Tea should not be stored in a plastic bag. Tea is a type of food that is susceptible to the effects of external air, temperature, and humidity, which can impact its quality. Furthermore, tea has a strong adsorptive property, making it prone to spoilage if not stored properly. Plastic bags are prone to deformation, heat retention, and have poor sealing properties, making them unsuitable for storing tea. The correct approach is to use aluminum foil bags for storage.
Is it okay to store tea in a plastic bag?
Plastic bags may develop an Odor over time, and the smell of the plastic itself might become quite strong. If you leave tea in a plastic bag for too long, it could affect the aroma of the tea. Therefore, if you have tea at home, try not to store it in a plastic bag. I once stored some dried fruits in a plastic bag, but after a while, there was a strong smell of plastic.
Storing tea in aluminum foil bags
Experienced tea enthusiasts know that newly purchased tea needs to breathe for a period of time. It's best to wrap it in cotton paper and place it in a cardboard box, then use airtight containers for storage after about half a year. While plastic bags can isolate the tea from the air by providing a seal, the principle behind aluminum foil bags is similar, as they can also block out air. If new tea is stored in an aluminum foil bag, it will not be able to breathe and won't achieve the desired loss of fire.
Aluminum foil bags are best used for storing tea that has already been allowed to breathe, and they are not suitable for storing Pu'er tea. Pu'er tea is a post-Fermented tea, and during aging, it requires some air to promote fermentation of beneficial bacteria within the leaves. Storing it in an aluminum foil bag would make it difficult for the tea to undergo further aging and fermentation. Aluminum foil bags are better suited for sealing Green Tea, Yellow Tea, and other teas that need to be kept fresh and protected from unwanted odors. They are not ideal for long-term storage.
Is storing tea in aluminum foil bags good? Aluminum foil bags have strong seals, are lightweight, and relatively inexpensive, making them suitable for short-term storage of tea. When preserving tea, choose the container based on the characteristics of the tea. For example, Pu'er tea does not require airtight storage and can typically be wrapped in cotton paper. If you're concerned about unwanted odors or dampness, you can store Pu'er tea in a clean cardboard box, which will help protect against these issues.