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I just received a 2006 raw puerh cake and although I know to generally keep it away from light, air circulation, heat, etc., I was wondering what is the best container to store it in. Sealed Tupperware? Glass Corningware? A flannel pillowcase? An old sock?

heatwaves wrote:I just received a 2006 raw puerh cake and although I know to generally keep it away from light, air circulation, heat, etc., I was wondering what is the best container to store it in. Sealed Tupperware? Glass Corningware? A flannel pillowcase? An old sock?

Well, the old sock as long as it is smelly could improve the aroma of the pu-erh...

I think most raw green pu-erh actually likes air circulation, which is a switch for tea. But it will age and improve when exposed to air as long as it it not damp or exposed to other aromas. So the kitchen is out. I just have mine sitting on a shelf in its tissue like paper.

[echo chip]

look up pu-erh tea on wikipedia for some more info about storage and aging, or visit pu-erh.net and click around.

Just don't store the pu'er in a constantly breezy area, such as directly opposite an exhaust fan or air vent, but do place them in the open absent of any other odors. Closed door places should NOT be hermitic. In China, stores store their puerh in large bamboo containers with holes, but use a layer of thick paper to stave off breeze and wind from hitting the puerh cakes directly.

All great information. Thanks a bunch!

The easiest is actually stick your cake/cakes in an unsealed cardboard box, and in a place that is away from sunlight (a must) and funny household odors (including any cleaners, incense, etc). So don't put them in your pantry.

Don't forget that a moderate level of humidy in the storage container will ensure that your cake ages nicely.

But don't try too hard, or you might tip it over to mouldy tea.... and you won't find out until it's too late

But by then, it can be considered "aged pu-erh", so you can wrap it up nicely in some satin red cloth and gold ribbon, pit it in a nice box with some big calligraphy and give it away as a "cherished gift"