So you are a loose leaf tea drinker, but you’re not quite sure how you should be storing your tea. First, we must know the nature of loose leaf tea in order to better understand how to store it. To learn how to store loose leaf tea, keep reading!
What Is Loose leaf Tea?
Loose leaf teas are generally made from the unprocessed leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. They consist of mostly whole leaves with some broken parts, while bagged teas usually consist of processed parts/leaves such as dust, fannings, and pellets.
Loose leaf teas tend to be more aromatic and flavorful than bagged teas. The main types are white, green, oolong and black tea.
Because teas are dried, they can last quite a long time, however because they are dried, they can very easily absorb moisture and particles from around them. With that said, the environment in which you store your tea is a factor to consider (humidity level, other odors within the space, etc.).
Loose leaf teas should be stored in a cool and dark place. Ideally, they should be placed in an air-tight container and away from moisture and other items with strong odors (like your spices cabinet). An airtight container will help to keep out any unwanted odors, which can affect the flavor of your tea (like mentioned above, teas are highly absorbent, so for example, if you are cooking some Mexican food in the kitchen, you certainly do not want your tea tasting like tacos! Loose leaf tea is best stored in either a glass jar or in a canister type of container that provides the proper amount of protection for your tea leaves.
Another reason that loose leaf teas should be kept in airtight containers is because of oxidation. For example, green teas keep their flavor and color by having very low oxidation levels. If you were to leave green tea out, it would surely lose its green color and flavor.
Another reason that loose leaf teas should be kept in airtight containers is because of oxidation. For example, green teas keep their flavor and color by having very low oxidation levels. If you were to leave green tea out, it would surely lose its green color and flavor.
Ideally, teas should be kept in stainless steel, tin, or even airtight ceramic containers, but the problem with these types of containers is that as you consume more of your yummy loose leaf tea, there is more room for oxygen in the container. If you are unable to regularly replenish your tea supply, opting for a resealable pouch may be your better option. Purchasing an airtight double-lid container is also another option.
It’s recommended that you store your loose leaf tea in the “goldilocks zone” temperature-wise. Too hot or too cold, and it will have an adverse effect on the overall flavor of your tea. There is a rumor going around that tea can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, and this is very untrue! Unless you have a very rare type of loose leaf tea (or a powdered tea, like matcha) that requires refrigeration, most teas do not dwell well in cold climates. Loose leaf teas should also not be stored in a warm place where it can easily absorb moisture and humidity (like in your bathroom – -Ew!). Heat can also devalue the overall flavor of your tea. Try keeping your teas away from heat sources like radiators, ovens, or windows!
Some last food for thought:
In terms of tea expiration, loose leaf teas fare better than bagged teas since they have bigger particles which are less likely to lose freshness than the dusty tea in bagged teas.
For more tips and tricks to all things tea, read our blog!
