Chinese Tea, as a popular beverage, its quality and flavor retention are closely related to storage conditions. To preserve tea in the best condition, it is very important to understand the correct storage knowledge. The ideal storage temperature for tea should be between 5°C and 25°C (41°F and 77°F). This range can prevent tea from oxidizing too quickly and avoid mold caused by excessive humidity.
After we buy tea, we need an environment that can maintain its freshness and aroma, so that the tea can maintain a good taste. The optimal storage temperature for tea should neither be too cold nor too hot.
First of all, if the temperature is too low, such as in a refrigerator, although it can inhibit the growth of bacteria, the tea is prone to absorbing the odors of other foods in the refrigerator, affecting its original aroma. Moreover, after being taken out from the low temperature, water vapor may form on the surface of the tea due to the temperature difference, causing the tea to become damp.
On the contrary, if the temperature is too high, such as above 25°C, the components such as chlorophyll, amino acids, and vitamins in the tea will accelerate oxidation. The color of the tea will darken and the taste will deteriorate. This is like putting freshly picked flowers under the scorching sun, and they soon lose their original beauty and vitality.
So, the most ideal temperature is between 5°C and 25°C. This temperature range can both slow down the speed of the internal chemical reactions of the tea and avoid the adverse effects of the external environment on the tea. Of course, apart from temperature, humidity is also very important. The ideal humidity should be kept below 60% to prevent the tea from absorbing moisture and deteriorating.
In order to achieve such storage conditions, you can use sealed containers to store the tea, such as ceramic jars or stainless steel jars, and place them in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and high-temperature areas like the kitchen. If the humidity is high where you live, using a sealed jar with a desiccant is a good choice.
1.Ceramic Jar Storage
This method is most suitable for storing teas with a long shelf life like dark tea, white tea, and Pu’er tea! Specific method: Find a dry and intact ceramic jar. Place the tea along the edge. A bag of limestone needs to be placed in the middle to avoid the tea from getting damp. Note that the tea must fill the jar. Then seal the ceramic jar well.
2. Low-temperature Storage (Put in the Refrigerator)
This method is relatively commonly used nowadays. It is more suitable for storing green tea and yellow tea. But it should be noted that if you want to put the tea in the refrigerator, it is necessary to seal it well, and also do not put the tea together with foods with strong odors to avoid the tea absorbing the odors!
3. Iron Can Storage
This method is more suitable for storing black tea and oolong tea! We only need to find a dry and odorless iron can. Put the tea that needs to be stored in a sealed bag first, expel the air in the bag, and then put the tea in the iron can. In this way, the tea can effectively isolate the air and avoid the tea from getting damp and oxidized!
No matter which storage method is used, it is necessary to pay attention to a dry, light-proof and well-ventilated environment. Only in this way can the tea avoid getting damp or oxidized, and can be stored for a longer time.
However, having said that, no matter how good the storage method is, if the quality of the tea is not good, the taste of the tea soup you drink in the end will not be very good either. So the most important thing is to select high-quality tea.
In conclusion, the correct tea storage method can not only maintain the freshness of the tea but also extend the shelf life of the tea, allowing you to enjoy the best taste and aroma every time you make tea. Remember, temperature control is the key, and between 5°C and 25°C is a suitable temperature for preserving tea. Let every cup of tea be as wonderful as the first encounter.