In the tea circle, different types of tea have different characteristics due to their unique manufacturing processes and fermentation degrees. Each kind of tea has its own unique flavor and aroma, and naturally their shelf lives are also different. If they are handled in a unified way, your tea may deteriorate! The correct storage method can not only keep the fresh taste of tea for a longer time, but also maximize its nutritional value. Here are the storage methods of nine kinds of tea for you to check.
Green tea is an unfermented tea, retaining the original natural aroma and fresh taste of tea leaves. The best storage time for green tea is generally within 1 year. After this period, its freshness will gradually decline. To keep the freshness of green tea, we need to store it in a dark, cool and dry place. If possible, refrigeration can be used, but it must be avoided being refrigerated with other foods to prevent it from absorbing strange odors. For unopened green tea that will not be consumed for a long time, it can be frozen for up to 2 years. It is recommended to use a moisture-proof bag plus an aluminum foil bag or a jar as the storage container, which can effectively prevent air and moisture from entering.
If conditions permit, refrigeration can also be adopted. However, it is also necessary to avoid refrigerating with other foods to prevent the tea from absorbing odors. Unopened yellow tea that is not consumed for a long time can be frozen and stored for two years. For storage containers, it is recommended to use moisture-proof bags plus aluminum foil bags or jars, which can ensure the dryness and aroma of the tea.
Oolong tea is classified into lightly fermented, moderately fermented, and heavily fermented according to its fermentation degree. The corresponding storage times are 1 – 2 years, 3 years, and more than 3 years respectively. No matter what the fermentation degree of oolong tea is, it needs to be stored in a dark, dry, and airtight environment. For canned oolong tea, make sure the can is filled to reduce air contact and avoid oxidation. The storage containers can be tin cans, iron cans, and porcelain jars. These materials can effectively prevent moisture and light, and maintain the unique flavor of the tea. The recommended storage temperature is around 25°C, and ensure it is airtight. The storage period of scented tea generally does not exceed 1 year because the dried flowers in scented tea are prone to oxidation and loss of fragrance. The key to storing scented tea is to keep it away from light, in a cool and dry place. When storing, choose double protection of aluminum foil bags plus moisture-proof bags or jars to ensure that the tea is not damp and does not deteriorate. The recommended storage temperature is around 5 – 10°C. It can be refrigerated and ensure it is airtight. Compressed tea includes tuocha, cake tea, etc., and can be stored for 5 – 10 years. To store compressed tea, it is necessary to choose a moisture-proof, light-proof, and well-ventilated environment. At the same time, avoid excessive external force on the tea to prevent affecting its quality. For storage containers, it is recommended to use earthenware pots, purple clay pots, or kraft paper. These materials help absorb excess moisture and strange smells. Room temperature storage is sufficient, and the recommended temperature is around 25°C. Other non-fermented teas mainly refer to green tea and lightly fermented yellow tea, and their shelf lives are not long, usually about 1 year. When storing non-fermented tea, it is necessary to choose a dark, cool, and dry environment. The storage containers can be moisture-proof bags plus aluminum foil bags or jars, which can effectively prevent the intrusion of air and moisture.
