Maintain freshness and flavor! The correct way to store tea leaves

Introduction

Even if you buy delicious tea, if it is not stored properly it will spoil and its flavor and aroma will change dramatically.

Tea is a very delicate food that can easily deteriorate when affected by temperature, humidity, light, air, etc.

In addition, it easily absorbs odors from the surrounding area, so the basic rule for preservation is to put it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place.

Where to store tea leaves

The following locations are recommended for storing tea leaves:

1. A cool place out of direct sunlight: Tea leaves are sensitive to light, so they should be stored out of direct sunlight. Also, avoid storing them in the kitchen or on top of electrical appliances, as hot and humid places can cause mold.
2. Refrigerator or freezer: You can also store it in the refrigerator or freezer. If you are storing it in the refrigerator, store it in the vegetable compartment, and if you are storing it in the freezer, store it in an airtight container.

Storage Containers

Store tea leaves in an airtight container.

1. Tea canister: An airtight container for tea leaves. By transferring tea leaves, it blocks out light and helps maintain the freshness of the tea leaves.
2. Ziploc or other airtight bag : If you don't have a tea canister, you can use a Ziploc bag instead. Make sure to remove all the air before storing.
3. Canister or other airtight container : Storing with a food desiccant will help preserve tea leaves more effectively.

Unopened tea leaves

At home, buy small quantities if possible and store it in the original condition, in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

And it is best to use it up within a month or so.

If you store it in the refrigerator or freezer, make sure to store it in an airtight container.

When you take it out of the refrigerator, do not open it immediately, but wait a while and let it return to room temperature before opening it.

Sudden changes in temperature can cause condensation on the container and on the surface of the tea, reducing its quality.

Tea leaves after opening

How you store the tea after opening it depends on how often you drink it.

If you drink tea on a daily basis, there is no need to store it in the refrigerator. Frequent taking it out and putting it back in the refrigerator will cause condensation to form and cause it to spoil faster.

Do not store in the refrigerator; store in a cool, dark place.

As a light-proof and airtight bag, you can use aluminum bags used to store seaweed.

Place the tea bag along with the desiccant in an aluminum bag, remove all air and seal tightly.

On the other hand, if you don't drink tea every day, you can transfer the tea leaves to an airtight container such as a tea caddy, Ziploc bag, or canister and store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.

Putting it in an airtight container not only prevents moisture, but also keeps the food from absorbing the smell of other foods.

You can also store the tea leaves more effectively by adding a food desiccant to them, then store them in the refrigerator or in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

If the container is not sealed properly, the moisture content of the tea will increase due to humidity, leading to oxidation of the ingredients.

In addition, it absorbs oxygen from the air, causing the oxidization of catechins and chlorophyll, and absorbs various odors from the surrounding area, resulting in a significant deterioration in its quality.

If the container is not light-proof, the light will break down the chlorophyll and the tea will turn brown.

Can also be frozen

If you drink it once a week, or even once a month, you can store it in the freezer if you don't plan on drinking it for a while.

If it is unopened, you can store it in the freezer.

If the tea has already been opened, although it may be a bit of a hassle, we recommend dividing the tea leaves into small portions using plastic wrap or similar and then storing them in an airtight container such as a plastic bag.

This helps keep out odors and moisture, and also allows you to take out only the amount you need each time.

Precautions when freezing food

If you store it in the freezer, be careful when opening it as condensation may form.

Do not use immediately after opening. Instead, take it out of the freezer and leave it at room temperature for half a day to about a day, and make sure that all condensation has disappeared before using it.

summary

Tea is generally best enjoyed about one month after opening.

No matter how securely you seal it, the longer it is stored, the more the flavor and aroma will inevitably deteriorate. After opening, try to drink it as soon as possible.

The same goes for unopened tea leaves. Although it cannot be compared to opened tea leaves, even unopened tea leaves will lose their freshness if left for a long time.

Freshness is essential for the taste and aroma of tea.

Many people who receive good tea will keep it carefully, rather than using it immediately, to save it for when guests come over or when everyone gets together over the New Year holidays. However, it would be a shame to let it deteriorate while being stored away in the back of a cupboard.

For delicious tea, open the package as soon as possible to enjoy the freshness and original flavor of the tea leaves.