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The Shelf Life of Pu-er Tea

Tea News · May 06, 2025

Pu'er Tea is suitable for long-term storage. According to the definition of Pu'er tea itself, it is a loose or Compressed tea made from the sun-dried tea leaves produced in specific regions of Yunnan, with post-fermentation properties. Therefore, based on the characteristics of Pu'er tea, the national standard provides a shelf life indication, stating that under the implementation standards of GB/T22111-2008 and proper storage conditions, it can be stored for an extended period.

The Shelf Life of Pu'er Tea-1

Storing Pu'er tea for a long time requires attention to three key points:

Stable temperature, not too high or too low, ideally maintained between 20~30 degrees Celsius, avoiding direct sunlight.

Appropriate humidity, as excessive moisture can lead to mold growth; the annual average humidity should not exceed 75%.

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Adequate space, as the transformation process requires air circulation both within and around the tea leaves, so there needs to be sufficient space.

Under good storage conditions, time ensures the transformation of Pu'er tea. Generally, newly produced raw tea can transform well after about 10 years of storage. For “ripe tea,” which has undergone fermentation, a storage period of 2 to 3 years typically elevates its quality and flavor significantly.

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One important point to note: If storage conditions are improper or if the tea is stored indefinitely without scientific consideration, the quality of the tea may deteriorate instead.

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