As we all know, tea is very susceptible to moisture and odors. How to store tea has always been a concern for tea enthusiasts. So how should we store tea in summer? What should we pay attention to?

How to Store Tea Best in Summer

1. Room Temperature Storage.

In hot summer weather, White Tea, Black Tea, Pu'er tea, and Oolong tea with high roasting temperatures can be stored at room temperature, such as on indoor bookshelves or in cabinets. When storing tea, avoid light exposure, moisture, and odors to prevent spoilage.

2. Tin Can Storage.

Prepare a tin can with a double lid. Put the dry tea leaves inside, pressing them down as you go. Try to fill the can as much as possible to reduce the air inside. After filling the can with tea, cover it and seal any gaps with tape. Finally, place the tin can in a plastic bag and tie it tightly.

3. Refrigerator Storage.

Summer can be very hot, so you can store tea in the refrigerator. First, prepare a clean aluminum foil bag and put the dry tea leaves inside, then seal it and place it in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment. This method is suitable for storing tender teas like oolong, green, and Yellow Tea.

Five Taboos of Storing Tea

1. Avoid Excessive Moisture in Tea.

Moisture promotes chemical reactions in the active components of tea. The more moisture there is, the faster these components will degrade and interact with each other. Therefore, when storing tea, the moisture content should ideally be between 3% and 5%. When the moisture content exceeds 6%, the tea becomes prone to spoilage. You can generally estimate the moisture content by touch: grab a handful of tea and lightly rub it between your fingers. If it turns into powder, the moisture content is below 5%, making it suitable for storage. Conversely, if the leaves turn into pieces, this indicates a higher moisture content. When shopping, it's best not to buy tea with a high moisture content.

2. Avoid Contact with Strong Odors.

Tea has a strong adsorption effect and can absorb various odors. If tea is frequently stored near objects with strong odors, it can significantly affect the quality of the tea.

3. Avoid Storing Tea in High Temperatures.

Temperature accelerates the automatic oxidation of polyphenols and other substances in tea. The higher the temperature, the faster the tea ages, especially green tea, which can turn yellow in color and develop stale odors. Normally, green tea and lightly fermented oolong tea require refrigeration, while Pu'er tea and post-fermented dark teas do not need refrigeration. Experiments have shown that at -5°C, tea oxidizes very slowly, and at -20°C, it almost does not deteriorate. For home storage, a temperature around 10°C is ideal.

4. Avoid Direct Sunlight.

Sunlight causes oxidation and discoloration of tea and can also trigger photoreactions in certain compounds within the tea, causing it to develop an unpleasant Odor. Especially in some high-quality green teas, direct sunlight can cause chemical reactions in lipids and polyphenols, leading to a reddish brew with a bitter taste and a fishy smell when brewed.

5. Avoid Long-Term Exposure.

When tea is exposed for a long time, its contents undergo oxidation and decomposition under the influence of air and light, causing the tea to lose its true flavor and deteriorate in quality. It also absorbs various odors from the environment.