapted to the current temperature and humidity. Frequent checks can affect the tea's storage environment, which is not conducive to its preservation. Additionally, if the box is not promptly resealed after checking, prolonged exposure to air can lead to oxidation reactions or dampness, causing the tea to undergo rapid transformations. When tasting the tea later, the flavor may not be pleasant.
Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea, avoid frequent checks. Instead, inspect it every three months or during seasonal changes. To sum up, not only must one choose the right tea to drink, but also properly store it. Only then will the Pu'er tea become more fragrant with age.