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How you store your teas is very important. To maintain the taste, character and flavour of the teas, proper storage is necessary.
1. The Container – into what do I put the teas?
2. The Location – where do I keep the teas?
3. Temperature – what is the best temperature to store teas?
How you store your teas is very important. To maintain the taste, character and flavour of the teas, proper storage is necessary. Incorrect storage will result in tea losing its aroma and can lead to fungal growth and other impurities entering the tea.
Tea must be stored in an air tight container, away from heat or direct sunlight. As tea is hydroscopic it interacts with air and moisture and has to be protected from these elements. Certain teas are vacuum packed for this reason so that the air does not interact with the tea. However aged teas like Pu er need some air to help with the aging process.
Whether it is loose leaf tea or teabags, they must be stored under the recommended conditions to ensure the best cup each time – especially once you open the pack of tea.
1. The Container – into what do I put the teas?
Ensure that you store your teas in a suitable container. It should be a stainless steel tin or ceramic container with an airtight lid or seal. Glass is not suitable unless it is kept in a dark cupboard or shelf, away from direct sunlight. Plastic is not suitable as it has chemical reactions with heat and strong plastic odours which the tea can absorb.
2. The Location – where do I keep the teas?
Tea must be stored in a cool, dry and dark place. It cannot be kept near any sources of heat – like a window, furnace or stove – or moisture – sinks, taps etc. Tea must be kept away from strong odours – like air fresheners, chemicals or spices because the tea will absorb these odours as it is hydroscopic.
3. The Temperature – what is the best temperature to store the teas?
Teas need to be stored in a cool environment without heat. The ideal temperature is below 30 degrees Celsius. However certain teas & herbs need refrigeration – most teas would benefit from refrigeration especially in humid environments. Even when keeping under refrigeration the teas or herbs must be sealed shut and not kept close to any food items that give strong odours.
However, aged teas like Pu er need to be kept in a cool and airy environment that allows the teas to age.