When tea lovers encounter good tea, they always buy some and store it at home. They can enjoy a cup of tea in their spare time or make a pot when friends come… So tea storage is a matter that requires great attention. If the tea is not stored properly and when you make it again, you find that the taste is completely different from the original. That would be a great pity. Next, I will introduce in detail how to store tea at home.
Main Factors Affecting Tea Deterioration
– Light: Light irradiation can accelerate various chemical reactions and have an adverse impact on tea storage. Therefore, tea should be stored in the dark.
– Temperature: The higher the temperature, the faster the aging rate of tea. Experimental results show that for every 10-degree increase in temperature, the aging rate of tea accelerates by 3 to 5 times. If tea is stored in a cold storage below 10 degrees Celsius, the browning process can be better delayed.
– Moisture: Moisture is a necessary condition for many chemical reactions during the tea aging process. Research results suggest that when the moisture content in tea is about 3%, the oxidation and deterioration of lipids can be effectively delayed. When the moisture content in tea exceeds 6%, the aging rate accelerates sharply.
– Oxygen: Oxygen can combine with many chemical components in tea and cause oxidation and deterioration. For example, catechins, vitamin C, tea polyphenols, theaflavins, thearubigins, and esters in tea will all oxidize and deteriorate. Therefore, tea is best stored in isolation from oxygen.
The key to tea storage is >> to prevent pressure, moisture, seal, avoid light, and prevent strange odors. Usually, the aroma and taste of tea will change to some extent after storage. However, if it is stored under high temperature, high humidity, and sunlight, the tea will age and deteriorate in a short time.
Storage Methods for the Six Major Tea Categories
– Precautions for other tea storage methods: Different scented teas should be stored separately to avoid absorbing each other’s fragrance. They are easy to absorb strange odors and confuse the original aroma.
Small Tips for Home Tea Storage
Tea has hygroscopic and strong adsorptive properties and is very easy to absorb moisture and strange odors in the air. If the storage method is slightly improper, the tea will lose its flavor in a short period. Here are some home tea storage rules for you.
1. Can Storage Method
The can storage method is one of the more common methods for home tea storage, mainly using iron cans, bamboo boxes, or wooden boxes. If these cans or boxes are double-layered, the moisture-proof performance will be better. The iron cans or boxes containing tea should be placed in a cool place to avoid moisture and direct sunlight. If the canned tea is not to be consumed for the time being, it can be sealed with transparent tape to prevent moist air from seeping in.
Tea Categories Suitable for This Method
– Black tea is prone to getting damp or losing its fragrance. It is better to store it in tin foil or tin foil cans.
– Oolong tea (semi-fermented tea) is relatively easy to store. There is nothing better than using a tin can to store it. If not, an iron can or porcelain can is also a good choice.
Specific Methods: First, place a thin plastic bag inside the can to maintain cleanliness. Each can may contain 1-2 small packets of silica gel to keep the can dry. After packing, seal the lid and store in a cool, shaded place.
Tan Storage Method: The container chosen must be dry, odorless, and well-constructed. Common containers include ceramic pots and stainless steel barrels. It is important to note that different teas should not be stored together as their distinct flavors can contaminate each other and lose their original characteristics. Applicable Tea Types: Yellow tea benefits from storage in a ceramic pot to maintain dryness. Specific Methods: Wrap the tea in kraft paper or thicker paper. Place the tea into the pot, with lime packets in the middle, the size of which depends on the situation. Use cotton or thick paper at the mouth of the pot to reduce air circulation. Generally, after more than a month, check and replace if the color of the lime has deepened. Bottle Storage Method: The lining of a thermos bottle has excellent light-proof, insulation, and air-isolation properties. It is important to choose a thermos with good insulation. Applicable Tea Types: Oolong tea can also be stored in a thermos bottle, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed and the bottle mouth is sealed with wax. Specific Methods: Fill the dry tea into the bottle, making sure it is sufficiently filled, leaving no space inside the bottle. Seal the bottle mouth with a stopper, and if you also seal the mouth with wax and wrap it with adhesive tape, the effect will be better. This mainly prevents air from entering the bottle. Bag Storage Method: This is the most commonly used method and one of the simplest and most economical ways to store tea at home. It is important to note that the plastic bag must be a food packaging bag, preferably high-density and high-strength. Pu-erh tea and white tea are not suitable for plastic bag sealing. Applicable Tea Types: Black tea and green tea can be packaged in plastic bags. Specific Methods: Package the tea in soft paper or kraft paper, then put it into a plastic bag and tie the mouth with a string. Refrigeration Method: Since tea in high-temperature places is prone to accelerate oxidation or aging deterioration, it is suitable to store tea in a cool place, which can slow down its auto-oxidation speed. Applicable Tea Types: Green tea is most suitable for storage in the refrigerator. Black tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea do not need to be stored in the refrigerator. This is because black tea and oolong tea have low levels of polyphenols, which slow down aging and deterioration, making them easy to store. Pu-erh tea contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes that need to function in a ventilated, cool, and dry environment. White tea is resistant to storage, and its storage is more environmentally friendly, without the need for low-temperature preservation, just keep it at room temperature and prevent odors.Specific Methods: – Pack the tea in small packages and seal it in iron or tin containers. Then put it in a plastic bag to prevent moisture and store it in the refrigerator. – If you need to drink the tea frequently and the storage time is short, you can put it in the refrigerator compartment with the temperature controlled at around 5°C. If it is unopened and needs to be stored for more than a year, it should be placed in the freezer. Even if you have high-quality tea at home, it needs to be stored under the right conditions to maximize its collection value. Try the above methods quickly.
