Last Updated on September 17, 2022
Before you buy your Pu-erh tea, you should know the conditions required for storing it. These factors include Container, Temperature, Wet vs. Dry, and microorganisms. Keep in mind that microorganisms thrive in an environment with stable temperature. Hence, Pu-erh tea should not be stored near open windows, heaters, or refrigerators. Instead, you should store it in a cool place where it will stay fresh.
Storage conditions
Among other things, storage conditions for Pu erh tea are also vitally important for the longevity of the tea. The right environment is conducive to promoting fermentation, which is required for the tea to attain its full aroma and flavor. However, not every environment is conducive to the storage of teas, so proper measures must be taken to avoid spoilage. The following are some storage conditions for Pu erh tea.
The first thing to consider is the proportion of space and tea. It is recommended that a ratio of one tea to two liters of air should be maintained. Traditional storage methods are also known as wet storage, as they require massive amounts of tea and are subject to high mold risk. However, experienced vendors may use this method as a last resort. But keep in mind that traditional storage methods can also cause mold, so it is better to opt for a more modern method.
In order to avoid mould growth, storage conditions for Pu erh should be optimal. Exposure to light can damage the tea by causing the organic molecules that contribute to its flavour to break down. However, unlike the process of decomposition caused by microorganisms, light does not cause the tea to lose its sweet or fruity flavour. If exposed to light, the tea will lose most of its flavour. If storage conditions are not optimal, the tea will develop mold, which may be detrimental to its taste.
In the northern part of China, natural dry storage is another method used to preserve Pu erh tea. It is the most popular method among tea drinkers. This method uses natural conditions that are characteristic of the region. Professional warehouses follow strict guidelines regarding temperature, humidity and air permeability. A wet storage environment encourages rapid fermentation, whereas dry storage conditions allow internal enzymes to convert the tea leaves. As a result, the tea ages more rapidly in the dry storage environment than in wet storage.
Container
The proper container for pu erh tea will depend on the amount of exposure to sunlight, humidity, and temperature. While a plastic bag is convenient for storing a small amount of tea, this is not the best solution for long-term storage. A clay or glass jar can be an excellent choice. Some people prefer storing their tea loose in a cardboard box. They should open the box once a year so that air can circulate and help the microorganisms work. When it is exposed to light for an extended period, it will begin to degrade. After about 40 years, there will be little to no taste.
While most Pu Erh cakes come with a paper wrapper, there are certain steps you should take to protect your tea. First, store the jar on the ground. It should be covered with a cloth to keep dust out. Next, close the bag with a tissue. Make sure there is enough room for the tea to breathe. Then, place it in a glass container. The tea will be better stored in a glass container that has a regular airflow and humidity levels below 75% RH. Poor airflow can also lead to mould growth, so keep in mind that the container should have a gap or opening.
Another essential tip for storage is to separate your pu erh tea into ripe and unripe types. You may want to separate your teas based on the terroir of each type. The tea will have a different aroma if left in a plastic container. It is also important to separate the tea by temperature. Once you know how long the tea will last, you can find the right container for it.
Wet vs. dry storage
Pu-erh can be stored dry or wet, but in both cases the storage environment must be at the optimal level for the tea. High humidity will encourage microbial growth and will cause the tea to develop a musty odor. Additionally, excessive humidity will cause the tea leaves to develop a moldy odor. This can be a problem for collectors. Here are some tips on storing pu-erh tea safely.
Pu-erh stored in the wet condition develops a sweeter taste. The aroma from dry storage is generally stronger than that from wet storage. However, dry storage can be beneficial for a few types of tea. This is because wet storage will keep the tea leaves fresh and not allow the bacteria to grow and spread. In addition, dry storage can make the tea less bitter and cause the taste to become less complex.
The difference between wet and dry storage for pu erh tea comes down to the quality of the tea. Dry storage allows the leaves to maintain their flavor and color, while wet storage results in a mellower drink. Many Pu erh masters use a combination of both methods. The main advantage of dry storage is that it can last for years if properly stored.
Pu-erh is aged and oxidized after the production process is complete. This process is vital for the quality of the final product, and is characterized by internal oxidation or endo-oxidation. During the Killing green stage, most enzymes are deactivated, but a portion is still alive. This is the most delicate part of the aging process.
Temperature
There is no universally agreed-upon temperature for brewing pu erh tea. There are those who claim that it should be brewed at specific temperatures, with special water and for a specific amount of time. In reality, brewing pu erh is a matter of personal taste and mood. To find the right temperature, try to steep it in water between 212 degrees and 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
To keep Pu erh tea fresh, it must be stored properly. In a dry, airy warehouse, it should not exceed 60 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, it will release more aroma and taste. Keep in mind that this tea’s ideal serving temperature is around 50 degrees Celsius. Regardless of the temperature, keep in mind that pu erh behaves differently at higher temperatures than other types of tea.
Some people prefer drinking very hot water with their Pu-erh tea. However, this can make the tea bitter. Hot water can even destroy high-quality pu-erh tea. However, if you choose to drink it with very hot water, it may scald you. High-grade pu-erh tea, on the other hand, is made from very tender leaves. Boiling water is best for compressed tea made from slightly older tea.
There are many variables that affect the taste of pu erh tea. When you buy it, make sure it’s certified organic, as that will ensure it doesn’t have harmful bacteria on its surface. Some stores sell bricks that are supposedly organic. But this type is hard to come by and might not be worth the money. So, if you’re a new tea connoisseur, consider buying a brick or two of ripe pu erh.
Light
Keeping pu erh tea fresh and preserving its aroma requires proper storage techniques. Exposure to sunlight, for example, can damage the flavor of the tea. It may turn bitter after steeping if the leaves are exposed to light for a prolonged period of time. To avoid this, store your pu erh tea in a dark cupboard or on the counter in an area that does not receive a lot of sunlight.
It is important to store pu-erh tea at a temperature between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, as this temperature range is ideal for long-term fermentation. However, if you live in a very hot climate, you should avoid storing it near a heater or open windows. The same applies to refrigerators. A proper temperature is also necessary for maintaining the freshness of pu-erh tea. However, storing it in a refrigerator is not recommended.
If you have a large collection of pu-erh tea, you may want to store similar kinds in the same box. For instance, a box containing only Green Big Tree tea cakes from the same year should be placed together. However, if you have a small collection, you can still place similar teas in the same box. However, different types of pu-erh tea must be stored separately.
The best way to store pu-erh is in a dark, dry place, away from strong odors and children’s reach. If possible, make sure that the area in which you store your tea is completely clean and free of contaminants. Keeping it in plastic bags can result in a bitter taste, so you should avoid using plastic bags to store your tea. You should also avoid exposing your tea to high-temperature air.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.