Correct storage of tea will mean it will last a long longer and taste just as fresh as it did on the day you bought it. Here is a list of the best and worst ways to store your tea.
- It’s best to transfer both loose tea and tea bags from a cardboard or paper packet or tub into an air-tight container.
- Tins and caddies with tight-fitting lids are good as they can keep out smells and humidity which can affect the tea.
- Storing the jars in a dark cupboard will mean the tea will keep well.
- You should never keep it in the fridge as there is always the chance that water will get into the packet.
- You should always be careful with flavoured teas, as the added flavourings can be very powerful and easily taint other teas nearby.
- For loose tea, it is essential that you check that the spoon or scoop that you use is completely dry.
- If there is even a drop of moisture on the spoon, the humidity introduced to the interior of the packet or caddy will have an effect on the quality of flavour.
According to The Spruce Eats there are also certain things you should not do when storing tea.
Air exposure increases the chances that your tea will absorb moisture and odors. So, avoid leaving tea out, sealing it with excess air in the packaging or storing it in porous packaging materials, like paper bags. Do not store your tea near a spice cabinet, trashcan or another source of odor is a no-no as tea can absorb odour very easily. Heat can degrade your tea, so avoid placing it in the sun or near heat sources like stoves or ovens. Light and UV rays degrade your tea very quickly. Avoid buying tea from vendors who store their clear tea in glass or plastic containers, and avoid storing your tea in anything clear unless you plan on keeping it in a dark cabinet.
