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 home storage, especially after opening, it is recommended to consume Dahongpao within half a year, which is the ideal tasting period.
Should Dahongpao Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
Generally speaking, it's not recommended to store Dahongpao in the refrigerator. However, if you choose to do so, it's best to use a well-sealed tin foil Bag to extend its shelf life.
Dahongpao is a lightly oxidized Oolong tea with a shelf life of two years. It is relatively resilient to storage, with a recommended storage temperature below 20°C. If properly preserved, sealed, kept dry, and protected from light, it can be stored for over 24 months without significant loss of aroma. In fact, the water brewed from stored tea may become even richer in flavor.
Dahongpao Storage Methods
Dahongpao tea has strong absorbency and is prone to absorbing odors. Most of its aromatic components are formed during processing and are therefore unstable, making them prone to natural dissipation or oxidation. Here are some methods for storing opened tea:
1. Using a Dry box: A dry box maintains a stable temperature and isolates the tea from air, preventing it from becoming damp or oxidizing.
2. Using a Hot Water Bottle: Clean out a hot water bottle and pour the tea inside, then tightly seal it for storage.
4. Using Cans: Use small cans for daily access and larger sealed cans for the rest of your tea.
In summary, it's best not to use glass jars, porcelain jars, wooden boxes, or medicine bottles for storing Dahongpao because these containers are translucent, do not prevent moisture, and are easily broken. Instead, use dry cans and store them in a ventilated area free from other odors.