Green Tea can generally be stored for 2 years. As an unfermented tea, it cannot be preserved for particularly long periods. Green Tea is susceptible to sunlight, moisture, high temperatures, and easily absorbs odors, so the storage method must be carefully considered. If the tea has deteriorated due to improper storage or has expired, it should not be consumed.

Green Tea Shelf Life

Loose: Loose green tea has a shorter shelf life, typically around 6 months, so attention to storage is needed.

Canned: Sealed canned green tea stored in the refrigerator has a shelf life of 12 to 18 months.

Packaged: Green tea sealed in aluminum foil bags or kraft paper bags has a shelf life of about 12 months.

Methods for Storing Green Tea

1. Refrigeration: The best place to store green tea is in the refrigerator. Place the tea in a sealed container and then in the fridge. This slows down the oxidation process and keeps the tea fresh.

2. Moisture Prevention: Green tea is prone to moisture, so it needs to be kept dry. Store the tea in a sealed container and place it in a dry, well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight.

3. Avoiding Odors: Tea has a strong adsorption ability and easily absorbs odors. Therefore, when storing green tea, avoid keeping it with items that have strong odors and store it in a scent-free area.

4. Avoid High Temperatures: High temperatures accelerate the oxidation process, causing the tea to spoil. When storing green tea, avoid placing it in hot areas such as direct sunlight or near a stove.

5. Regular Inspection: Regularly check the tea's expiration date and quality, and promptly dispose of any tea that has gone bad.

Following these methods will effectively preserve the green tea, ensuring its quality and taste.

Precautions for Storing Green Tea:

1. Avoid Moisture

Green tea leaves are porous and hygroscopic substances, thus they have a strong ability to absorb moisture. When storing green tea, a relative humidity of 60% is most suitable; over 70% can lead to mold growth and subsequent souring and spoilage due to moisture absorption.

2. Avoid High Temperatures

The optimal storage temperature for green tea is 0 to 5°C. Higher temperatures can decompose amino acids, sugars, vitamins, and aromatic compounds in the tea, reducing its quality, aroma, and flavor.

3. Avoid Sunlight

Sunlight promotes the oxidation of pigments and esters in green tea, which can break down chlorophyll into demagnified chlorophyll. Green tea stored in glass containers or transparent plastic bags, when exposed to sunlight, undergoes chemical reactions that degrade the quality of the tea.