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 previously used plastic bags. After placing the tea in the bag, try to squeeze out as much air as possible. Using a second plastic bag in reverse can further improve storage. Bags made of transparent plastic should not be exposed to sunlight. Storing tea in aluminum foil bags follows the same principle as with plastic bags.
Metal Canister Storage Method
You can also use metal cans, Stainless steel cans, or tightly-sealed tin cans. If you've just bought a new canister or it previously contained other items that left an odor, you can remove the smell by placing a small amount of tea residue inside, closing the lid, shaking the canister gently to rub the interior walls, and then discarding the residue. There are two-lid stainless steel tea canisters available on the market that are convenient and practical. For optimal results, place the tea in a clean, odorless plastic bag before putting it into the canister, sealing the lid, and using tape to seal the lid opening.
Purple Clay and Ceramic Canister Storage Method
In fact, the most ancient and traditional vessel for storing tea is the clay jar. Porous and moisture-resistant, clay jars, after kiln-firing, contain no chemical additives, making them completely natural and pure. Because the material is breathable, the tea stored within can exchange air with the outside world, making clay jars ideal for teas that undergo changes over time, such as Pu'er tea. Additionally, highly roasted teas like old Tree Dahongpao cannot be consumed immediately after Roasting and require a cooling-off period. Storing them in clay jars allows for better Breathability, and they will taste excellent the following year.
Small purple clay jars can be sealed with cotton paper and a cloth cover to allow precious tea aromas to rest peacefully inside.
Purple clay jars and ceramic jars should be placed in a well-ventilated, dry area of your home free from odors to ensure optimal storage conditions for your precious tea.
Low-Temperature Storage Method
Keep the storage environment for tea below 5°C, using refrigerators or freezers. When using this method, pay attention to the following: for storage periods of up to six months, the temperature should be maintained between 0°C to 5°C; for storage periods exceeding six months, freezing temperatures of -10°C to -18°C are recommended. This method is suitable for preserving Green Tea, white tea, and Tieguanyin.