Tea enthusiasts know that apart from its unique flavor, Pu'er tea can be stored for long periods, and the longer it is stored, the better its taste becomes. Naturally, storage methods for Pu'er tea are a topic of interest among tea lovers. Today, I will share some tips on how to store Pu'er tea.

Pu'er Tea Long-Term Storage Methods

1. Pu'er tea comes in raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) varieties, and they should be stored separately to prevent them from absorbing each other's flavors, which could negatively affect their taste.

2. Compressed Pu'er tea is suitable for long-term storage, as its flavor improves with age. For home storage, you can place your sorted teas in clean, odorless cardboard boxes, keeping them away from the kitchen and strong odors, and placing them on shelves off the ground.

3. If storing loose Pu'er tea long-term, it is recommended to keep it sealed and at a low temperature. Loose tea has not been pressed, leaving large gaps between the leaves, making it difficult for microorganisms to thrive. As such, the quality of loose Pu'er tea may decline over time. With proper storage, however, it can still be enjoyable after a few years.

How to Store a Full Bundle of Pu'er Tea

For most households, storing raw Pu'er tea at home is straightforward. If the tea is bundled and wrapped in bamboo leaves, simply keep it in a naturally ventilated, dry area without direct sunlight or strong odors. Keep an eye on the storage conditions to ensure the tea does not become damp.

If the raw Pu'er tea is individually packaged, consider placing it in a plastic bag or a tea box/canister before storing it in a well-ventilated, dry area away from direct sunlight and strong odors.

Loose or individually packaged raw Pu'er tea can also be stored in the refrigerator, but it is essential to seal the outer packaging properly and avoid any odors. It is recommended to use a separate shelf in the refrigerator for this purpose.

In summary, storing raw Pu'er tea requires care and attention to create a suitable environment. Additionally, since raw Pu'er tea is relatively cold in nature compared to ripe Pu'er tea, those who drink it should do so in moderation.