Many friends, after buying Tea, don't pay much attention to its storage. Months later, when they try to drink it, they find it doesn't taste as good as when they first bought it. They eventually realize that the problem is poor storage, which has led to flavor contamination.

Tea leaves are hygroscopic and have strong adsorptive properties, making them very susceptible to absorbing moisture and odors from the air. If stored improperly, even for a short period, the flavor can be lost.

Why Does Tea Deteriorate?

Typically, the aroma and taste of tea change after storage. If exposed to high temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight, the chemical components in tea will change more rapidly, leading to quick aging and deterioration. This is especially true for new green teas harvested each year, which need to be stored carefully.

The main factors causing tea deterioration include: one, light; two, temperature; three, moisture content of the tea; four, air humidity; five, oxygen; six, microorganisms; seven, odor pollution. Microbial-induced deterioration is influenced by factors such as temperature, moisture, and oxygen, while odor pollution is related to the storage environment.

The key to storing tea is to protect it from pressure, dampness, ensure it's sealed, shielded from light, and free from other odors.

Conventional Containers for Storing Tea

In general, the best containers for storing tea are tin cans, jars, and colored glass bottles. Next best are iron cans, wooden boxes, and bamboo boxes (although bamboo boxes are not suitable for use in dry northern climates). Plastic bags and paper boxes are the least preferred.

Many tea shops choose to use Yixing clay jars, wrapping the tea in plastic film before sealing the jar with its lid as a method of preservation.

How Should Tea Be Stored?

Theoretically, the ideal conditions for storing tea are dry (with a moisture content around 6%), refrigerated, oxygen-free (vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-filled), and protected from light. However, due to various practical limitations, it is often impossible to meet all these requirements simultaneously. It is essential to keep the tea dry, and additional measures can be taken based on the specific type of tea.

Different types of tea, depending on their aging process and nature, require different storage methods.

Green Tea and Yellow Tea

Of all teas, green tea is best stored in the refrigerator, especially aromatic teas like Longjing. Since the processing of yellow tea is similar to that of green tea, the same storage methods apply.

If you plan to store green tea for a short period and want to drink it frequently, place it in the refrigerator and set the temperature to around 5 degrees Celsius. For unopened packages intended for storage over a year, use the freezer instead.

If you buy large quantities of tea, divide it into smaller packages (cans) before refrigerating. Only take out what you need to brew, avoiding repeated freezing and thawing of the same package.

Scented Tea

Scented tea is a reprocessed green tea with a high moisture content, making it prone to spoilage.

Storing scented tea at low temperatures can suppress its aroma, reducing its freshness and intensity. Therefore, when storing scented tea, there is no need for low temperatures; simply keep it in a cool, dry, odor-free environment.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea, lying between Black Tea and green tea, and it is relatively easy to store.

Depending on how dried and roasted it is, teas like rock oolong and fragrant Oolong, as well as some single-origin teas, that have been heavily roasted, can be stored at room temperature without requiring refrigeration.

Conversely, lightly roasted teas like light fragrant Oolong and dehumidified single-origin teas should be kept in the refrigerator to preserve their freshness and flavor.

Black Tea

Black tea has a low moisture content and is prone to moisture absorption or loss of aroma. It is best to avoid mixing different types of tea during storage. Generally, it can be placed in airtight, dry containers away from light and heat.

If possible, using a Yixing clay jar or tin can is ideal, as glass jars may allow sunlight to penetrate. Before placing the black tea in the container, pack it in a plastic bag and remove as much air as possible to better retain its aroma.

White Tea

White tea is the most primitive and simplest type of tea in terms of processing. Fresh leaves are sun-dried until about 90% dry and then gently dried to complete dryness.

White tea is durable and does not require refrigeration. It only needs to be stored at room temperature away from strong odors. Typically, a temperature range of 10-35°C is suitable. During storage, white tea undergoes certain transformations, and the longer it is stored, the darker the dry tea and the tea liquor become, resulting in a softer and richer flavor.

Dark Tea

Dark tea requires ventilation, dryness, and an odor-free environment for storage.

Ventilation and dryness are the most important considerations when storing dark tea. It is best to use packaging materials with good breathability, such as kraft paper or traditional paper (avoid using plastic bags that seal tightly) and seal it for storage.

If the tea becomes moldy or grows white fuzz due to excessive humidity and prolonged exposure, promptly remove it and let it air out. It can also be dried using a dehumidifier (an air conditioner can be used), or left to dry in the sun. After a few days, the mold will naturally disappear. If the growth of white fuzz is severe, use a soft fabric like a brush or towel to remove the surface mold, then use a hairdryer to heat it for about ten minutes.

Dark tea should be checked every three months or so to see if there is any mold or other pests.

Pu'er Tea

For Pu'er ripe tea, a type of dark tea, storage only requires protection from direct sunlight and rain, a clean and hygienic environment, good ventilation, and absence of other odors.

If you have a large quantity, it is recommended to store it in a dedicated warehouse. For small quantities stored at home, ceramic jars can be used. Remove the outer packaging of Pu'er loose tea and place it directly in the jar, then seal the jar.

Cake tea, golden melon tea, and tea cakes should be stored on wooden racks to allow for ventilation and air circulation.