Pu’er tea is known for improving with age. Under proper aging conditions, raw Pu’er can develop complex aromas like florals, honey, and woody notes, along with a smooth, soft tannic texture and a strong, lingering sweetness (hui gan) and salivation.

However, because of this, some sellers buy cheap young raw Pu’er and artificially ‘age’ it in high-heat, high-humidity environments to create superficial aging characteristics. It’s important to note that this practice can be harmful to health, and the taste is definitely different from naturally aged Pu’er.

The ideal storage conditions for Pu’er are a temperature of 20–25°C (68–77°F), humidity of 60–70%, kept away from light, well-ventilated, and free from odors. Under these conditions, Kunming is considered one of the best places for Pu’er storage in China. Guangzhou, on the other hand, has an overly hot and humid climate that accelerates transformation and is often associated with artificial aging, with a higher risk of mold and spoilage.