Storage of Loose Leaf Raw Pu-erh Tea
Storage Environment for Loose Leaf Raw Pu'er Tea:
(1) Air circulation with adequate oxygen content is beneficial for the proliferation of certain microorganisms in the tea, which can accelerate its transformation. However, Pu’er tea should not be placed on a balcony, as this will cause the tea's aroma to be blown away, and its flavor will dissipate, resulting in a bland and tasteless drinking experience. Therefore, moderate air circulation is necessary, but the tea should not be placed in a drafty area.
(2) The temperature for storing Pu’er tea should not be too high or too low. It should align with the local environmental temperature. There is no need to artificially create specific conditions; normal indoor temperatures are sufficient. Ideally, the temperature should remain between 20–30°C year-round. Excessively high temperatures can accelerate fermentation, causing the tea to turn sour.
(3) Good-quality Pu’er tea is now emphasized to be stored in a “dry warehouse” environment. "Dry warehouse" refers to a dry environment and avoids moisture. However, an overly dry environment can slow the aging process of Pu'er tea, so a certain level of humidity should be maintained. Humidity should be controlled artificially, and the annual average humidity should not exceed 75%. In coastal regions with a warm oceanic climate, humidity during the rainy season may exceed 75%, so it is particularly important to ventilate in a timely manner to disperse moisture.
(4) The storage environment for loose-leaf Pu’er tea should be free of odors, as tea leaves can absorb smells and change their flavor. Therefore, it should not be stored in the kitchen or other areas with household or industrial odors.
(5) Pu’er tea must not be exposed to direct sunlight and should always be stored in a cool, ventilated place.
Methods for Storing Loose Leaf Pu’er Tea:
(1) Using sealed purple clay or ceramic containers
Such containers, especially purple clay tea jars, are the most suitable for storing Pu'er tea. They can block light, resist moisture, and their unique breathability can aid in the aging and transformation of loose-leaf raw Pu'er tea.
First, clean the purple clay container thoroughly. Once the container is dry, you can store the loose-leaf Pu'er tea in it.
Note that although purple clay containers are excellent at blocking light and resisting moisture, it is still recommended to keep them away from light to avoid excessive heating due to sunlight. Additionally, due to the microporous nature of purple clay, care must be taken to ensure the storage environment is odor-free.
First, clean the purple clay container thoroughly. Once the container is dry, you can store the loose-leaf Pu'er tea in it.
Note that although purple clay containers are excellent at blocking light and resisting moisture, it is still recommended to keep them away from light to avoid excessive heating due to sunlight. Additionally, due to the microporous nature of purple clay, care must be taken to ensure the storage environment is odor-free.
(2) Using cardboard boxes
While purple clay containers are ideal for storing loose-leaf Pu'er tea, they can be expensive. If you have a large amount of tea to store, consider using cardboard boxes instead.
Choose cardboard boxes with adequate thickness and durability. First, pack the loose-leaf Pu'er tea in clean, food-grade plastic bags or aluminum foil bags, and then place them inside the cardboard box for storage.
Choose cardboard boxes with adequate thickness and durability. First, pack the loose-leaf Pu'er tea in clean, food-grade plastic bags or aluminum foil bags, and then place them inside the cardboard box for storage.
Precautions:
Do not place cardboard boxes directly on the ground, as they can absorb moisture from the floor. It is best to place them on shelves or inside cabinets.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Do not store cardboard boxes in kitchens, dining areas, or other environments with complex odors.
Do not place cardboard boxes directly on the ground, as they can absorb moisture from the floor. It is best to place them on shelves or inside cabinets.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Do not store cardboard boxes in kitchens, dining areas, or other environments with complex odors.
Properly stored loose-leaf raw Pu'er tea can be preserved for ten years or even longer. The longer it is stored, the better its flavor will become, becoming smoother and richer over time.