Green Tea can be stored at room temperature for one year. When placed in the refrigerator, its Shelf life extends to two years. Therefore, remember to store your green tea in the fridge after use. It is also recommended to package the tea in small bags or use aluminum foil bags to seal the green tea, then place it in a tin can. You can further protect it by placing the tin can inside a food-grade plastic Bag to prevent moisture from entering from the fridge, ensuring complete protection. As green tea is an unfermented tea, under normal circumstances, its shelf life is 18 months. When stored in the fridge, the low temperature and isolation from oxygen outside prevent the tea from going bad, extending its storage time to two years.
Refrigeration Temperature for Green Tea
The ideal refrigeration temperature for green tea is between 5-10°C. Green tea is an unfermented tea that goes through processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying. Thus, it retains a natural and fresh flavor but is susceptible to oxidation and spoilage due to environmental factors. Storing it in the fridge helps to isolate it from high temperatures, keeping the tea in a stable state. However, when storing tea in the fridge, attention should be paid to sealing, preventing moisture, and avoiding odors.
Precautions for Storing Green Tea in the Fridge
1. The refrigerator's cooling compartment can sometimes be quite humid, which is not suitable for the dry environment required for storing green tea leaves. Additionally, the fridge may contain other items with strong odors, so it is essential to seal the outer Packaging of the green tea before placing it in the fridge.
2. When removing green tea from the fridge, it is best to leave it out for some time before opening to avoid condensation, which could lead to moisture being absorbed by the tea leaves.
3. After using green tea, return it to the fridge promptly; otherwise, the tea leaves are more prone to spoilage once they have been removed from their stable environment.
Best Practices for Storing Green Tea
1. Store in the dark: Green tea contains various pigments and esters. Exposure to sunlight can accelerate the oxidation of these substances, causing the color of the tea leaves to turn yellow and affecting their taste. Therefore, it is recommended to store them away from light.
2. Store in a dry place: Due to its porous structure, green tea has a strong affinity for Water. If stored in a damp place, it can easily become spoiled. Generally, green tea should be kept in a dry location.
3. Store at 0-5°C: Green tea is best stored at a low temperature between 0-5°C. Higher temperatures can cause amino acids, sugars, vitamins, and aromatic compounds in the tea to decompose, reducing both flavor and nutritional value.