Tea that is not stored properly can cause problems if consumed, yet throwing it away feels like a waste—a dilemma many tea lovers face. To help preserve tea effectively, we’ve compiled storage tips for various types of tea, ensuring you no longer have to watch your tea go to waste.

Green Tea

Among all teas, green tea is best stored in the refrigerator, especially fragrant varieties like Longjing tea. For short-term storage, keep it in the fridge at around 5°C. For unopened tea intended for storage beyond a year, place it in the freezer. Alternatively, use aluminum-coated bags with oxygen absorbers and desiccants like quicklime to maintain quality for up to two years. Traditional methods include storing tea with quicklime in sealed containers like ceramic jars or iron cans.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea’s chlorophyll undergoes photochemical reactions when exposed to light, so avoiding light is crucial. Moisture protection is also essential. As a semi-fermented tea, oolong is easier to store than non-fermented teas. Tin cans are ideal, but iron or ceramic containers with tight lids work too. Fill the container fully to minimize oxidation before sealing.

Black Tea

Black tea’s low moisture content makes it prone to absorbing odors or losing fragrance. Store it in airtight, opaque containers like tin cans or purple clay jars, away from light, heat, and strong smells. For better preservation, vacuum-seal the tea before storage.

Yellow Tea

Store yellow tea with desiccant packs in aluminum bags, then place them in containers inside the fridge (around 5°C). Avoid storing it near strong-smelling foods to prevent odor absorption.

White Tea

White tea can be stored in tin or iron containers with good seals. Adding charcoal or quicklime as desiccants helps maintain freshness. For home storage, room temperature or refrigeration (below 6% moisture) is recommended.

Dark Tea

Dark tea requires ventilation, dryness, and odor-free conditions. Use breathable materials like parchment paper for storage, avoiding plastic bags. Adding moisture-absorbing materials like charcoal helps. If mold appears (white fuzz), air-dry or gently clean it. Black or green mold indicates spoilage.

Pu-erh Tea

Properly stored Pu-erh tea improves with age. The "ceramic jar aging method" is popular: mix old and new tea in a wide-mouthed jar to enhance maturation.

Tea Cakes

For immediate consumption, break tea cakes into loose leaves and store in ceramic jars (not metal) for two weeks to balance flavor.

Floral Tea

Floral tea, a reprocessed green tea, has high moisture content and spoils easily. Store in cool, dry, odor-free places.

Tips:

Use dry, clean, odor-free containers and store tea in ventilated areas. Avoid humidity, heat, direct sunlight, and strong odors like chemicals or perfumes. Separate different tea types. When removing tea from the freezer, let it reach room temperature first to prevent condensation. Divide tea into small portions for easy use without compromising quality.