Green Tea, Yellow Tea, Black Tea, Oolong tea, and white tea can be stored in sealed bags. When storing, first organize the tea, then place it in a clean, odorless bag (such as an aluminum foil bag or food-grade plastic bag), seal it completely, and finally store it in a cardboard box or tin can in a cool, dry place.

Should Tea Be Stored in a Sealed Manner?:

Green Tea — Unfermented

Green tea is the most common type of tea and has the shortest shelf life. Because it is not fermented, it contains chlorophyll that will oxidize upon exposure to sunlight and air, causing the tea to lose its fresh aroma. Therefore, it requires special storage conditions. Green tea should be sealed in aluminum foil bags, placed in metal cans, and then refrigerated to extend its shelf life to about 18 months.

Note: Seal, avoid light, keep cold, and prevent odors.

White Tea — Slightly Fermented

White tea is minimally processed and has low fermentation without undergoing high temperatures, preserving the original taste of the tea leaves. It is said to be “a year's tea, three years' medicine, seven years' treasure.”

The national standard for white tea shelf life states that under the conditions specified in GB/T***-2008, white tea is suitable for long-term storage, similar to Pu'er tea. White tea does have a shelf life and can be “stored for a long time.”

White tea is not rolled and can come in loose or compressed forms. Although it can be stored for a long period, care must still be taken during storage. The triple-layer cardboard box method can be used, and the tea should be sealed.

Note: Seal, avoid light, maintain room temperature, and prevent odors.

Yellow Tea — Lightly Fermented

Yellow tea undergoes an additional “yellowing” process in its production compared to green tea, giving it a slightly longer shelf life, generally around 18 months. Yellow tea is typically stored in a sealed manner, similar to green tea.

Oolong Tea — Semi-Fermented

Oolong tea, also known as green tea, is a semi-fermented tea. An important step in making oolong tea is roasting, which reduces the moisture content to between 4% and 6% to prevent the tea from developing stale flavors during storage, thereby extending its shelf life!

Oolong tea can generally be stored for three to five years, although lightly fragrant Tieguanyin has a shorter shelf life. Oolong tea can be stored at room temperature but still needs to be sealed. When storing, pay attention to sealing, avoiding light, preventing dampness, and avoiding odors. There is no need to store it in the refrigerator.

Black Tea — Fully Fermented

Black tea is a fully fermented tea with a slightly longer shelf life. The national standard for packaged black tea sets the shelf life at 3 years. Different storage methods and conditions will determine different shelf lives for black tea: loose black tea lasts 18 months; bagged black tea lasts 24 months; and canned or aluminum foil-wrapped black tea can be stored for 3 years.

In addition, when storing black tea, we often choose room temperature storage, followed by sealed and room temperature storage. When storing, use aluminum foil bags to seal the tea and then place it in a metal can, storing it in a cool place.

Dark Tea — Post-Fermented

Dark tea and Pu'er tea are post-fermented teas, known for improving with age.

The national standard regarding the shelf life of Pu'er tea states: Under the conditions specified in GB/***-2008, this product is suitable for long-term storage. This means that Pu'er tea has a shelf life of long-term storage if stored properly.

The transformation of Pu'er tea enhances its value, and there are many considerations for storage. It should be kept away from light and isolated from other odors. Pu'er tea is usually stored in a tea room or a clean, well-ventilated space. Pu'er tea and dark tea do not require sealed storage.

What Should Be Used for Sealed Storage of Tea?

Aluminum Foil Bags: They have strong sealing properties, barrier effects, and light-blocking capabilities. Using them to store tea helps maintain its freshness and original state.

Kraft Paper Bags: They are strong, moisture-resistant, and have good airtightness, protecting the tea from damage while being convenient to use and easy to store.

Plastic Bags: They are thin and prone to producing off-flavors when heated. They also allow a lot of light through, so they should be avoided when storing tea.