How to Store Tea Properly?

Storing tea properly is extremely important, because poorly stored tea quickly loses its quality and may even build up impurities that not only change its flavor but can also be harmful to the body.

Why does tea deteriorate if it is not stored well?

Without proper storage, even the finest tea can easily spoil, lose its color and fresh aroma, and even turn moldy. The main cause is change in the compounds within the tea.

When tea is exposed to high temperatures, humidity and sunlight, its components undergo rapid changes that spoil it in a short time, especially green tea freshly picked each spring. That is why it is so important to learn how to store tea correctly so that it stays fresh, clean and as flavorful as possible.

How should different types of tea be stored, and how long is their shelf life?

How to store green tea

The following methods help green tea keep its freshness, color and natural aroma:

Store at low temperatures: Green tea oxidizes easily, losing its original color and aroma, so storing it at a low temperature is the best option. You can place green tea in a dry, clean metal canister, making sure the canister is filled to the top to limit the air inside, then seal it tightly with a lid or a zip-lock bag.

Keep it in the refrigerator: An even better way to store green tea is to put the tea canister in a freshness-keeping bag before placing it in a refrigerator kept at 0-5 °C. The cold temperature slows oxidation and preserves the tea's freshness.

Avoid odors from other foods: During storage, avoid keeping green tea alongside strong-smelling foods. Green tea quickly absorbs odors from its surroundings, so keep it away from pungent foods such as garlic, onions or strong spices.

Best containers: The best containers for green tea are aluminum pouches or metal canisters. They keep light, moisture and air away from the tea, protecting it from oxidation and loss of quality.

Shelf life: 18 months

How to store oolong tea

Oolong is a semi-fermented tea that sits between black tea and green tea. Depending on the degree of roasting, oolong teas may be stored in different ways:

Unroasted oolong and lightly baked high-mountain oolong (such as Tieguanyin): These teas can be kept in the refrigerator at a low temperature to retain their freshness and original flavor. This is especially important for maintaining the quality of unroasted and lightly baked high-mountain oolongs.

Well-roasted oolongs (such as roasted Tieguanyin, Da Hong Pao and Oriental Beauty): These oolongs can be stored at room temperature. Tin boxes, iron cans and porcelain jars all make good containers for oolong. Make sure the container is filled to reduce oxidation, then seal it tightly. If no suitable container is available, an aluminum pouch is also a good choice.

Best containers: Tin boxes, iron cans and porcelain jars are the best containers for storing oolong tea.

Shelf life: 24 months

How to store black tea

The following methods help black tea maintain its quality and flavor:

Store in a dry environment: Black tea has a lower moisture content, which allows it to be stored for a long time. Keep black tea in a dry, airtight container to prevent contact with moisture and slow oxidation.

Avoid light and high temperatures: Sunlight and heat can harm the quality and taste of black tea. Limit its exposure to direct sunlight and store it somewhere cool, away from heat sources and strong light.

Store different teas separately: During storage, avoid keeping different types of tea together. Each tea has its own characteristics and can absorb aromas and flavors from the others. To prevent this, store black tea on its own or with teas of a similar flavor.

Best containers: For black tea, tin boxes and iron cans are good choices, keeping out light and protecting the tea from high temperatures. Ceramic jars and Yixing clay (zisha) jars are also among the best containers for keeping out sunlight and preserving the freshness of black tea.

Shelf life: 36 months

How to store herbal tea

The following methods help herbal tea maintain its quality and natural flavor:

Storage environment: Herbal tea should be kept in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Light, moisture and high temperatures can all spoil herbal tea and affect its quality. Limit the tea's exposure to sunlight and store it in a dry, cool environment.

Airtight containers are best: To protect herbal tea from moisture, an airtight container is the best choice. It keeps the tea away from humid air and protects it from spoiling. If you use the original packaging, press out the air inside the bag and seal it with a clip or a tie.

Shelf life: Herbal tea can be stored for a long time, and its shelf life can extend to about 2 years when kept in the refrigerator. Under normal storage conditions, however, refrigeration is not necessary. A sealed glass jar is enough to store herbal tea.

Best containers: Airtight containers and the sealed original packaging are the best containers for storing herbal tea.

Shelf life: 18 months

Keep in mind that storing each type of tea correctly helps preserve its best flavor. Properly stored tea can last a long time, but its quality and flavor will gradually decline over time, so it is best to drink it within a relatively short period to fully enjoy it.

To learn more about fine teas and how to store them properly, you can explore Doi Dep's oolong teas here:

Doi Dep's most beloved teas with irresistible flavors

Oolong Thuan Vi – A refined flavor from Kim Tuyen tea buds by Doi Dep Tea

Oolong Tinh Tuyen – The fresh, rich flavor of Doi Dep Tea

Oolong Nhat Vi – The perfect harmony of aroma and taste from Doi Dep Tea

Source: DOIDEP