Tea is a natural product that is sensitive to environmental factors. To prevent loss of flavour and aroma, it's crucial to store it correctly. Once opened and properly stored, you can enjoy the full potential of your tea for several months. The good news? It's easier than you might think! Here you'll learn what conditions help your tea stay fresh and aromatic for longer and how to store it optimally.
Handle Tea with Care: The Golden Rules of Storage
To keep your tea fresh at all times, you should protect it from its five biggest enemies: air, light, heat, moisture, and odours. These elements can negatively impact the aroma and reduce the quality of your tea. Choosing the right container and storage location is therefore essential to preserve the natural aroma of your tea.
Airtight Excellence: How the Right Container Makes All the Difference
The most effective way to protect your tea from air and moisture is to use an airtight container. Tins made from stainless steel or dark-coated glass are perfect, as they prevent light from reaching the tea. It’s best to choose a new container since tea can easily absorb lingering odours. Ensure that no moisture can get inside, as this can quickly lead to mould. Avoid storing tea loosely in a plastic bag if you're planning on keeping it for a longer period.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Cool, Dark, and Dry
While keeping your tea close to the kettle or hob is convenient, the steam and heat are not conducive to its longevity. Ideally, your tea should be stored in a cool, dark place. An unheated pantry or a kitchen cupboard with doors is ideal to avoid direct sunlight. Loose leaf tea fares best in temperatures ranging from eight to a maximum of 18 degrees Celsius.
Longevity Unpacked: How Long Does Tea Really Last?
The shelf life of your tea depends on both the type and how it's stored. Loose leaf tea can last several months to a year if stored properly, while tea bags tend to lose aroma more quickly if not individually wrapped. High-quality teas retain their taste longer if consumed in a timely manner. Check older teas for loss of flavour and aroma before brewing.
Special Varieties, Special Care: Tips for Loose Leaf Tea
The type of tea also matters; some require stricter storage conditions than others. Green tea is particularly sensitive and should ideally be stored in a fridge to maintain its freshness. Be especially careful to avoid oxidation during storage. Black tea, thanks to its full oxidation process, is more robust and less susceptible to external influences. A dark-tinted glass container is sufficient for black tea at room temperature. Many also store matcha in the fridge. An airtight container is particularly important to protect the green tea powder from moisture. Pu-erh tea, traditionally aged, is an exception: it benefits from a more breathable storage environment, as full sealing can be counterproductive.
Practical Tips for Daily Life
- To keep your tea fresh, always use a dry spoon when serving to prevent moisture from entering the container, which could lead to mould.
- Only rinse your tea tins with water to avoid detergent residues that could alter the aroma.
- Avoid storing your tea near strong-smelling foods like spices or coffee, as tea can easily absorb foreign odours.
