How long can Xiaoyinggan be stored? How should it be stored?
Xiaoyinggan does have an expiration date, which is generally three years. However, if stored correctly, Xiaoyinggan can be kept for a long time. This is because the Xiaoyinggan undergoes a drying process to facilitate long-term storage. There are two methods of drying: natural sun-drying and direct heating. Sun-dried fruits have a richer aroma and better taste, but due to the rainy season in Xinhui from July to September, full natural sun-drying cannot meet the requirements of large-scale production and is difficult to manage due to unpredictable weather.
Most producers adopt a semi-natural sun-drying technique. Taking Shitianyi Guozhenxiang Xinhui Xiaoyinggan as an example, they pick Xinhui Tianma oranges, fill them with Yunnan Imperial Pu'er tea after screening and cleaning, and then moderately supplement natural sunlight drying for more than five days. This method preserves the original flavor and nutritional components of the Orange peel to the greatest extent. Under such conditions, the Xiaoyinggan we see on the market can indeed be stored for a long time. Moreover, the semi-sun-dried Xiaoyinggan becomes even more flavorful and fragrant over time.
In terms of Xiaoyinggan, because it carries the common advantages of aged Tangerine peel and Pu'er tea—becoming more fragrant with age—it can be stored for ten or twenty years under reasonable storage conditions, and the older it gets, the better it is.
How Should Xiaoyinggan Be Stored?
In general, when it comes to storing Xiaoyinggan, there are three crucial elements to consider: moisture-proofing, Pest control, and preventing odors. As long as these three aspects are handled properly, Xiaoyinggan will not have any problems and can become more fragrant with age. The specific methods are as follows:
1. Sealed Storage:
This does not necessarily mean vacuum-sealed storage, but rather avoiding exposing the tea directly to the air to prevent it from absorbing excessive moisture. Containers such as purple clay, purple pottery, earthenware, metal cans, and glass jars can be used. These materials have a higher density, so the orange scent permeates more slowly compared to plastic bags. Using jars to store Xiaoyinggan means that the orange scent won't dissipate as quickly into the surrounding environment.
For freshly sun-dried tangerine peels, allow them to cool naturally before storing them in bags or jars. For new peels, they need to be sun-dried two to three times a year and can be stored in cardboard boxes, jute bags, cloth bags, or plastic woven bags. For older peels, glass jars, Ceramic jars, or metal cans are recommended.
2. Storage Location:
(1) Keep away from areas with high humidity and temperature, such as near bathrooms.
(2) Keep away from areas with strong odors or cooking fumes, such as kitchens.
(3) Do not store in the refrigerator.
Many people have the mistaken habit of storing Xiaoyinggan in the refrigerator, which can slow down or interrupt its aging process and prevent it from achieving the desired quality. Additionally, fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause the Xiaoyinggan to absorb moisture and develop off-flavors from other foods, so keeping it in a dry and well-ventilated area is sufficient, just like with aged tangerine peels.
The quality of authentic Xinhui Xiaoyinggan lies in the harmonious combination of tea and orange flavors. If stored correctly, Xiaoyinggan can continue to age beyond its expiration date, becoming more fragrant over time.