Tea is a very popular beverage believed to have many benefits, including mood enhancement and immune system strengthening. However, many people do not know how to properly store and handle tea, which can lead to a decline in quality or spoilage. In this article, we will discuss the storage of tea and points to consider.

Proper Methods for Storing Tea

Tea is a substance that is susceptible to moisture, so the environment in which it is stored is crucial. Here are some tips for storing tea:

Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight can affect the color and taste of tea, so it should be kept in a shaded area.

Maintain ventilation and dryness: The place where tea is stored should be dry and have adequate ventilation. This helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.

Use airtight containers: Tea should be stored in airtight containers to avoid contact with outside air and maintain freshness.

Avoid odors: Tea should be kept away from other foods and strong odors to prevent them from affecting its taste.

Avoid high temperatures: Tea should not be stored in high-temperature environments as this can cause a decline in quality.

Tea Storage: Changes to Look Out For

First, guard against dampness. In the south, the biggest concern when storing tea is dampness. Therefore, it is recommended to use multiple layers of packaging, which can effectively prevent moisture. Even for Pu'er tea and dark tea, which need to come into contact with air to undergo better transformation, it is still advisable to seal them tightly during humid weather and allow more ventilation when the weather is dry, letting the tea absorb air.

Second, avoid light exposure and odors. Tea is sensitive to light, which can oxidize the tea, so it should not be stored in a container directly exposed to sunlight or one that allows light through (such as a glass bottle). Additionally, it should be stored in a well-ventilated area free from strange odors, since tea has a strong adsorption ability and will easily absorb any unusual smells. Once tea absorbs strange odors, it will quickly go bad.

If there are issues with the sealing or due to weather conditions, the most common problems are mold or an acidic or odd smell. When tea undergoes a change in quality rather than normal fermentation, it loses its value. Therefore, we should also pay attention to the storage conditions of our tea. We should not neglect changes in the storage environment.

If we suspect that there might be a problem with the tea, such as whether it's golden flowers or mold, the most direct approach is to smell it. If the aroma is a pleasant floral scent or a pleasant tea or fungal aroma, it indicates that the tea has not undergone a quality change and can be stored or enjoyed with confidence. If we smell a musty Odor or other strange smells, there is a high likelihood that the tea has a problem. We can try brewing it and Rinse away any strange odors. After rinsing several times, if the smell remains unpleasant, then the tea should no longer be consumed, and further storage would be pointless. If after such treatment, the tea has a good aroma, we can try tasting it (but not swallowing) to assess its quality. If it feels comfortable, the tea is good; otherwise, there is likely a problem.

In case of issues, take advantage of dry days to open up the tea and let it release any strange odors (for moldy tea, simply discard it). After a period of drying, if there are no strange odors detected, try sealing it again for storage. If the aroma gradually returns over time, the tea may still be suitable for further storage and observation.