Tea, the national drink, is a natural beverage that has been passed down through thousands of years of Chinese history. Since ancient times, there has been the saying “Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea,” and to this day, tea remains an essential part of our daily lives as Chinese people.
The correct method of storing tea leaves is crucial for maintaining their freshness, aroma, and quality. How should we store tea in our daily lives? This article will provide you with detailed answers.
01. Choose the Right Container
Select a container that is well-sealed and opaque to store tea leaves. Clean the inside of the container with saltwater or warm Water mixed with a small amount of white vinegar to remove any residual odors and impurities. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
02. Avoid Mixing Different Types
Different types of tea should be stored separately to prevent them from affecting each other. For example, the storage conditions and requirements for green tea and black tea differ, and mixing them can lead to a decline in quality.
03. Control Temperature and Humidity
The storage environment for tea should maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Generally, tea is best stored at a temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F) with a relative humidity of around 50%. If the environment is excessively humid, you can place some desiccants like Charcoal or silica gel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
04. Store Away from Light
Tea leaves are very sensitive to sunlight and strong light, which can cause the color to fade and the aroma to dissipate. Therefore, containers holding tea should be placed in a cool, well-ventilated, and dry area away from direct sunlight.
05. Keep Away from Strong Odors
Tea leaves have a strong ability to absorb odors and can easily be affected by surrounding scents. To preserve the original aroma of the tea, the container should be kept away from items with strong odors such as perfumes, condiments, and detergents.
06. Regular Tasting and Inspection
It is recommended to consume tea within 3 to 6 months to fully enjoy its original flavor. Regularly check the containers where tea is stored, and if you find that the tea has become Damp or has absorbed an off odor, promptly replace the storage container and desiccant.
Lastly, different types and processing methods of tea may have slightly different storage requirements.
Therefore, before storing tea, it's important to understand and follow the specific storage guidelines for each type to maintain the quality and taste of the tea.
By following these storage methods, we can effectively preserve the flavor and quality of the tea, allowing us to enjoy fresh and aromatic brews.
Regular tasting and inspection also help us better understand and experience the unique characteristics and changes in different teas.