How to store tea?

Tea is a sensitive commodity, and the way you store it has a big impact on its taste, aroma and shelf life. Whether you love green tea, black tea or herbal tea, it's important to protect it from the five elements that can spoil it: light, air, heat, moisture and strong odors. In this guide, you'll learn how to store tea properly , how long tea can stay fresh, and how to ensure the best possible quality over time.

How should tea be stored?

To preserve the taste and aroma of tea, it should be stored in an airtight container , protected from external influences. The five elements that affect tea the most are:

Light – Protect the tea from sunlight.

Direct light, especially sunlight, can break down the natural oils and antioxidants in the tea leaves, causing the flavor to deteriorate more quickly.

• Store the tea in dark containers or in a cupboard where light does not enter.
• It's tempting to store tea in glass jars because it's decorative, but avoid clear glass jars unless they're in a drawer or closed cabinet.

Air – Avoid oxidation

Tea absorbs moisture and odors from the air, and oxidation can degrade its quality quickly.

• Use airtight containers , preferably made of metal or ceramic with a good seal.
• Avoid storing in plastic or paper bags for long periods of time, as plastic and paper let air in. Our bags have a layer of metal, which means they protect the tea well.
  

Heat – Keep your tea cool

High temperature can accelerate the decomposition of the tea leaves and produce a flatter flavor.

• Store the tea at room temperature, or preferably in a cool cupboard or drawer, away from ovens, heaters or sunlight. It is not advisable to store the tea in the cupboard above the stove.
• Avoid refrigerators or freezers, as temperature changes can cause condensation and moisture. A closed matcha box can be stored in the refrigerator for longer shelf life, but this will cause the powder to clump somewhat.

Humidity – Keep the tea dry

Tea attracts moisture very easily, and damp tea leaves can mold or lose flavor quickly.

• Avoid storing on the kitchen counter where steam from cooking may affect the tea.
• Do not use wet spoons or measuring tools when taking tea from the container.
• If humid environments are unavoidable, consider using moisture-absorbing bags in the tea containers.

Strong odors – Avoid flavor transfer

Tea is like a sponge and attracts strong odors from its surroundings.

• Keep your tea away from spices, coffee, perfume and other foods with strong aromas.
• Use a separate container for each type of tea to avoid flavor transfer.
• If you love flavored teas, make sure to store them separately from pure teas to preserve their original character.

Storage and shelf life for different types of tea

Different teas have different shelf lives and requirements for proper storage.

Green tea and white tea

Green and white teas are more sensitive than black tea because they have a higher content of natural oils and antioxidants that break down faster.

• Optimal storage: Airtight metal or ceramic boxes, or our white bags, in a dark and cool room.
• Shelf life: 6–12 months for best taste. After that, it may become flat but is still safe to drink.

Black tea

Black tea is oxidized, which makes it more stable than green tea.

• Optimal storage: Airtight container, or our white bags, preferably a classic tea tin or tight glass jar in a cupboard.
• Shelf life: 1–2 years, but can last longer if stored properly.

Pu-erh and fermented tea

Pu-erh tea matures over time and can actually improve if stored properly.

• Optimal storage over time: A breathable container (such as a paper bag or clay jar) in a stable environment. Our Pu-erh gold that is to be drunk immediately is stored in our packaging.
• Shelf life: Several years – some collectors store pu-erh for decades.

Herbal tea

Herbal teas, including rooibos and chamomile, are often more sensitive to moisture.

• Optimal storage: Airtight container, or our white bags, in a dry environment.
• Shelf life: 6–24 months, depending on ingredients.

Summary

Storing tea properly is about protecting it from light, air, heat, moisture and odor . For optimal storage:

✔ Use airtight containers made of metal or ceramic. Or our white bags.
✔ Keep the tea away from sunlight and heat – store it in a cupboard or a dark drawer.
✔ Avoid damp areas to prevent loss of flavor.
✔ Store each tea separately to preserve its original aroma.

By following these simple rules, you can enjoy a fresh and flavorful cup of tea every time!

Do you have tea that needs better storage? Explore our range of tea tins and storage solutions to ensure your tea stays fresh for as long as possible!