How to store Black Tea best? Prepare a clean aluminum bag and a tin can. Organize the loose black Tea, use a tea spoon to scoop the tea into the aluminum bag, squeeze out any excess air, and seal the opening of the bag. Then place it inside the tea tin can with its lid on. Finally, store the tea can in a cool, dry, dark, and Odor-free location.
Black Tea Storage Methods and Time
1. Container
The best containers for storing black tea are porcelain or tin cans. Package the tea in clean, odorless plastic bags, removing as much air as possible, before placing them in the container. The container should be kept in an odor-free area. If the tea is unopened, it can be directly placed in the container.
2. Environment
The ideal storage environment for black tea is dry, at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight. Large temperature fluctuations can cause the tea to deteriorate, excessive humidity can lead to mold growth, and direct sunlight can cause the tea to lose flavor and accelerate aging.
3. Time
Black tea cannot be stored indefinitely. Over time, its color, aroma, and taste will gradually fade. The shelf life of black tea is generally two years. Freshly bought black tea tastes best if consumed within three months. The longer it is stored, especially nearing the end of its shelf life, the poorer the tea's flavor becomes.
Black Tea Storage and Shelf Life
Generally, the commonly accepted view is that loose black tea has a shelf life of 18 months, sealed packet black tea has a shelf life of 24 months, and canned or aluminum foil-wrapped (Hong Ruilai products) black tea can be stored for up to 3 years.
Dian Hong has a longer shelf life compared to other black teas. Due to different processing methods, traditional Dian Hong typically has a shelf life of 2-3 years, while Ancient Tree Red has a shelf life of about 6 years. However, long-term storage is not recommended; for optimal taste, consume within three years.
Lastly, some tea enthusiasts might ask how to store black tea to retain its unique aroma. Do you need to seal it and keep it in the refrigerator? As a fully Fermented tea, black tea is less sensitive to “oxidation” compared to Green Tea and is easier to store. However, if the tea is not properly sealed after opening, the aroma can dissipate, and moisture can also reduce the aroma. Therefore, when storing black tea, it is generally recommended to keep it in a tightly sealed, dry container in a cool, dark, and odor-free environment. Tin cans and aluminum foil are suitable options, and porcelain and tin cans are even better. Refrigeration is not necessary.