Tea Storage Tips
When tea was first exported from China to Europe and America, the journey from the tea mountains to the Chinese ports and onward by sea to Amsterdam, Lisbon, London or New York took around a year. By the time the teas been offloaded into warehouses, sold to brokers or tea blenders, blended, packed and delivered to the merchants, another 6 to 12 months had passed slowly by and the teas were anything but fresh!
Today, with email, mobile phones, and modern transportation, the entire business of ordering tea is much quicker and more efficient, and most teas reach the supermarket or retailer’s shelves 4 months or so after the leaves were picked from the bushes. So, they taste just as fresh as they did when they left the tea factory.
Tea cup collection
Importance of Freshness:
Tea, like other food products, has an expiration date. The longer you store your tea, the more it loses its flavour and aroma. The tea leaves are delicate and absorb moisture and odours from their surroundings. This makes it important to store tea in airtight containers away from strong odours. Tea has an average shelf life of 2 years with the more delicate teas having a shorter lifespan than black teas.
How to Store Tea:
Storing your tea in the right way can help preserve its freshness, flavour, and aroma. Here are some tips for storing your tea:
- Use an Airtight Container: Use an airtight container to store your tea. Airtight containers prevent air, moisture, and odours from getting in, which can cause tea to lose its freshness.
- Keep It in a Dark Place: Tea should be stored in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. Sunlight can cause tea to oxidise, which can make it stale.
- Avoid Moisture: Moisture is the enemy of tea. It can cause tea to become mouldy and lose its flavour. Make sure your tea is stored in a dry place.
- Avoid Strong Odours: Tea can easily absorb strong odours from its surroundings. Keep your tea away from strong-smelling foods and spices.
- Don't Store It in the Fridge: Tea should not be stored in the fridge. The moisture in the fridge can cause tea to absorb moisture and odours, which can affect its flavour.
Tea Storage Containers:
Choosing the right tea storage container is also important. You want a container that is airtight and keeps tea away from moisture and strong odours. Tea By Birdy offers a variety of tea storage containers to choose from, including their Large Tea Tin 500g and Tea Tin Small 100g. These tins are perfect for storing tea and come in various sizes to suit your needs.
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the freshness, flavour, and aroma of tea. Storing tea in an airtight container, away from sunlight, moisture, and strong odours can help preserve its quality. Choose the right tea storage container to keep your tea fresh for longer. With these tips, you can enjoy a perfect cup of tea every time.
