Actually, every type of Tea has its optimal drinking period. Some teas should be consumed as soon as possible, as their quality deteriorates over time; some are better after being stored for a while; and some can be stored for long periods, becoming more fragrant the longer they are kept. So, which teas are suitable for storage? Below, we at Xiaochajun Tea share which teas are suitable for long-term storage.
Teas stored for three to five years or more can generally be referred to as aged teas. The concept of aged teas is not new; in the past, there was already a tradition of storing teas for medicinal purposes among the people.
Teas that can be stored long-term stand the test of time. Their ability to withstand long storage indicates that they contain rich substances. Under normal and reasonable storage conditions, these substances undergo changes that give the tea deeper and richer qualities.
Wuyi Rock Tea is suitable for storage: “Stored deep red triples the price, every household sells aged teas,” referring to how fully-fired Wuyi rock tea becomes even better after the heat subsides over a year. Not just one year, rock teas aged for many years have superior quality and can warm the stomach and strengthen the spleen.
White Tea can be stored for a long time, a fact known by all. It not only has unique Health benefits but also develops unique flavors such as jujube and medicinal aromas, making it intriguing. Generally, aged white tea is stored with lower tenderness grades, like Bai Mudan and Shoumei.
Puerh raw and ripe teas both have the characteristic of being able to withstand long storage. Aged teas have richer layers of flavor and a more intense taste, which cannot be matched by new teas. This is also the fundamental reason why Puerh tea has investment value.
Dark tea is suitable for aging, as beneficial microorganisms promote the transformation of the internal substances in dark tea.
The shelf life of tea varies with the type of tea, and different teas have different shelf lives. For example, Puerh tea and dark tea, which are fully fermented products, can have shelf lives of 10 to 20 years. Therefore, the state does not set an expiration date for them.
Similar teas, such as Dahongpao from Wuyi rock tea, semi-fermented teas, maintain their quality and even improve when stored properly, without spoiling.
China has six major tea categories, each with different properties, aromas, and flavors. Some teas are suitable for long-term storage, and as they naturally ferment, their aroma and flavor transform, becoming more favored by tea enthusiasts. Additionally, the properties of the teas become easier for the body to accept. However, some teas lose their aroma and flavor over time, diminishing their value for drinking.