Cloud tea is like life; life is learning, wisdom is cultivation.
Many tea drinkers do not pay attention to storage. They think once you buy tea, you just put it aside and forget about it. But I can say with complete sincerity: storage determines the fate of a tea cake. It is like a person’s environment for growth — in a good environment, a person thrives; in a poor one, even the finest talent goes to waste. Tea follows the same principle.
My tea warehouse is near Kunming. There are several reasons for this choice. First, Kunming’s climate is spring-like year-round, with relatively stable temperature and humidity. Second, the high elevation means clean air, free from industrial pollution. Third, good ventilation means no unwanted odours. These three conditions are crucial for tea ageing. Temperature too high causes the tea’s essence to dissipate too quickly; humidity too high leads to mould; foreign odours are absorbed by the leaves. So I always say: the storage environment for tea is like the living environment for health — clean, stable, well-ventilated; you cannot do without any one of the three.
Temperature and humidity management in storage is a science. Ideally, temperature should stay between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, humidity between 50 and 70 percent. An environment too dry causes the leaves to lose moisture, slowing the ageing process and making the tea taste thin. An environment too damp encourages mould growth, which is harmful to health. Every month I open the warehouse for inspection, checking the thermometer and hygrometer, sniffing for any off-odours. This kind of care is like daily health maintenance — do not wait for problems to appear before acting; prevention is better than cure.
Storage in different locations will cause the same tea to develop completely different flavours. Tea from a Kunming warehouse typically has high, lifted aromas and a clean, crisp mouthfeel. Tea from a Guangdong warehouse is richer, warmer, and more mellow. Tea from a Hong Kong warehouse has a distinctive “warehouse taste” — some love it, some do not. These differences are like people from different places having different personalities — neither better nor worse, just different styles. Which storage style you choose depends on your taste preferences.
Tea has grades; all may enjoy it regardless of status.
For ordinary tea lovers, there are simple methods for storing tea at home. First, use a zisha clay jar or a cardboard box — never plastic bags. Second, store in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. Third, keep away from the kitchen, bathroom, or any place with strong odours. Fourth, do not store alongside other scented items. These methods are simple, but if you persist, the results are obvious. I have seen tea lovers store their tea in the kitchen, only to find it all absorbed the smell of cooking oil — truly a pity. Also, placing a small dish of bamboo charcoal in the tea storage area can help regulate humidity and absorb unwanted odours. Replace it monthly for best results.
Storage is like nurturing health; environment determines quality. Good storage makes tea more fragrant with age; a good living environment keeps the body healthier over time. I often tell fellow tea lovers: do not just focus on the quality of the tea; also pay attention to where it lives. A fine tea cake stored improperly will be ruined in a few years. A person living in a poor environment will see even the best constitution affected. This principle applies equally to drinking tea and to living life.
Make friends through tea, please enjoy a cup.
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Author: Old Tea Head · Lin Shen (LamSam)
Zen Tea Manor ZENTEA MANOR
Tianying Supply Chain Company
www.zentea-shop.com
