The proper way to store tea: Green Tea should be refrigerated; seal the tea and place it in a canister, then store it in the refrigerator. Black Tea should be stored sealed at room temperature. Oolong tea should be stored in double-lid containers such as tin cans or iron cans at room temperature. White tea needs to be sealed in cardboard boxes and aluminum bags. Pu'er tea should be stored at room temperature using cotton paper and cardboard boxes. In summary, when storing tea, ensure protection from pressure, moisture, sealing, avoiding light, and preventing odors.

How to Store Tea at Home

1. General Storage Method: For small quantities of tea, it is common to use containers such as iron tea tins, tin bottles, colored glass bottles, and ceramic vessels for storage, with double-lid iron tea tins and long-necked tin bottles being preferable. Ceramic containers are most suitable if they have a tight-fitting lid.

2. Storage Using Desiccants: Using desiccants can extend the storage time of tea by about one year. The type of desiccant chosen depends on the type of tea and the ease of decision.

3. Refrigerator Storage Method: Storing tea in the refrigerator at a low temperature, ideally controlled below 5°C, yields good results in preserving the quality of tea, typically maintaining its flavor for over a year.

4. Thermos Storage Method: A thermos with good thermal insulation can be used to store tea, yielding excellent results that can maintain the color of tea for up to a year.

5. Food Bag Storage Method: Use two new, odorless plastic food bags without pores. Wrap the dry tea in moisture-proof paper and place it in one of the bags. Gently squeeze the bag to remove as much air as possible, then tightly close the bag's opening. Seal the bag with the opening facing down, then place it into another plastic bag, removing any air and securing the bag's opening.

Storage Methods for the Six Types of Tea

1. Green Tea

Shelf Life: Typically 12 months

Keywords: Sealed, Refrigerated, No Odors

Storage Method: It must be stored in the refrigerator, preferably separately and not in a refrigerator with strong odors or many other smells, due to tea's strong adsorption characteristics.

2. Yellow Tea

Shelf Life: 1-3 years

Keywords: Sealed, Low Temperature, No Odors

Storage Method: Place a preservative in the tea bag and seal it to isolate it from the air. It is recommended to use multiple layers of packaging and store it directly in the refrigerator while ensuring it is not refrigerated alongside other foods to avoid the tea absorbing odors.

3. White Tea

Shelf Life: Can be stored long-term

Keywords: Anaerobic, Sealed, No Odors

Storage Method: White tea fears exposure to large amounts of oxygen but requires some oxygen for later conversion, so it does not need to be vacuum-sealed. When storing white tea long-term, the ideal temperature range is between 10-30°C. Do not leave it exposed to the air for extended periods after opening.

4. Oolong Tea (also known as Qingcha)

Shelf Life: Normally 1-3 years, longer storage requires additional processing

Keywords: Pellet-shaped Oolong (Vacuum-sealed and refrigerated)

Strip-shaped Oolong (Sealed and protected from moisture at room temperature)

Storage Method: For pellet-shaped oolong tea, vacuum-seal the tea and place it in a dry, odorless, and sealable container, then store it in the refrigerator. For strip-shaped oolong tea, choose packaging with excellent sealing properties and store it at room temperature in a dry and odorless environment.

5. Black Tea

Shelf Life: Typically 2-3 years

Keywords: Sealed, Room Temperature, Protected from Moisture

Storage Method: It can be normally stored in a ventilated area, separately, and not mixed with other items.

6. Dark Tea (also known as Heicha)

Shelf Life: Can be stored long-term, becoming more fragrant and mellow with age

Keywords: Aerobic, No Odors, Room Temperature, Protected from Moisture

Storage Method: The storage room for dark tea must be well-ventilated to allow natural oxidation and absorption of natural moisture from the air. When packaging, choose materials with strong breathability for storage, and in the south, take precautions against dampness.