Roasting

Tea enthusiasts often keep a substantial amount of tea at home. Some may even store their tea in the fridge, or purchase a small fridge specifically for this purpose.However, this is a common misconception. Whether tea should be stored in the fridge depends on the type of tea. Here are some general guidelines for storing tea in the fridge: 1. Suitable for Refrigeration Green tea and lightly oxidized Oolong tea. Among the six major types of tea, green tea is the most prone to spoilage and requires extra care during storage. You can place the tea in a sealed tea tin, put it in a sealed bag, and then store it in the fridge. Lightly oxidized Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess) and Phoenix Dancong tea that has been dehumidified can also be stored in the fridge. 2. Not Suitable for Refrigeration Dark tea, Pu'er tea, traditionally processed Oolong tea, aged teas, and white tea. Pu'er tea, white tea, and dark tea emphasize the value derived from aging. Storing these teas in the fridge not only risks dampness but also reduces the activity of biological enzymes within the tea, which affects the tea's transformation efficiency. Traditionally processed Oolong teas, such as Wuyi Rock…

Generally speaking, Pu'er tea that is boiled tends to be aged tea. So, can young raw Pu'er (stored for a relatively short period) be boiled and drunk? In fact, the ethnic minorities on Yunnan's tea mountains have had the habit of boiling tea for centuries. Back then, what they boiled was not necessarily aged tea. The tea leaves the farmers boiled may not have been in the strict sense of sun-dried green tea, perhaps semi-dried old Pakka, or even fresh leaves. What is certain is: they were not kneaded, making it difficult for the inner qualities of the leaves to seep out. To get a strong flavor, boiling was the most practical and effective method. Boiling raw Pu'er has at least the following benefits: 1. For most people learning to drink Pu'er, it helps distinguish whether it is genuine ancient tree tea. The taste of Pu'er tea is relatively strong. New learners drinking raw Pu'er might simply perceive bitterness. Experts have mentioned many methods for discernment, but they can still be difficult to apply. It's not that what the experts say is incorrect. Rather, for the leaves, finding similarities is easy. For example, some plantation tea leaves have very attractive…

How long is the shelf life of tea? How to store tea? Tea has a certain shelf life, so when purchasing, it's important to check the date. If buying loose tea, pay even more attention to its quality. Of course, proper storage later on is also very important; it should be placed in a well-ventilated, shaded, and dry area. Otherwise, even if it hasn't expired, the tea may become undrinkable due to spoilage. As a food product meant for consumption, tea naturally has a shelf life. This is indisputable, but different types of tea have varying shelf lives depending on their production methods and storage conditions. Green Tea When drinking green tea, freshness is key, so new tea can typically be consumed after being stored for half a month or a month. Green tea, being unfermented, has higher storage requirements. If not stored properly, it can turn yellow, significantly reducing its aroma and flavor. The shelf life of green tea is the shortest because it is not fermented and requires higher storage standards. Generally, at room temperature, the shelf life is about 1 year. If improperly stored, it may begin to wither and lose flavor within 8 to 9 months.…

The shelf life of Pu'er tea is 10 to 20 years. Pu'er tea is made from unique large-leaf varieties and is divided into raw and ripe teas based on its processing method. Its leaves are thick and substantial, rich in flavor, and capable of aging. Therefore, there isn't a fixed expiration date; it is generally believed that it can be stored for 15 to 20 years. According to the standard GBT22111-2008 Pu'er Tea, under proper storage conditions, it can be preserved long-term. Tea, as a food product, has an expiration date, but it differs from ordinary foods in that its shelf-life limit is very high. In other words, if the storage conditions are met, the shelf life can be extended. What are the storage requirements for Pu'er tea? For example, products should be stored in clean, ventilated, dark, dry rooms free of any peculiar odors. The warehouse should not be polluted by any foul-smelling gases, etc. Pu'er tea, due to its unique production process, is a post-fermented tea and thus has a longer shelf life. It can typically be stored for ten to twenty years, provided it is stored correctly and in a good environment. There is no precise expiration…

After a busy day of work, it's finally time to rest. Many people have the habit of drinking tea in the evening, while others do not. Sometimes, one might suddenly feel like having tea at night. It is commonly believed that drinking tea before bed can cause insomnia, as tea contains caffeine which can keep you in an excited state and has a stimulating effect. Therefore, many fans of dark tea avoid drinking it in the evening for fear of sleepless nights. However, not all teas lead to insomnia. If you're wondering whether drinking dark tea affects sleep, well, it generally doesn't (results may vary from person to person). Dark tea is a low-caffeine health beverage (due to its high maturity of raw materials and roasting processes) and, compared to cola and other types of tea, it does not affect sleep. The raw materials for dark tea are relatively mature, and after initial processing, the caffeine content in dark tea is significantly lower than in other teas. Dark tea undergoes post-fermentation. Its production process focuses on refining rather than shaping. Dark tea is first roasted over a seven-star stove to enhance its aroma, then stomped by a team of seven…

     Generally speaking, you must pay attention to the details of storing tea, as this affects whether the tea will go bad. Only a good environment is conducive to storing tea. So, as a representative of Wuyi rock tea, how should Dahongpao be stored? Can it be placed in the refrigerator for storage? Let's take a look at the following introduction. Can Dahongpao Be Stored in the Refrigerator?      1. Dahongpao and Pu'er should not be kept in the fridge, while Tieguanyin must be stored in the refrigerator.      2. Despite being called the king of teas, Dahongpao can still spoil like other teas if not stored properly, causing economic loss.        3. The spoilage of Dahongpao is mainly due to abnormal conditions of temperature, light, and moisture. Ideally, the storage conditions for Dahongpao should be controlled with a moisture content of less than 6%, refrigerated, oxygen-free, and protected from light. In practical operations, the storage plan can be adjusted according to specific needs. How to Store Dahongpao?      Dahongpao tea easily absorbs odors and is also afraid of moisture, high temperatures, and light exposure. After roasting, Dahongpao dry tea is relatively dry, and…

In the height of summer, we've entered the dog days. The weather is both sultry and humid. When we take out some tea stored at home to tidy up, we often find that much of it has molded and can no longer be consumed – a great pity. Nowadays, more and more people enjoy tea, but many don't know the best methods for storing it. Some even keep their tea in basements, garages, or even in the refrigerator with food – all very incorrect practices. Tea leaves have strong hygroscopic and odor-absorbing properties, making them easily susceptible to absorbing moisture and odors from the air. This is especially true in the hot, humid weather of summer when they are more prone to microbial growth. How should you store tea at home? Most teas purchased by households come in cans or as loose tea. Since you won’t use it all at once, you’ll face the issue of storage. Here are some common household tea storage methods. Let’s learn them together. Sealed Bag and Foil Bag Storage Method Select bags with sealable closures designed for food, or professional sealable bags. Choose those made from thicker, higher-density materials and avoid using scented or…

Tea, by nature, is cold and can help clear the mind and soothe the spirit. Different people have different constitutions, which means they should drink different types of tea. Therefore, choosing the right tea and drinking it well starts with understanding the nature of the tea and the suitable groups of people for each type. Nature of Teas 01 Green Tea: The core process is "fixation," making its nature cold. People with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, or abundant energy can benefit from drinking green tea, as it has great effects in clearing heat, refreshing the mind, and boosting alertness. Green tea also has excellent radiation protection benefits, making it ideal for those who work on computers. White Tea: The core process involves "withering and sun drying" followed by natural storage, which transforms the tea's nature from cold to cool and then to mild. Fresh white teas share many properties with green tea, but the most significant difference is that while aged green tea becomes like grass, aged white tea becomes even more precious. As it ages, old white tea becomes even milder, making it suitable for a wider range of people. Oolong Tea (Blue Tea): The core process…

Summer is scorching hot, and you may crave a cup of warm tea. Many tea enthusiasts wonder what kind of tea they should drink during the summer months. Based on different scenarios, we recommend the following teas.Prevent Heatstroke—Drink White Tea Hot weather can easily cause heatstroke, especially for those who work or play outdoors frequently. In this case, white tea is your go-to choice. White tea is lightly fermented without roasting or kneading, making it cool in nature. It contains abundant amino acids that help reduce heat and eliminate summer heat, effectively preventing heatstroke. Consumption Taboos New white tea has a slightly cold nature, so people with cold stomachs should drink less and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. Boost Energy and Nourish Stomach—Drink Black Tea During summer, people tend to feel listless and drowsy. The caffeine-rich black tea stimulates the central nervous system, accelerates blood circulation, promotes metabolism, thus helping to boost energy and alleviate fatigue. In summer, we often consume icy foods or cold drinks to cool down. However, doing so can easily harm our delicate digestive system. As black tea is warm in nature, it has the effect of warming and protecting the stomach. Therefore, summer…

Summer tea preservation can be divided into two types: one includes green tea, yellow tea, and lightly fragrant oolong tea, which should be sealed in aluminum foil bags, placed in a tin can, and stored in the refrigerator. The second type, including white tea, Pu'er tea, dark tea, and oolong tea with a high charcoal roast level, is suitable for storage at room temperature. When storing these teas, avoid direct sunlight, dampness, and strong odors; they can be kept in cool places such as bookshelves or tea rooms. How to Best Preserve Tea in Summer 1. Room Temperature Storage During the hot summer months, white tea, black tea, Pu'er tea, and oolong tea with high roasting temperatures can be directly stored at room temperature, such as on indoor bookshelves or in cabinets. When storing tea, avoid direct sunlight, dampness, and strong odors to prevent spoilage. 2. Tin Can Storage Prepare a tin can with a double-layered lid and place dried tea leaves inside, pressing them down as you fill it. Try to fill the can as much as possible to minimize air inside. After filling the can, seal the lids and use tape to secure any gaps. Finally, place the…

The scent is the most immediate aspect to greet you before drinking tea. A pleasant aroma refreshes the mind, while an off-odor is displeasing and makes the tea uncomfortable to drink. If you detect any of these unpleasant odors, be cautious. Charred Odor in Tea The charred odor is produced when leaves are carbonized during tea processing. A charred odor in tea typically occurs in two situations: First, if some old leaves are mixed in during stir-frying, or if the leaves aren’t stirred evenly, or if there’s too much leaf debris, they can easily become charred. Another common situation is with Wuyi Rock Tea where, if the roasting isn’t properly controlled, or if the roasting is intentionally overdone to mask some defects in the leaves, it can lead to carbonization. The result is a charred odor and a bitter taste. In daily life, many people don’t pay much attention to the charred odor in their tea. However, charred tea should not be consumed. Most of the nutrients in charred tea have been lost, so from both a nutritional and food hygiene perspective, charred tea leaves should not be drunk. Water-Stagnation Odor in Tea The water-stagnation odor refers to a dull…

According to the GB/T30375-2013 Tea Storage standard, the storage temperature for Dahongpao (Oolong tea) should not exceed 25°C. The environment should be well-ventilated, dry, clean, cool, and shielded from light. Therefore, Dahongpao is best stored at room temperature to ensure its flavor and aroma remain stable. The fridge has a complex environment with high humidity, so it's not necessary to store Dahongpao in the fridge. How Should Dahongpao Be Stored? Dahongpao tea easily absorbs odors and is also susceptible to moisture, high temperatures, and sunlight. After roasting, Dahongpao tea leaves are quite dry; they can crumble under gentle finger pressure, which is the ideal moisture content for long-term storage. The most ideal temperature for storage is around 0-10 degrees Celsius. At an ambient temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius, the shelf life should not exceed four months. At temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius, the shelf life should not exceed two months, or else the tea will exhibit noticeable changes in color and taste. Direct exposure to light accelerates oxidation, so the tea should not be stored in transparent glass containers or exposed to direct sunlight. Dahongpao should not be stored for more than one year under normal temperature conditions. For…

Traditionally processed oolong teas, such as Wuyi rock tea, Phoenix Dancong, and baked Tie Guan Yin, have good stability after roasting. They do not need to be stored in the refrigerator but can be kept in a cool, dry place instead. Oolong teas are generally safe to store at room temperature since they are fully fermented, and this has little impact on their quality. Dark teas, white teas, Pu'er teas, and aged teas, especially Pu'er, rely on aging for their drinking value. Storing these types of tea in the refrigerator could cause dampness issues and also reduce the activity of beneficial enzymes and bacteria within the tea. It is these enzymes and bacteria that contribute to the tea's flavor development over time. Refrigerating these teas would significantly affect their aging process. These types of teas are best stored at room temperature in a dark, well-ventilated, dry area away from strong odors. Storing them in the refrigerator could lead to mold growth. Should Green Tea Be Refrigerated? Green tea is unique because it is meant to be enjoyed for its fresh and crisp taste. Typically, we only drink green tea from the first flush (before the Ming festival). The tea oxidizes…