Pu-erh leaf storage

- C
- cale
  
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posted
18 years ago

Mon, Jan 9, 2006 6:01 PM

Reposting - message lost.

What is the best storage for pu-erh leaf for everyday use, not aging? yixing unglazed pottery glass (light kept out) other Would a glass jar be suitable, uncovered, loosely topped, and wrapped to keep light out? Does it have to "breathe" even tho it may be used frequently? What other household item would work? Trying to avoid another purchase. Also, if this container were in the kitchen would it be particularly bad? What about that idea about using a new clay flower pot? Thanks, C.

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- samarkand
  
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posted
18 years ago

Mon, Jan 9, 2006 6:35 PM

A paper cardboard box. Line the inside with baking sheet. & leave it in a place free from heavy odor.

- M
- Mike Petro
  
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posted
18 years ago

Mon, Jan 9, 2006 8:07 PM

I have to confess that I have been know to use simple ziplock bags, and just leave them unzipped, for items I know I will consume within the next month or two. Regular old tins that you might have lying around will work great too. As Samarkand said, a simple paper box, or one of those cardboard tube type canisters will work well also. For that matter a paper lunch bag will work! Some paper contains nasty chemicals but storage for a month or two wouldn't be long enough to make any difference.

The whole breathing thing is mainly to facilitate aging. Aging take years, not week or months, so to seal it up for a month or two generally wont hurt it a bit.

An exception might be a young black puerh that still has that yeasty smelling thing going on. This is a remnant from the fermentation (cooking) process. Black puerhs exhibiting this will benefit from a good and immediate airing out.

Now when you say "best" I think yixing cannisters are the norm in Asia.

Mike

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