As is well known, although black Tea is a Fermented tea, it does not have a particularly long shelf life. Generally, the shelf life of Black Tea is around one year. For second harvest and autumn-harvested black teas, the shelf life can extend to 1-2 years. However, some types of black tea may have a longer shelf life, typically around two years. If not stored properly, the tea can spoil quickly. Therefore, let's look at some storage taboos for black tea.

Storage Precautions for Black Tea

1. Avoid Light

Avoid placing the container with black tea in direct sunlight; instead, store it in a cool, dry place. Direct sunlight can degrade the components within the tea, altering its color and flavor.

2. Low Temperature

Black tea, being a fully fermented tea, should be stored at a low temperature, such as sealed and placed in the refrigerator. High temperatures can further promote fermentation, leading to changes in the chemical composition of the tea over time, which can degrade the active components and cause the tea to spoil.

3. Keep Dry

Drying is a step in the production process of black tea, making the leaves susceptible to absorbing moisture. Moisture absorption can degrade the quality of the tea and even lead to mold growth. Therefore, it is important to store black tea in a dry environment.

4. Seal Properly

When storing black tea, ensure that it is sealed tightly. If exposed to air for an extended period, the tea will oxidize, compromising its quality.

5. Prevent Odors

When storing black tea, take care to prevent odors. Black tea readily absorbs odors from its surroundings, which can taint its flavor and potentially render it unsuitable or unpleasant for consumption.