3 Rules To Storing Tea

3 RULES TO STORING TEA

Tea is a hardy item. It keeps well. Nevertheless, you have to follow some simple rules in maintaining its flavor and integrity. The most basic is - no glass or plastic see-through jars. If you are buying your tea from a tea shop that keeps its tea in glass jars, change your tea vendor! For proper tea - Black, Green, Oolong, White - tea must be stored in a container that follows these three basic rules:

Look for tea canisters that are food-grade with a tight-fitting lid, easy to use, easy to clean. They should stay true to the objective - no exposure to direct light or sunlight, no air and no moisture. Cold and heat do not adversely affect the quality of the tea but moisture will ruin a good leaf.

Tisanes and herbs may be stored in glass jars. These include peppermint, lemongrass, chamomile and others in this family. But for real Tea, look for properly insulated bags from your tea vendor (not just the simple kraft coffee bags with a thin liner) or a canister.

Once you take it home, leave it in its original packing in a cool, dry place. Avoid the refrigerator and keep your tea away from strong-smelling foods. Matcha is an exception and should be stored in the refrigerator, properly sealed. Follow these simple rules and your tea will maintain their freshness for a long time. Although tea will last for a few years, we recommend you buy enough for a few months at a time, then replenish. Flavored teas should be used within a few months since the flavor will dissipate over time. Canisters or containers that have once contained flavored teas should be thoroughly washed and dried before being filled with other teas.