Many people ask us advice for the best ways to store their teas. Storage is an important topic. Loose leaf teas, cup for cup, are of exceptional value, and you really do want to get the most out of that pre Qing Ming Dragon Well you picked up this past spring.

So here are the basics: Be sure to store your teas in suitable air- and light-tight containers to maintain optimal freshness. There are many types of storage options on the market. Ceramic, steel, plastic—all of which come in a variety of styles and colors to choose from.

Words from The Tea Police: Do NOT store flavored teas together, as the scents will infuse into each other. And, please...don’t store any tea in clear glass jars or vessels. It’s a sure-fire way to ruin your precious leaves.

There is always an exception...

Pu’erh teas, however, are a special case. Pu’erhs are meant to be enjoyed following a generous amount of fermentation/oxidation, and improve over time (years, in fact). Being so, the storage of these teas needs to be seriously considered, as well as monitored on an ongoing basis.

Here are our recommendations for storing Pu’erh Teas:

1. Store your pu’erh in a vessel made of unglazed pottery, which allows air to circulate around the tea, further developing the flavors. Yixing pots work well for this purpose.

2. Pu’erh does have a tendency to absorb odors. Be sure to store your pot in an area free of spices, or other areas emitting strong scents.

3. Make sure your storage room humidity level remains low (between 60-70%, ideally). Do NOT refrigerate pu’erh teas...or any teas for that matter. Humidity exposure tends to result in a flat, dull flavor in your cup.

4. Check your tea, and drink it often.

We’ll have future postings on the fascinating topic of pu’erh teas, as well as the art of Yixing pots. Until then, show your leaves some love!

 

Photo by Ignat Gorazd