Why Puerh Should Be Stored: Secrets of Aging Noble Tea

The Importance of Storing Pu'er Tea

Proper storage can enhance the flavor of puer, pleasing the taster, while poor storage not only ruins good tea, but also upsets the person storing it. Therefore, good storage is very important for the quality of puer, which becomes more and more aromatic with time.

Why does puerh age?

The secret to aging puerh is its special processing method. Unlike other teas, puerh undergoes post-fermentation, that is, continued fermentation after the tea leaf has been dried. This process occurs due to the influence of air, humidity, and special microorganisms that live on the surface of the tea leaf.

Over time, these microorganisms continue their work, transforming simple substances into more complex compounds, which give puer its unique taste and aroma. The longer puer is stored, the deeper and richer its taste becomes, new shades appear, reminiscent of dried fruits, nuts, wood.

Storage conditions for puer

In order for pu-erh to age properly and reveal its full potential, certain storage conditions must be observed:

• Temperature: The optimal temperature for storing pu-erh is 18-25 degrees Celsius. At lower temperatures, the fermentation process slows down, and at higher temperatures, it accelerates and can lead to spoilage of the tea.
• Humidity: The optimal humidity for storing pu-erh is 60-70%. If the humidity is too low, the tea dries out and loses its aromatic properties, and if it is too high, it can become moldy.
• Air: Pu'er needs access to fresh air to continue the fermentation process. Therefore, it is not recommended to store Pu'er in airtight containers.
• Protection from foreign odors: Pu-erh easily absorbs foreign odors, so it should be stored away from products with strong aromas, such as spices, coffee or cigarettes.

These conditions help stabilize the chemical composition of the tea and prevent unwanted changes such as loss of aroma, color change, and mold formation.

The influence of storage conditions on the quality of puer

Proper storage of pu-erh plays a key role in maintaining its quality and aroma. Here are some aspects that are affected by proper storage:

• Aroma: Proper storage conditions help preserve the rich aromatic bouquet of tea. Constant temperature and humidity maintain the balance of aromatic compounds, making pu-erh especially attractive to tea lovers.
• Colour: Pu-erh tea can change colour over time, becoming darker and richer. Proper storage helps control this process, preventing excessive darkening, which can affect the taste of the tea.
• Fermentation: The fermentation process continues even after the production process is completed. Proper storage allows the tea to gradually develop and form its unique taste and aroma.

How to store puer?

• Packaging: It is best to use paper bags or ceramic containers with lids for storing pu-erh.
• Storage location: The ideal place to store puer is dark, dry and cool. This can be a cabinet, chest of drawers or a special tea safe.
• Separation: If you have several varieties of pu-erh, store them separately to avoid mixing of flavors.

Why store puer?

• Investment: High quality puer only becomes more expensive with age. Therefore, investing in good puer can be profitable.
• Enjoyment: With each year of storage, the taste of puer becomes more complex and interesting. This is a wonderful opportunity for tea gourmets to discover new facets of this unique drink.
• Collecting: Collecting pu-erhs of different ages and varieties is a fascinating activity that allows you to immerse yourself in the world of Chinese tea culture.

Pu-erh is a tea that requires a special approach to storage due to its unique properties and fermentation process. Creating optimal conditions for storing pu-erh helps preserve and develop its aromatic and flavor qualities, maintaining a balance between the various chemical compounds in the tea. Understanding the storage requirements for pu-erh and following the recommendations will allow you to enjoy this wonderful drink for many years.