Enjoying a cup of fragrant Tea and savoring its rich aroma is an indispensable pleasure for many people. However, if not stored properly, even the best tea can easily lose its original color, fragrance, and flavor. So, how should tea be stored? Today, let's share some tips on preserving tea to help you keep it in its best condition.

Why Does Tea Need to Be Stored Properly?

Tea is a natural agricultural product whose quality can be affected by various factors, including temperature, humidity, light, and oxygen. If not stored correctly, the moisture in the tea can evaporate easily, and the aromatic compounds can volatilize, leading to a decline in quality and a poorer taste.

The Four Principles of Storing Tea

To keep tea in its best state, follow these four principles when storing:

• Airtight Storage: Tea has strong hygroscopic properties and can easily absorb moisture and odors from the air. Therefore, when storing tea, it should be kept in an airtight container to prevent dampness and unwanted flavors.
• Lightproof Storage: Light accelerates the oxidation of tea, causing a decline in quality. Therefore, store your tea away from light, using opaque containers or keeping it in a cool, dark place.
• Dry Storage: The moisture content of tea should be controlled below 6%, otherwise, bacteria and mold can grow. Therefore, store tea in a dry environment and take precautions against dampness.
• Temperature-Controlled Storage: The quality of tea is sensitive to temperature, with both high and low temperatures causing spoilage. Therefore, store tea in a temperature-controlled environment, ideally between 10-25°C.

Storage Methods for Different Types of Tea

Different types of tea have different characteristics, so their storage methods may vary slightly. Here are some common storage methods for different teas:

• Green Tea: Green tea has a lower preservation level and should be stored airtight in a dry, lightproof, and temperature-controlled environment as soon as possible. If you cannot consume it within a short period, store it in the refrigerator, but ensure it is sealed to prevent absorbing fridge odors.
• Black Tea: Black tea has a higher preservation level and can be stored airtight in a dry, lightproof, and temperature-controlled environment. For long-term storage, black tea can be kept in a vacuum-sealed jar.
• Oolong Tea: The storage method for oolong tea can vary depending on the specific type and quality of the tea. For example, lightly roasted oolong can be stored airtight in a dry, lightproof, and temperature-controlled environment; heavily roasted oolong can be stored in a well-ventilated, cool place.
• Pu'er Tea: Pu'er tea is a post-Fermented tea that improves with age. Therefore, Pu'er tea requires careful storage, typically in a dry, ventilated, and lightproof environment, taking care to prevent dampness.
• White Tea: White tea has a high preservation level and can be stored airtight in a dry, lightproof, and temperature-controlled environment. For long-term storage, white tea can be kept in a vacuum-sealed jar.

Precautions for Storing Tea

When storing tea, also pay attention to the following points:

• Do not mix different types of tea together to avoid cross-flavors.
• Do not store tea near items with strong odors to prevent absorption of unwanted scents.
• Regularly check the storage conditions of the tea and promptly deal with any signs of spoilage.

By mastering these tips for storing tea, you can keep your tea in its best condition and enjoy a delicious cup of tea anytime.