Storage in clay Caddies
Let’s start off by saying I’m a FNG (Fu@#ing new guy) to Pu’erh. I have searched many site on storage and have found many different ways to store short and long term. I have herd anything from older wood cabinets because they have less smell, to college dorm refrigerators. I also read that clay (Yixing) are the best to store. I am looking to start my collection and want to get some opinions on what works?
I live in Indianapolis, IN. so humidity is somewhat of a factor sometimes.
I’m also pretty new to this whole thing and I’ve only got a few cakes, but I’ve been using a glass casserole dish and using soaked clay shards (bought and broke some cheap pots from the dollar store) as well as Boveda packs to keep up the humidity (my local RH is usually under 25%). With this, I’m able to keep humidity between 70-80% at room temperature, plus the casserole dish isn’t an airtight seal so the puer gets to breathe a little. I keep it wrapped in cloth so it isn’t affected by light.
I’m nowhere near an expert but after some research I figured this would work well for my circumstances! I think yixing is favored due to both it’s ability to let the tea breathe and also it’s ability to regulate temperature and humidity, but it’s a bit out of my budget.
If anyone has suggestions on my setup I’d appreciate feedback :)
Large Yixing caddys are very cheap on Taobao but the problem is getting them shipped in one piece. I may be trying to obtain a second one through a Taobao Agent, one who used to be a tea shop on Aliexpress but now has his own website and Taobao Agent service. He thinks he can pack one securely but it is still a risk.
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=42535298071&spm=2014.21361915.0.0&ft=t&toSite=main&skuId=72010313940
This is what I may be getting.
> who used to be a tea shop on Aliexpress but now has his own website and Taobao Agent service
kingteamall.com? Have you used the Taobao service yet?
Yes King Tea, I am thinking of using the Taobao Service but he wants a small fortune to ship the piece. He is offering me a discount over his listed price. He does the Taobao Agent thing a little differently. You tell him what you want, then he lists it on his site with a price instead of first and second payment like most Taobao Agents.
I have talked to Teavivre and their supplier has some. I have ordered a couple and they should arrive this week. Also, Aliexpress has these https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Black-purple-black-mud-tank-tea-Pu-er-Tea-Mug-cake-three-large-portable-tank-sealed/32730133276.html?spm=2114.13010708.0.0.JWJRB5
You don’t need expensive yixing for storage, the cheapest pottery clay should work just as fine. The main issue would rather be maintaining proper temperature+humidity inside.
I think Cwyn said it best, your specific climate is what should determine your storage conditions. if you’re using a pumidor then I don’t think it matters where you live since its mostly an enclosed environment. I would first aim for stability – find a place where temperature, humidity, air flow, these things are stable throughout the day/year. Then aim for protection. Avoid smells, mold/moisture, light, temperature swings, etc that can deteriorate or alter the tea unfavorably. If you can stabilize the environment and protect the teas from deterioration then you’re well on the way…
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