Green tea, Yellow Tea, and Oolong Tea should be stored in the refrigerator's chill compartment, with an ideal temperature range of 0 to 5°C. They should not be frozen, as this can cause moisture to freeze and condense on the surface of the tea Packaging, increasing the risk of dampness. On the other hand, dark tea (pu'er) and white tea have aging value and are best stored at room temperature in a dry place; they do not require Refrigeration.
Storing Tea: Refrigeration or Freezing
1. Store tea in the refrigerator's chill compartment. A storage temperature around 10 degrees Celsius is preferable, but if it can be maintained between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius, the storage effect will be even better.
2. Tea has a strong tendency to absorb moisture and odors. When storing tea in the refrigerator, make sure the tea is well-sealed and that there are no strong odors in the fridge. Seal the tea tightly before placing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, do not store the tea alongside items with strong odors to avoid contamination.
3. After removing chilled tea from the refrigerator for use, reseal it promptly to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the air, which could increase its moisture content and accelerate spoilage.
Note that dark teas and Pu'er teas do not need to be stored in the refrigerator; simply keep them in a dry, well-ventilated area without any strong odors to ensure long-term preservation.
If you have purchased a large quantity of tea at once or do not plan to consume it within three months, you can divide it into smaller packages, seal them, and store them in the freezer. Be sure to check periodically for signs of spoilage.
Teas Unsuitable for Refrigeration
Dark tea and white tea, due to their unique processing methods, are not suitable for storage in the refrigerator. Especially with dark tea, which requires natural maturation over time to develop its distinctive flavor profile.
Storing these types of tea in the refrigerator can lead to dampness and, under the low temperatures, reduce the activity of biological enzymes in the tea, affecting both its drinking quality and aging potential.
The correct way to store dark tea and white tea is to keep them in a well-ventilated, dry place at room temperature.