First, I’ll talk about the Pu’er tea transformation formula that I agree with: the older, the more fragrant. That is: over a certain period of time, the tea soup becomes thicker and richer; the taste becomes more complex and smooth; the aroma integrates with the soup, making the tea and fragrance one; the charm lasts longer and becomes more noticeable. Then, it goes downhill. Overall, it follows a parabolic curve. Based on this, I recommend home storage of tea: keep it sealed.
Sealed StorageI became aware of this concept in 2009 and conducted three years of experiments to verify it. In 2011, I proposed the idea of sealing tea for storage, and then shared it with my tea friends. However, one thing to note is that tea should be sealed when its moisture content is normal. If the tea has already absorbed moisture, sealing it can cause it to spoil or even mold.For general storage, the normal moisture content of Pu’er tea is 9%. At 12-13%, you will notice a damp taste, and at 14%, spotty mold may appear on the surface of the cake. When the tea soup tastes smooth, the moisture content is normal. Only when the tea tastes normal can it be sealed. New tea, that is, tea that has just been pressed, is not recommended to be sealed immediately because it still contains moisture and dryness from the steaming and pressing process. Sealing should be done after these have dissipated. Whether awakening tea or storing it, a lot of air is not needed. A little air in a small environment allows the tea to enhance its aroma, flavor, and character naturally. It should be clean and dry.How to seal it? Use aluminum foil bags or metallized foil bags (some call them tin foil bags) to avoid light and seal them. Self-sealing bags also work; if it’s not a self-sealing bag, just fold the opening several times and tie it securely. For home storage, small amounts can be placed on a bookshelf, in a cupboard, or in a clean box, choosing a clean, cool, dry corner. Avoid placing it against walls, on the floor, or near windows, and use moisture barriers if needed because walls can transfer moisture. It’s very simple.
A comfortable environment makes both people and tea feel comfortable. Then, throughout the year, for example in spring or autumn, just open it to let it air out. You shouldn’t leave it unopened for years. It is recommended not to store tea long-term in a purple clay jar. As for whether tea should be pressed tightly or loosely, which is better? Moderate tightness is best; too tight is not good, nor is too loose. As for cakes, bricks, or tuocha, which is better? This is a matter of personal preference: some people like cakes, some like bricks, and some prefer tuocha.
AYM Pu’er
Black Tea Puerh Tea is harvested directly from the source, supplied directly from the tea plant to Europe, simple, easy to store and easier to brew.Coffee lovers will love YM’s tea!
