When you buy tea and store it for a while, the flavor may not be as good as when you first purchased it, possibly due to improper storage. Tea has a strong ability to absorb moisture and odors, easily picking up water and odors from the air. If exposed to high temperatures, humidity, and sunlight, the changes in the tea’s components are accelerated, causing the tea to age and deteriorate quickly. Particularly, newly harvested green teas should be stored properly.
Generally, the key to tea storage is to prevent pressure, moisture, seal tightly, avoid light, and prevent odors. The ideal storage conditions for tea are dry (with a moisture content of about 6%), refrigerated, oxygen-free (vacuum-packed or nitrogen-filled), and protected from light. Different types of tea, based on their aging and tea characteristics, have different storage methods. Green and yellow teas, among all teas, are best stored in the refrigerator, especially high-aroma teas like Longjing. Yellow tea, due to its similar processing to green tea, can also be stored in the same way. If the tea is to be consumed soon and needs to be stored for a short time, it can be placed in the refrigerator with the temperature set around 5 degrees Celsius; if the tea is unopened and intended to be stored for more than a year, it should be stored in the freezer.Flower teas have a rich floral aroma, and storing them at low temperatures can suppress their fragrance, reducing the freshness and concentration of the aroma. Therefore, flower tea storage does not require low temperatures; it should be moisture-proof and stored in a cool, dry, and odor-free environment.
Oolong tea, a semi-fermented tea between black and green tea, can be stored at room temperature according to the degree of its drying and baking. Rock teas and strong-flavored Tieguanyin, some single bush teas, and other heavily baked teas can be stored at room temperature without the need for low-temperature storage. Light-flavored Tieguanyin, dehumidified single bush teas, and other lightly baked teas, to maintain their freshness and taste, are best stored in the refrigerator at low temperatures. Black tea, with low moisture content in its dry form, is prone to moisture absorption or fragrance dissipation. It is best to avoid mixing different types of tea for storage and can generally be placed in airtight, dry containers, away from light and high temperatures. White tea is durable and environmentally friendly in storage, without the need for low-temperature preservation. It only requires protection from odors at room temperature, generally between 10-35 degrees Celsius. During storage, there is a certain room for transformation, the longer the storage time, the deeper the color of the dry tea and tea soup, and the more mellow and smooth the taste becomes. Dark tea requires storage conditions of ventilation, dryness, and odorlessness. Ventilation and dryness are the most important when storing dark tea, and it is best to use packaging materials with good permeability, such as kraft paper or leather paper (avoid sealing with plastic bags), to seal and store it. Pu-erh tea, as a type of dark tea, only needs to be stored away from direct sunlight and rain, in a clean and hygienic environment, with ventilation and free from other miscellaneous odors and smells.If you have a large quantity of tea, it is advisable to store it in a dedicated warehouse. For smaller quantities, you can store them at home using a ceramic or earthenware jar. Simply remove the outer packaging of the loose Pu’er tea and place it directly into the jar, then seal the jar properly. For tea cakes, Jin Gu tea, and Tuo tea, it is recommended to use wooden racks for storage to ensure proper ventilation. The most important thing to remember when storing tea is to prevent odors and mold. – Don’t speak idly, and don’t drink tea carelessly. ‘Grasshopper Drinking Tea’ invites you to enjoy fine tea together!
