Many people directly place their Tea in the fridge upon purchase, but in fact, most types of tea do not require refrigeration.

Refrigerating tea is done to prevent oxidation, which can diminish the freshness and briskness of the tea. Generally, teas that need to be refrigerated include green tea, lightly oxidized Yellow Tea, and fragrant oolongs like Tie Guan Yin and Zhangping Shuixian. When refrigerating, it's important to store the tea separately from other foods to avoid contamination by odors, given tea's strong adsorption properties. Additionally, ensure the tea is properly sealed before placing it in the fridge to prevent moisture-related spoilage.

Teas like Pu'er, Liubao (from Guangxi), Hunan dark tea, Dahongpao, Rougui, Black Tea, and aged white tea do not need to be stored in the fridge; they only require protection from light, moisture, and odors.

Which Teas Need to Be Stored in the Fridge?

To store tea in the fridge, it is crucial to seal and shield it from light, as the moisture inside the fridge can cause the tea to lose its aroma and become damp. The types of tea suitable for fridge storage include green tea, yellow tea, floral tea, and fragrant Oolong. These teas are lightly oxidized or unoxidized, have a delicate flavor and fresh taste, and are easily affected by air and light exposure. Storing them in the fridge helps preserve their freshness and lock in their aroma. Additionally, these teas typically have a shorter shelf life, and refrigeration can extend their storage period.

Teas unsuitable for fridge storage include dark teas, Pu'er tea, traditionally processed oolongs, aged teas, and white tea. For Pu'er, white tea, and dark teas, their value lies in the aging process. Storing these teas in the fridge would not only risk dampness but also decrease the activity of biological enzymes within the tea, affecting its aging efficiency.

Precautions for Storing Tea in the Fridge

While storing tea in the fridge is relatively simple, there are still precautions to take. Since tea readily absorbs moisture and odors, and the fridge environment is humid, the various foods stored inside can affect the taste of the tea. To prevent the tea from becoming a deodorizer for the fridge, it must be sealed tightly before being placed in the fridge.

The tea should first be placed in a container, wrapped with cling film, and sealed well. It can then be placed in the fridge. A sufficient amount of dedicated preservative agent should be included in the packaging bag.

When storing tea in the fridge, it is essential not to place it alongside items with strong odors to avoid contamination. Furthermore, when removing tea from the freezer, allow the container to reach room temperature before opening. This allows the tea to warm up gradually, preventing condensation that could increase its moisture content and accelerate spoilage. After removing the tea from the fridge, it is best to consume it within half a month.