Tea is highly susceptible to moisture and Odor absorption. How to store tea has always been a concern for tea enthusiasts. So, how should we store tea in summer? What should we pay attention to?
1. Pay Attention to Storage Temperature:
According to relevant experiments, after one year of storage under normal temperature conditions, the content of polyphenols in tea decreases by 2.45%, and the moisture content increases by 1.41%. In contrast, when stored at 0~5°C for a year, the polyphenol content only decreases by 1.53%, and the moisture increases by 0.23%. For every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of browning in tea increases three to five times. Thus, storing tea at temperatures below 10°C can effectively inhibit browning. When the temperature reaches -20°C, it theoretically prevents the deterioration of tea quality. Therefore, a storage environment with a temperature range of 0°C~5°C is most suitable.
2. Pay Attention to Storage Humidity:
When the moisture content in tea is below 6%, the quality of the tea remains relatively stable. However, if the moisture content exceeds 8%, the tea ages more quickly; and if it exceeds 12%, the tea is prone to mold. When the moisture content is around 3%, the water molecules in the tea form a monolayer, which acts as a protective layer, slowing down the oxidation process. Therefore, tea should not be placed in excessively humid areas and should be stored off the ground and away from walls. Additionally, regular dehumidification of the storage room is necessary.
To determine the humidity level of tea: When the moisture content is between 3%~5%, the tea will feel prickly when held in your hand and can be ground into powder with your fingers.
3. Ensure Adequate Ventilation:
When storing tea, adequate ventilation is important. Poor ventilation can lead to mold growth within the tea, which is detrimental to health. Poor air circulation also allows the tea to absorb odors, affecting its natural flavor.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight:
During tea storage, exposure to light can cause oxidation of pigments and lipids in the tea. Tea stored in glass containers or transparent bags may develop a “sunlight taste,” which affects the quality of the tea. Both the storage environment and tea packaging should avoid direct sunlight. A three-layer packaging method can be used, such as a plastic bag, aluminum bag, and cardboard box, all sealed. Common household storage methods include Ceramic jar storage, tin can storage, thermos storage, and low-temperature storage.
Ceramic Jar Storage: Wrap the tea in kraft paper and place it in a ceramic jar. Add a packet of quicklime inside and use cotton or thick soft paper to pad the lid opening, reducing air exchange.
Tin Can Storage: Fill a double-lidded tin can with dried tea, filling it as much as possible to minimize air gaps. Seal any gaps with adhesive tape. The exterior can be further wrapped in two layers of plastic bags, tightly tied to prevent contact with unwanted odors.
Thermos Storage: The thermos has good insulation and moisture resistance. After placing the tea inside, plug the thermos tightly and seal the opening with beeswax and tape to ensure container airtightness.
Low-Temperature Storage: Place the tea in a storage container and then put it in the refrigerator to utilize low temperatures to further stabilize the quality of the tea. Dedicated refrigerators for tea storage are recommended.
When storing tea in the refrigerator, do not freeze it. Tea contains about 6% moisture, which will freeze below zero degrees Celsius. When the tea is taken out and the temperature rises, the cells will be damaged, compromising the quality of the tea and making it unsuitable for storage. For example, White Tea and Pu'er tea should be stored at room temperature, and putting them in the refrigerator will affect their maturation over time.