How to Properly Store and Preserve Your Tea

Tea is highly absorbent, easily taking in moisture and odors from the air. Factors like high temperature, humidity, sunlight, and oxygen can quickly degrade the quality of tea, making it lose its flavor and aroma. This is especially true for delicate, high-quality teas. To keep your tea fresh for as long as possible, you need to protect it from moisture, heat, light, air, and strong odors.

Why Does Tea Go Bad?

Tea changes over time mainly due to chemical reactions within its components. Here are some key reasons why tea can lose its quality:

1. Pigment Changes:
   Chlorophyll in tea is unstable and breaks down under light, heat, and microbial action, causing the tea to lose its green color. This affects green and yellow teas the most. Other pigments can also oxidize, changing the tea’s color and taste.

2. Aroma Changes:
   The aromatic compounds in tea can evaporate or react with air, causing the tea to lose its fresh scent. Some fats in the tea can oxidize, producing unpleasant odors.

3. Polyphenol Changes:
   Polyphenols are crucial for tea’s color and flavor. In green, yellow, white, and lightly fermented teas, these compounds can oxidize, turning the tea brown and altering its taste.

4. Fat Changes:
   Fats in tea can oxidize when exposed to air, creating off-flavors. The longer tea is stored, the more these fats break down, leading to a stale taste.

5. Vitamin C Changes:
   Vitamin C, an important component of tea, oxidizes easily. This not only reduces the tea’s nutritional value but also changes its color.

6. Amino Acid Changes:
   Amino acids in tea can break down or react with other compounds, changing the tea’s flavor.

How to Store Different Types of Tea

1. Green Tea:
   Green tea is the most delicate and can deteriorate quickly. It contains a lot of polyphenols, vitamin C, and chlorophyll, which are sensitive to light, heat, and air. Store green tea in a cool, dark, and airtight place, preferably in the fridge.

2. White and Yellow Tea:
   These teas are lightly fermented and should be stored like green tea. Keep them away from moisture, light, and air, and store them at a low temperature.

3. Black Tea:
   Black tea is fully fermented and more stable. However, it should still be kept sealed in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors.

4. Pu-erh and Other Dark Teas:
   These teas can benefit from a bit of humidity to aid their aging process. However, they should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and strong odors.

5. Oolong Tea:
   Lightly fermented oolongs (like Tieguanyin) should be stored like green tea. Heavily fermented oolongs (like Wuyi Rock Tea) can be stored like black tea.

Storage Methods

1. Industrial Methods:
   - Lime Storage: Place tea in a ceramic jar with a bag of quicklime to absorb moisture. Seal the jar tightly.
   - Charcoal Storage: Use charcoal to absorb moisture. Place tea and charcoal in a jar, sealing it tightly.
   - Refrigeration: Store tea in vacuum-sealed bags in the fridge. This is the best method for green tea and other delicate teas.

2. Home Methods:
   - Ceramic Jars: Use a dry, odor-free ceramic jar. Place tea in paper bags and add a bag of quicklime. Seal the jar tightly and replace the lime every couple of months.
   - Metal Tins: Place tea in a plastic bag, then put it in a metal tin. Seal the tin tightly.
   - Plastic Bags: Use high-quality, odor-free plastic bags. Squeeze out excess air, seal the bag, and store it in a dry, odor-free place.
   - Thermos: Fill a thermos with dry tea, seal it with a cork, and cover the cork with wax.
   - Freezing: Place tea in a sealed plastic bag and store it in the freezer. Allow the tea to reach room temperature before opening the bag to prevent moisture from condensing on the leaves.

By following these storage methods, you can keep your tea fresh and flavorful for a longer time. Enjoy your perfect cup of tea every day!