When it comes to Pu-erh tea, many tea enthusiasts have such an understanding: “Pu-erh tea becomes more fragrant with age, and its taste gets better after long storage.” Indeed, Pu-erh tea has a unique charm of “aging.” After the precipitation of time, its taste will become more mellow, complex, and elegant. However, the storage of tea is not as simple as just putting it aside to get better. Many tea lovers accidentally fall into misunderstandings when storing Pu-erh tea, resulting in the deterioration of the tea leaves and even the loss of their original flavor. So, how exactly should Pu-erh tea be stored to make it truly more fragrant with age? Today, let’s talk about 3 mistakes in storing Pu-erh tea to prevent your aged tea from “changing flavor”.
Mistake 1: Putting tea leaves in a sealed bag, thinking it can keep them fresh Many people think that when storing Pu-erh tea, a sealed bag is a “safe box” that can lock in the freshness and aroma of the tea leaves. However, this is actually a big mistake. Why is a sealed bag not suitable for storing Pu-erh tea? Pu-erh tea, especially aged tea, is alive. It needs to be in contact with air to carry out natural “breathing” and “aging”. A sealed bag is like “sealing” the tea leaves, not giving them a chance to “breathe” at all. This storage method will make the taste of the tea gradually become dull and lose its original vitality. Even more seriously, the moisture and air inside the sealed bag cannot be completely isolated. Long-term storage can easily cause the tea leaves to absorb moisture, become moldy, and even develop strange odors. Correct approach: Use breathable containers The storage of Pu-erh tea requires a “breathable” environment. Choosing containers with good air permeability, such as tea warehouses, paper bags, bamboo baskets, etc., can allow the tea leaves to breathe freely. Especially for aged Pu-erh tea, it is best to place it in a slightly ventilated place, which can maintain the activity of the tea leaves and let it gradually “age”. Store away from light Although it needs to be breathable, it is also necessary to avoid strong light. Direct sunlight will cause the aromatic substances in the tea leaves to be lost, affecting the stability of the tea taste. Mistake 2: Storing tea leaves in the refrigerator, thinking that low temperature can delay aging Some tea lovers put tea leaves in the refrigerator to preserve the aroma and taste of Pu-erh tea, thinking that low temperature can effectively delay the aging process of the tea leaves. However, this approach actually has the opposite effect. Why is it not suitable to put in the refrigerator? Pu-erh tea is an active tea. During the storage process, it will have a natural reaction with microorganisms in the air. After a period of “aging”, the tea will become. If Pu-erh tea is put into the refrigerator, the low temperature will inhibit the “aging” process of the tea leaves, making the taste of the tea stagnant. Moreover, the humidity in the refrigerator is relatively high, which will cause the tea leaves to absorb moisture, posing a risk of mildew or fermentation.Correct Practice: When storing Pu-erh tea at room temperature, it is best to store it in a dry and well-ventilated environment. The temperature should be maintained at 20 – 25 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, Pu-erh tea can age naturally without aging too quickly. Avoid humid environments as moisture is the enemy of tea. The place where tea is stored should be kept dry to prevent the tea from coming into direct contact with water. It is best to place the tea at a relatively high position off the ground to avoid the tea getting damp due to humidity.
Myth 3: Storing tea without temperature and humidity control, allowing the environment to change freely. The aging of Pu-erh tea is not only related to time, but the environment also plays a crucial role. Many tea enthusiasts, for the sake of “convenience”, casually pile up the tea in a corner or drawer. Although there are no immediate problems, over time, you will find that the aroma of the tea is off, and it may even become moldy and rotten, completely losing its original flavor. Why is an inappropriate environment a problem? The aging process of Pu-erh tea requires a stable temperature and humidity environment. If the temperature is too high, the tea is prone to rapid aging and even change in flavor; if the temperature is too low, the aging process of the tea will stagnate and the aroma will not be strong. If the humidity is too high, the tea may become moldy; if the humidity is too low, the tea is prone to becoming overly dry and losing its aroma. Correct Practice: Suitable Temperature. The storage temperature of Pu-erh tea should be controlled between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius. Too high a temperature can easily accelerate the aging of the tea, and too low a temperature can lead to poor preservation of the tea. Suitable Humidity. The relative humidity is preferably maintained at around 60% – 70%. Too low humidity will cause the tea to lose its aroma, and too high humidity is prone to breeding mold. Keep the air circulating to avoid excessive moisture in enclosed spaces. What Else Can You Do? In addition to avoiding the above myths, there are some additional tips to make your Pu-erh tea more fragrant over time. Regularly Turn the Tea: After storing for a period of time, it is best to turn the tea over at regular intervals to avoid the tea staying in one position for a long time and to ensure uniform ventilation of the tea. Avoid Storing in Places with Odors: Tea is very sensitive and easily absorbs surrounding odors. Never place the tea in places with strong odors such as the kitchen or bathroom. The place where tea is stored should be kept fresh and odorless to avoid the tea being contaminated. Maintain the Integrity of the Tea: Try to avoid repackaging the tea into small bags to prevent excessive exposure to air and subsequent oxidation of the tea. Pu-erh tea should preferably be kept in its original packaging or stored in containers such as cardboard boxes or bamboo boxes. The storage of Pu-erh tea emphasizes “timing, location, and human effort”. A good storage environment can make Pu-erh tea more fragrant over time, and the longer it is stored, the more mellow its taste will be. By avoiding the above storage myths, choosing appropriate containers, and reasonably controlling the temperature and humidity, you can truly bring out the charm of the aging of your Pu-erh tea.The process of ‘aging’ for Pu-erh tea is a slow and artistic endeavor. Its exquisite flavor is not only derived from the tea leaves themselves but also from the meticulous care given to the storage conditions.
