Proper Tea Storage at Home: A Guide for Enthusiasts

When tea lovers encounter a fine tea, they often purchase some to store at home, enjoying a cup in their leisure time or brewing a pot when friends visit… Thus, storing tea becomes a task that requires careful attention. If not stored properly, one might find the taste completely different from when it was first purchased, which would be a great pity. Below, we will detail how to properly store tea at home. Understanding the main factors that lead to tea deterioration:
01 Light


Light exposure can accelerate various chemical reactions and have adverse effects on tea storage, so tea should be stored away from light.


02 Temperature


The higher the temperature, the faster the tea ages. Experimental results show that for every 10-degree increase in temperature, the rate of tea aging speeds up by 3-5 times. If tea is stored in a cold storage facility below 10 degrees, it can effectively slow down the browning process.


03 Moisture


Moisture is a necessary condition for many chemical reactions during the aging process of tea. Research suggests that when the moisture content in tea is around 3%, it can effectively slow down the oxidation and spoilage of lipids. When the moisture content in tea exceeds 6%, the aging process accelerates rapidly.


04 Oxygen


Oxygen can combine with many chemical components in tea, causing them to oxidize and deteriorate. For example, catechins, vitamin C, tea polyphenols, theaflavins, thearubigins, and ester substances in tea can all oxidize and spoil, so it is best to store tea in a way that isolates it from oxygen. The key to tea storage is to prevent pressure, moisture, ensure sealing, avoid light, and prevent odors. Typically, the aroma and taste of tea will change after storage, but if exposed to high temperature and humidity, as well as sunlight, tea can deteriorate rapidly.


Storage methods for the six major types of tea and other teas:


Note: Different flower teas should be stored separately to avoid mixing, as they can absorb each other’s fragrances and are prone to absorbing odors, confusing their original aromas.


Home tea storage tips:


Tea has hygroscopic and strong adsorptive properties, making it easy to absorb moisture and odors from the air. If storage methods are slightly improper, the flavor can be lost in a short period. Below are several home tea storage rules.


01 Can storage method


The can storage method is one of the more common methods for home tea storage, mainly using iron cans, bamboo boxes, or wooden boxes. These cans or boxes, if double-layered, have better moisture resistance. Iron cans or boxes containing tea should be placed in a cool place, avoiding dampness and direct sunlight. If the canned tea is not to be consumed for a while, the mouth can be sealed with transparent tape to prevent moist air from seeping in.


Applicable types of tea:


• Black tea is prone to moisture and fragrance loss, so it is better to use aluminum foil paper or cans to store tea.


• Oolong tea, being a semi-fermented tea, is relatively easy to store. Using a tin can to store tea is ideal; if not available, iron cans or porcelain cans are also good choices.


Specific Methods: First, place a thin plastic bag inside the can to maintain cleanliness within the container. Each can may contain 1-2 small packets of silica gel to keep the interior dry. After sealing, store in cool a, dark place.


Tan Storage Method: The container used for tan storage must be dry, odorless, and well-constructed. Common containers include earthenware pots and stainless-steel barrels. It is important to note that tea should not be mixed for storage, as different tea fragrances are distinct and can lose their original characteristics if stored together.


App Tealicable Types: Yellow tea benefits from storage in an earthenware pot, which helps maintain dryness.


Specific Methods: Wrap the tea in kraft paper or other thick paper and place it into the pot, with lime packets in the middle, the size of which depends on the situation. Use cotton or thick paper to line the pot’s mouth to reduce air circulation. After about a month, check and replace the lime if color its has darkened.


Bottle Storage Method: The lining of a thermos bottle has excellent light-blocking, insulation, and air-excluding properties. It is crucial to choose a thermos with good insulation.
/Applicable Tea Types: Oolong tea is also a good choice for storage in a thermos bottle. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed and the bottle’s mouth is sealed with white wax.


Specific Methods: Fill the bottle with dry tea, making sure it is packed full to avoid leaving space inside the bottle. Tighten the bottle cap with a cork and, if sealed with wax, wrap it with adhesive tape for better results. This mainly prevents air from entering the bottle.


Bag Storage Method: The bag storage method is the most commonly used and one of the simplest and most economical ways to store tea at home. It is important to use food-grade plastic bags, preferably high-density and high-strength ones. Black tea and white tea are not suitable for sealing in plastic bags.


Applicable Tea Types: Black tea and green tea can be packaged in plastic bags.


Specific Methods: Package the tea in soft paper or kraft paper, then place it into a plastic bag and tie the mouth with a string.


Refrigeration Method: Since tea is prone to accelerate oxidation or spoilage in high temperatures, it is suitable to store tea in a cool place, which can slow down the rate of its auto-oxidation.


Applicable Tea Types: Green tea is best stored in the refrigerator.


Black tea, oolong tea, and dark tea do not need to be kept in the refrigerator. This is because black tea and oolong tea have low levels of polyphenols, which slow down spoilage and are easier to store. Dark tea contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes that require a ventilated, cool, and dry environment to function.


White tea is durable and its storage is more environmentally friendly; it does not require low-temperature preservation, only normal temperature and odor protection.
To ensure the longevity and value of your tea, follow these specific methods:


1. Package the tea in small portions and seal them in iron or tin containers.


2. Place the sealed containers in a plastic bag to protect against moisture.


3. Store the bagged containers in refrigerator the.


For short-term storage or frequent consumption, keep the tea in the refrigerator at a temperature around 5°C.


If the tea is unopened and needs to be stored for over a year, it should be placed in the freezer.


Storing your fine tea under the right conditions maximizes its collectible value. Try these methods to preserve your tea effectively.



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