Sheng tasting flat due to dry climate, is it reversible?

52 Replies

Rasseru said

well my (plastic, but pretty inert-smelling – need to change them though) boxes had 45% humidity. And this is without the heating on which dries everything out.

Put in a bowl of water, and now 75% humidity, so pretty optimal for water-levels

Zennenn said

My sheng is staying fragrant at 55%, in case you find 75% is too high.

Rasseru said

45% and they are dry.. I know 50-80 is optimum right>?

Whispering Pines Tea Company said

75% is definitely leaning towards the danger zone…I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable with anything over 70, with 60-65 being my ideal.

Ken said

Isnt 75% what hong kong storage is known for?

Dr Jim said

Hong Kong is a pretty unique taste. I’m aiming for more like 60% (“dry” storage).

Cwyn said

The idea of that much humidity in a plastic container is risking mold.

Oolong Owl select said

All these quoted optimal rh doesn’t mean anything unless we consider dew point and temperature.

I was pulling 69% in winter without any interventions, but it was also cold, which has me dancing in the danger zone. Annoyingly, fridge pumidors seem to be much colder than outer environment.

Ken said

This is complex… LOL

mrmopar said

I shoot for 70%.

Rasseru said

thanks for the feedback people! i’ll take the water out. I’m getting a fridge in a couple of weeks, not sure if that changes anything

how do you keep it to 65/70%?

mrmopar said

I use distilled water and an electronic cigar humidifier unit to maintain the level I want.

Rasseru said

any way to get a decent one for cheaper than £100+?

I need to do something, its 35% with the heating on, AND the window open :/

mrmopar said

Check eBay but here are a couple that I use. A large one and the smaller one as I have 3 setups going.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hydra-LG-Large-Electronic-Cigar-Humidor-Humidifier-FREE-SHIPPING-/322447153929?hash=item4b13591b09:g:r9EAAOSwjVVVgY0J

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cigar-Oasis-PLUS-Electronic-Cigar-Humidifier-Refill-Cartridge-/361473400677?hash=item54297e5f65

You can find both cheaper if you dig around I think.

Ken said

I think water is allright as long as you dont get over 75%, so same set use a bit less water, smaller cup or something.

oceanica said

OK, so I have no idea what I am doing here, but with that disclaimer I would like to know what you all think of the following?
What about finding a used glass aquarium, cleaning it out really well and drying it, then getting a glass top for it. You could leave the top cracked open for air…

mrmopar said

Make sure it is completely odor free. Anything left will soak into your tea.

Psyck said

Yes glass cabinets should be one of the best ways to store puerh and there should be enough room in an aquarium setup to have some arrangement to control and monitor the temperature & humidity.

Kyf said

HI everyone, so I noticed that dry-stored puerh is selling at a premium in Taiwan and in China. On Taobao, Kunming-stored puerh is advertised and selling at a premium. And there are lots of media both in Taiwan and in China on how wet-stored puerh (defined as >80% humidity) is no good and how dry-stored puerh is slower to age but better. Is the dry-storage school winning this classic battle?

Also: should I wrap everything up in plastic? Will cakes age better in plastic wrap?

Sheng tasting flat due to dry climate, is it reversible?

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