How to Properly Store Puer at Home

Definition of "Old Tea" in the Context of Pu'er

The so-called definition of "old tea" does not have strict scientific criteria. According to the old standards of the puer industry, old puer is raw tea that has been stored in a warehouse for at least ten years. Such tea has already stabilized and can either be consumed immediately or continue to be stored, as it has great potential.

Why is proper storage so important?

Puer is a post-fermented tea, and over time its quality and taste improve. When stored properly, puer goes through certain stages of transformation, which manifest themselves in changes in aroma, taste, and mouthfeel.

The aroma of puer becomes richer, notes of flowers, honey, ginseng, dates, camphor laurel and other shades appear. The color of the infusion changes from light to dark, the degree of fermentation increases. The bitter taste decreases, the feeling in the mouth becomes softer, the sweetness increases, the taste becomes richer and fuller. This is precisely the charm of puer, which "gets better with age."

Puer is a living product that continues to develop over time. The maturation process of puer depends on many factors, including temperature, humidity, and the environment. Proper storage optimizes this process and improves the organoleptic properties of the tea.

Basic principles of storing puer

• Temperature: The optimal temperature for storing pu-erh is 15-25°C. Avoid extreme temperatures, either too low or too high.
• Humidity: Air humidity should be between 50-75%. Too little humidity will cause the tea to dry out, and too much will cause mold to appear.
• Light protection: Direct sunlight will negatively affect the quality of the tea. Store puer in a dark place.
• Protection from foreign odors: Pu-erh easily absorbs foreign odors, so store it away from food, household chemicals and other sources of strong aromas.
• Storage Containers: Ideal containers for storing pu-erh are ceramic or clay containers with tight-fitting lids. Avoid using metal or plastic containers as they may react with the tea.

Recommendations for storing puer at home

If you have a lot of tea, prepare a special small storage room of about 10 square meters, which meets the needs of most home tea storage. The storage room should be airtight, protected from light and foreign odors. It is also recommended to install a temperature and humidity meter to always monitor the climate conditions.

For small quantities of tea (such as a few cakes or jars), it is recommended to place the tea in cardboard boxes. When storing, make sure that raw (sheng) and fermented (shu) teas are kept separate, and that the boxes are kept away from the walls and floor.

How often should I check my tea?

It is recommended to check the condition of the tea periodically. Pay attention to the appearance of mold, color and smell changes. If you notice any changes, it is better to isolate this tea from the rest.

Tips for Beginner Puer Collectors

• Start small: Purchase a small amount of different varieties of pu-erh.
• Educate yourself: The more you know about pu-erh, the better you can care for it.
• Keep records: Record the date of purchase, type of tea, and storage conditions. This will help you track changes in flavor and aroma.
• Special tea cabinets: If you are a true connoisseur, you can purchase a special tea storage cabinet that will create optimal conditions.
• Ceramic Jars: For small quantities of tea, ceramic jars with tight-fitting lids are suitable.

Proper storage of puer is an art that requires patience and attention. By following these simple rules, you can keep your tea in excellent condition and enjoy its taste for many years.

Remember that pu-erh is an investment in the future. The better you take care of it, the more pleasure it will bring you in the future.