For aged Puerh tea cakes, "resting" the tea is essential before brewing. Here are some tips on how to properly rest aged Puerh:
1. Pry open the tea cake and break it into small pieces.
2. Spread the leaves out in a well-ventilated area for 0.5 to 8 hours to let them "breathe" and interact with the air.
3. Transfer the tea to a tea caddy (storage jar). For tea aged under 5 years, let it rest for 7-15 days. For tea aged over 5 years, let it rest for 15 to 30 days.
Once the resting process is complete, store the tea in a pottery jar or a sealed bag. It is now ready for brewing and will deliver its best flavor profile."