Check the weather forecast on your phone, and you'll see that temperatures across the country are soaring.

For tea lovers, summer is not just about enjoying some refreshing and palate-cleansing teas; it's also important to address the issue of tea storage.

Q: Why store tea? A: If tea is stored improperly, its quality can drop significantly, and the taste of carefully sourced teas will be far from what they once were.

1| Five Precautions for Summer Tea Storage

Dry and cold autumn and winter months relatively prevent tea from spoiling easily, while spring and summer are critical times for tea preservation.

● First, guard against moisture. Although summer isn't as humid as spring, there's still plenty of rain. Tea readily absorbs moisture from the air, so make sure it's well sealed and not exposed to the open air.

● Second, avoid high temperatures. Just as people can suffer from heatstroke in hot weather, tea is also sensitive to heat. In summer, be sure not to place tea near hot windows; a cool spot is best.

● Third, keep away from strong odors. High temperatures make it more likely for tea to absorb odors. When storing tea, ensure it is isolated from strong smells and not placed near pungent items.

● Fourth, avoid strong light. In summer, store tea in a dark place; do not use transparent glass jars or clear bags for storage.

● Fifth, prevent oxidation. This means sealing out oxygen. Seal the tea well, and if possible, add an oxygen absorber packet or use a vacuum sealer to seal the package.

2| Why Is Proper Storage Important for Tea?

To properly store tea, it's essential to understand why certain practices are recommended. With this knowledge, you can improve gradually and become a true connoisseur of tea.

● Moisture causes dampness. Tea is porous and contains hygroscopic substances, making it highly susceptible to absorbing moisture. If the tea crumbles easily when squeezed, it's relatively dry. If it feels soft, take note.

● Air causes oxidation. Many active compounds in tea are easily oxidized, particularly polyphenols and vitamin C. Oxygen can cause green tea to turn yellow and black tea to turn brown, diminishing its aroma and fresh scent.

● Light changes the color of tea. Tea is sensitive to light, especially chlorophyll, which can degrade under light exposure, causing the tea to darken or turn brown. Some fatty substances can also oxidize into low-molecular-weight compounds upon exposure to light, imparting a stale flavor to the tea.

● Heat causes spoilage. Exposure to high temperatures can alter the color and flavor of tea. Temperature has a significant impact on the oxidation process of tea; studies show that for every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of browning in both dry tea and tea infusion accelerates three to five times.

● Strong odors affect the taste. The porous structure of tea allows it to absorb not only moisture and oxygen but also odors. This includes environmental odors as well as those from packaging materials.

3| How to Store Different Types of Tea?

● Green Tea: Green tea emphasizes the “three greens”—dry leaves, infusion, and infused leaves—and is one of the most delicate types of tea, prone to color and flavor changes. It's best stored in the refrigerator at approximately 0°C to 5°C. Before refrigerating, ensure the tea is well-sealed to block out any odors.

● Yellow Tea: Store in a sealed container, and if available, include a small packet of preservative. Yellow tea is less prone to spoilage than green tea and can be stored in a cool, dark place. It can also be kept in the refrigerator.

● Black Tea: The aroma and flavor of black tea are rich, and if stored improperly, they can quickly fade. Store black tea in metal cans, Ceramic jars, etc., and if using a tea bag, ensure it is tightly sealed with a clip.

● Oolong Tea: Teas like Tieguanyin, Dancong, and rock tea fall into the category of Oolong Tea. The most distinctive feature of oolong tea is its high fragrance, so when storing, care should be taken to prevent the loss of aroma. When packing into containers, fill them completely to minimize the loss of aroma and flavor.

● Dark Tea and White Tea: These types of tea are suitable for long-term storage. For storage, ensure good ventilation, dryness, and isolation from strong odors. When storing, try to keep them in higher locations since the ground tends to be more humid. When stored properly, these teas will improve over time.

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