Stable, dry, away from light/odor. Store at room temperature in original packaging for daily use.
Ye Qitong’s Niulan Keng Rougui is a fusion of raw materials nurtured by the gravel soil of Wuyi’s core Zheng Yan region and the traditional craft of slow roasting over lychee charcoal at a moderate fire.
I. Core Storage Principles
- Temperature and humidity control :
Temperature: Prioritize a cool room temperature of 20-25℃ (suitable for consumption within 1 year).
For long-term storage, refrigerate at 0-10℃ (strict airtight sealing required). Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations of ±5℃.
Relative Humidity: Maintain a stable 50-60%.
Humidity above 70% may cause mold growth; below 50% can lead to aroma loss. - Light and odor Isolation :
Completely shield from sunlight and strong light (ultraviolet rays decompose aromatic substances).
Keep away from odor sources such as kitchens, spices, and cosmetics.
Zheng Yan Rougui has strong adsorption; cross-contamination will cause irreversible damage to its rock rhyme and spicy notes. - Airtight Sealing with Minimal Ventilation :
Moderately roasted rock tea needs to block excessive air (to prevent oxidation and aroma loss) but requires minimal ventilation to release residual roasting dryness.
Avoid full vacuum sealing (prone to stagnant taste) or excessive ventilation (leading to aroma dissipation and weak flavor).
II.Container Selection & Scenario Adaptation
Recommended Storage:
Use airtight tin cans, with the tea sealed in food-grade aluminum foil bags (squeeze out all air before sealing).
Prohibited Containers:
Transparent glass jars (light transmission accelerates oxidation).
New purple clay (zisha) pots (new pot odors contaminate the tea).
Ordinary plastic bags (prone to odor absorption and moisture retention).
III. Operating Steps and Daily Maintenance
- Room temperature storage :
Place portioned tea into tin or ceramic jars. Put 1 sachet of unscented silica gel desiccant in the corner of the jar (add when humidity exceeds 60%, check and replace monthly). Store the jar on the upper shelf of a bookcase, away from kitchens and balconies. - Refrigerator storage :
Sealed tin cans must be kept away from the refrigerator door (to prevent condensation caused by temperature fluctuations from opening and closing). Before drinking, take the can out and let it return to room temperature for 30 minutes before opening the bag (to avoid moisture absorption and re-greening of the tea). - Environmental Avoidance:
Avoid placing it on balconies (large temperature differences), wardrobes (camphor odor), or sink areas (high humidity). During the plum rain season, place a moisture-proof box in the storage cabinet to assist in humidity control.
IV. Precautions
1. Three core taboos
- Avoid Blind Refrigeration: Refrigeration is unnecessary in non-high humidity and high-temperature areas (e.g., dry northern regions). Low temperatures may solidify the roasted flavor, affecting the natural evolution of rock rhyme.
- Avoid Frequent Disturbance: Repeated exposure of tea to air and moisture can easily lead to aroma loss and re-greening. Minimize movement and opening after storage.
- Avoid Long-Term Storage Without Consumption: The optimal tasting period for moderately roasted Niulan Keng Rougui is 1-3 years. Flavor evaluation is required after 5 years—rock rhyme may fade, spicy notes may weaken, and excessive aging will waste the value of this rare tea.
2. Storage logic adapted to tea characteristics
The moderate roasting degree and premium Zheng Yan raw materials of this tea determine its storage logic:
The slightly ventilated environment of tin or ceramic jars not only allows the residual roasting dryness to dissipate slowly but also prevents the rock rhyme and cinnamon spicy notes from being damaged by oxidation.
Precise temperature and humidity control align with the rich inherent ingredients of Niulan Keng raw materials — minerals and aromatic substances blend gradually in a stable environment, softening the spicy notes and deepening the rock rhyme.
Ultimately, it presents the authentic flavor endowed by craftsmanship: "spiciness balanced with sweetness, and distinct rock texture".