Tea is highly susceptible to absorbing moisture and odors. Under conditions of high temperature, high humidity, direct sunlight, and exposure to oxygen, the components within tea can change rapidly, reducing its quality and even causing it to stale within a short period. This is especially true for freshly harvested green tea and aged Pu'er tea, which are often quite valuable and should be stored properly.

The key to storing tea is to protect it from pressure, dampness, ensure it is sealed, shielded from light, and isolated from odors.

Conventional storage methods for tea:

First, the best containers for storing tea are tin cans, jars, and colored glass bottles. Next in line are iron cans, wooden boxes, and bamboo boxes (bamboo boxes are not recommended for use in dry northern climates). Plastic bags and paper boxes are the least suitable. Many tea shops choose to use Yixing clay pots, wrapping the tea in plastic film, sealing the lid tightly after wrapping.

Second, stainless steel tea cans and iron cans are also good options for storing tea. Simply pour the tea into the container and secure the lid to achieve a sealed effect, preventing air from entering. This helps preserve the nutrients in the tea and is very convenient.

Third, for ordinary households with small quantities of tea, they can store the tea in the refrigerator. This method keeps the tea dry and odor-free. (Today, most tea shops have vacuum sealers, so you can have your tea vacuum-sealed before storing it at home in the refrigerator. As long as the package remains unopened, the tea will retain its original flavor for up to a year or more. However, once opened, extra care must be taken to prevent the tea from absorbing odors.) Alternatively, the tea can be wrapped in moisture-proof film. Some developed areas have refrigerators specifically designed for storing tea, which works even better. However, note that Oolong tea, Black Tea, and Jasmine tea do not need to be kept in the refrigerator. Since Oolong tea and black tea contain low levels of polyphenols, their staling process is slower, making them easier to store. On the other hand, the strong floral aroma of jasmine tea can be suppressed by cold temperatures, diminishing the freshness and intensity of the scent. Pu'er tea is best stored at room temperature in a well-ventilated and dry place.

Fourth, a simple method is to buy large glass tea canisters from supermarkets. Most canisters come with rubber seals around the edges, ensuring a perfect seal and convenience.

Fifth, an old-fashioned method of storing tea involves using styrofoam boxes filled with quicklime. The quicklime is usually in block form and not hydrated. The tea is divided into small packages and tightly sealed. After securing the lid, the tea retains its flavor.

The specific storage methods for various types of tea are as follows:

Green Tea

Of all teas, green tea is best stored in the refrigerator, especially Longjing tea with its high fragrance. If the tea is to be stored for a short time and consumed regularly, it can be placed in the refrigerator's crisper drawer with the temperature set around 5°C. For unopened packages intended for long-term storage (over a year), the tea should be placed in the freezer. An alternative is to use aluminum composite bags to pack the tea after absorbing moisture with quicklime, adding an oxygen absorber, sealing the bag, and then storing it in the refrigerator. The tea can remain fresh for about two years. Another option for storing premium green tea is to use quicklime as a desiccant in a sealed container (such as a clay jar, ceramic pot, or odorless metal container). Place the quicklime in a cloth bag at the bottom of the container, wrap the tea in kraft paper on top of the quicklime bag, and seal the container. Store it in a cool and dry place.

Flower Tea

Flower tea is a processed green tea with a high moisture content, making it prone to spoilage. When storing flower tea, focus on keeping it away from moisture and store it in a cool, dry, and odorless environment.

Oolong Tea

Green leaf pigment in Oolong tea reacts to light through photocatalysis, so avoiding light is one of the most important conditions for storing Oolong tea. In addition to avoiding light, preventing moisture is also essential. Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea and does not require the same careful handling as unfermented tea, making it relatively easy to store. If you have a tin can to store the tea, that would be ideal. Otherwise, you can use iron cans, porcelain cans, or double-lidded tin tea cans. When filling the can, make sure the tea is packed tightly to reduce oxidation, then seal the lid.

Black Tea

Black tea has a low moisture content and is prone to becoming damp or losing its aroma during storage. Try to avoid mixing different types of tea when storing. Generally, it can be stored in a sealed and dry container, avoiding light and heat. Storing black tea in tin foil or a tin container is recommended. If possible, a purple clay jar or tin container is best, while a glass container may allow sunlight to penetrate. In summary, avoiding light, heat, and strong odors will help preserve the tea for a longer period. Before placing the tea in the container, put it in a plastic bag and remove as much air as possible to better retain the tea's aroma.

Huang Tea (Yellow Tea)

To store Huang tea, place a desiccant in the tea bag and seal it. Then, place the bag in a container and enclose it in another clean plastic bag, tying it tightly. Store it directly in the refrigerator (with the temperature set around 5°C) and avoid storing it with other foods to prevent the tea from absorbing their odors.

White Tea

There are several ways to store white tea: 1. Store the white tea in a tea canister to prevent crushing. Tin cans and iron tubes are preferable, and the canister should have a good seal. 2. Place an appropriate amount of charcoal in a small cloth bag and put it at the bottom of the tea canister. Arrange the packaged tea in layers inside the canister, and seal the jar. The charcoal should be replaced monthly. 3. Place quicklime in a clean small cloth bag, but keep the white tea separately packaged to avoid the odor of the quicklime. Quicklime is a highly effective desiccant that maintains the fresh aroma of the white tea. 4. Pack white tea with a moisture content of less than 6% in a tea canister and seal the lid with tape. Store it in the refrigerator with the temperature set around 5°C. Both room temperature storage and refrigerated storage are recommended for general household use.

Dark Tea (Hei Cha)

Dark tea requires ventilation, dryness, and an odorless environment for storage. Ventilation and dryness are the most important considerations when storing dark tea. It is best to use packaging materials like cowhide paper or bamboo paper (avoid using airtight plastic bags) to seal the tea for storage. When storing, you can place some charcoal or other substances that absorb moisture and odors around the tea. If the tea becomes damp due to excessive humidity and develops mold, promptly remove it and place it in a well-ventilated and dry area. You can also use a dehumidifier (an air conditioner can work) or expose it to sunlight for a few days, and the mold will naturally disappear. If the mold is severe, you can use a soft textile like a brush or towel to remove the surface mold, and then heat it with a hairdryer for about ten minutes. However, if there is black, green,