Montding Sweet Dew Tea is a renowned tea with a long history in China and one of the earliest curly green teas in the country. Moderate consumption during summer has beneficial health effects, making it popular among many tea enthusiasts. However, as a type of Green Tea, the shelf life of Montding Sweet Dew Tea is similar to other green teas and is not very long. Below are detailed explanations regarding the shelf life of Montding Sweet Dew Tea.
How Long is the Shelf Life of Montding Sweet Dew Tea?
Montding Sweet Dew Tea belongs to the category of green tea, which is unfermented, hence its shelf life is relatively short. Generally speaking, the shelf life of green tea at room temperature is around one year. However, factors that primarily affect the quality of tea include temperature, light, and humidity. If stored properly, reducing or eliminating these factors can help maintain the freshness of the tea for a longer period.
Of course, if you have stored Montding Sweet Dew Tea for an extended period and are unsure whether it has expired, you can judge by observing its Taste and the color of the tea Infusion. National standards have been set for tea, specifying shelf lives. Typically, the shelf life of green tea is around one year. However, if improperly stored and exposed to excessive moisture, it can expire within two months. Opened green tea should be stored in a sealed container and ideally consumed within two months.
How to Store Montding Sweet Dew Tea?
1. Crock Storage Method
The storage method for Montding Sweet Dew Tea includes the crock storage method. Although traditional, it effectively extends the tea's shelf life. The specific steps involve placing a layer of quicklime at the bottom of a crock, covering it with a stone slab, then packing the tea in clean cowhide paper bags and placing them on top of the stone slab. Ensure the crock's mouth is sealed. This method ensures the tea remains fresh for up to two years.
2. Vacuum Refrigeration Method
Another storage method for Montding Sweet Dew Tea is the vacuum refrigeration method. Commonly used in households, this method effectively preserves freshness. The specific storage steps involve placing the tea in a high-quality, non-transparent, radiation-proof bag, vacuum-sealing it, and storing it in the refrigerator. This method better retains the tea's color and can preserve it for about 3 to 5 years. However, once opened, the tea must be consumed quickly, or it will rapidly oxidize and deteriorate in taste. If possible, use small vacuum-sealed packages. Take out a small package each time for consumption, and secure the remaining tea in a sealed bag placed back into the tea jar.
Principles to Follow When Storing Montding Sweet Dew Tea
1. Avoid Light
When storing Montding Sweet Dew Tea, the first principle is to avoid light, meaning the tea should be packaged in light-blocking materials.
2. Prevent Moisture
The second principle when storing Montding Sweet Dew Tea is to prevent moisture, maintaining a relative humidity of around 60% when storing the tea.
3. Airtight
The third principle when storing Montding Sweet Dew Tea is to keep it airtight, sealing it to isolate air and odors.
4. Low Temperature
The fourth principle when storing Montding Sweet Dew Tea is to maintain low temperatures, ideally storing it sealed in the refrigerator's chill compartment at about 5 degrees Celsius.
5. Avoid Strong Odors
The fifth principle when storing Montding Sweet Dew Tea is to avoid strong odors, being particularly cautious not to store it alongside items with potent smells.
Warm Reminder: If storing Montding Sweet Dew Tea in the refrigerator, regularly consumed tea can be kept in the chill compartment at around 5°C. Unopened tea intended for storage of over a year should be kept in the freezer.