How do you store Tieguanyin to become high-quality “aged Tie”? What factors affect the storage of Tieguanyin? Should you keep Tieguanyin in the fridge? Today, I'll guide you step-by-step on how to properly store Tieguanyin.
Avoid Exposure to Light
Light can cause a photosensitive reaction in Tieguanyin Tea, causing it to darken. Therefore, it's important to avoid light exposure during storage.
Should Tieguanyin Be Stored in the Fridge?
It's not necessary to store it in the fridge, but if long-term storage is required, Refrigeration is recommended.
At a refrigerated temperature of -4°C, the tea can maintain its original quality and flavor well; at -40°C, the oxidation rate of the tea becomes very slow.
Although low temperatures reduce the oxidation rate of tea, it's still advisable to consume opened tea as soon as possible. This is because tea has strong adsorption and hygroscopic properties, and if stored in a damp or odorous environment, it can easily absorb odors and become damp.
The Container Used for Storing Tieguanyin Must Be Airtight
Some people forget to close the lid after opening the jar, or the material does not seal properly. Over time, the tea naturally loses its flavor.
I've compiled information about three different fragrance types of Tieguanyin (see Figure 2). You can use this information to check and determine if your stored Tieguanyin has gone stale.
Is the Popular Hot Water Bottle Storage Method Practical?
Yes, it is practical. A hot water bottle can retain heat and is relatively airtight.
When using a hot water bottle, clean and dry it first, then add some tea dust and stalks to remove odors and moisture. After Cleaning, fill it with tea, making sure it's tightly packed to isolate it from air and minimize residual air inside. Seal the bottle mouth tightly with a soft cork and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring there are no tears in the wrap.
Similarly, when using other metal cans for storage, clean and dry them first to remove any foreign odors. The difference is that you should place desiccants or activated carbon at the bottom of the can and use food-grade plastic bags specifically for storing tea. Place the tea in the bag and tie it securely.
For fragrant and lightly fermented Tieguanyin, refrigerated storage is required. You can use aluminum foil bags to vacuum-seal the tea, then place it in a tin container before storing it in the fridge. For highly fermented or Charcoal-roasted Tieguanyin, or aged Tie, room temperature storage is sufficient. When storing, ensure the container is sealed, protected from light, free from foreign odors, and kept dry.