Tea leaves are highly hygroscopic and absorbent, making them prone to absorbing moisture and odors from the air. If stored improperly, they can lose their flavor in a short period of time. The more delicate and fragrant the tea, the harder it is to preserve. Over time, the original freshness of the tea diminishes and a stale taste emerges. Therefore, knowing how to store tea properly to maintain its quality is essential.

The Most Commonly Used Methods for Storing Tea Leaves

1. **Clay Pot Storage Method**: Wrap the tea leaves in thick paper such as brown paper and place them around the inside of a Ceramic pot. Place a packet of lime in the center to keep the environment dry. Use cotton to pad the lid opening to minimize air exchange. This method works very well but is somewhat cumbersome, suitable for storing larger quantities of tea over long periods.

2. **Canister Storage Method**: This method is suitable for most households, involving placing the tea in sealed metal or paper canisters. The advantage is that the tea is easily accessible. A small packet of desiccant can also be added to maintain dryness within the canister.

3. **Bag Storage Method**: Choose a thick, strong, odorless plastic bag, seal the tea inside, and it can be used in conjunction with the canister storage method.

4. **Thermal Flask Storage Method**: Place loose tea into a thermal flask or insulated bottle, filling it as much as possible to minimize the amount of air left inside. Seal the opening with a cork and apply wax around the edge for an airtight seal.

5. **Refrigerator Storage Method**: Storing tea in the refrigerator is a good option, but make sure to seal the tea tightly to prevent it from absorbing odors.

6. **Desiccant Storage Method**: Using desiccants can extend the storage life of tea to about a year. However, different types of tea require different desiccants; for example, unslaked lime can be used for Green Tea, while dried charcoal is suitable for Black Tea and scented teas.

In addition, tea generally has a tendency to absorb moisture, light, and odors. Therefore, regardless of the storage method used, attention should be paid to ensuring that the container is airtight, avoiding direct sunlight, keeping it in a dry and ventilated area, and using clean containers without odors to prevent spoilage of the tea.

It is crucial to pay special attention to the packaging and storage of tea, as tea is highly susceptible to moisture and odors. Packaging should not only be aesthetically pleasing, convenient, and hygienic but also provide protection. Additionally, it is important to consider moisture prevention and Odor control during storage to ensure the quality of the tea.