Tea is considered the most loved beverage among millions. In several countries, including India, tea is more of a culture. In our country, the day doesn’t start without sipping hot tea, and get-togethers are incomplete without the hot brew. There’s one fine corner in your cupboard where you’ll find a container containing tea leaves. But often, the tea leaves lose their aroma within a few weeks. This is because you’re not storing the tea properly.
Proper storage prevents the loose tea from getting spoiled. Besides, the taste of the tea evolves with time, much like that of fine wine. Loose tea can actually take time to spoil. Properly stored tea does not expire, but the flavour and aroma will change over time, especially in greener-style teas. Several tips make sure the loose tea is stored properly. The main aim is to keep the tea away from heat, light, air, odours, and moisture.
Let’s take a look at some of the tips and tricks for storing tea properly to prevent spoilage:
- Store In Steel Containers
Tea is a very delicate ingredient, and it is prone to spoilage if care is not taken properly. First and foremost, try keeping the tea in steel containers as they easily block sunlight. Exposure to light can degrade the quality of the tea. When the light comes in contact with the loose tea, the enzymes present in the tea start their decomposition process. Coloured glass containers can act as a substitute for stainless steel containers.
- Store In Airtight Container
After storing the tea in the correct container, make sure to seal it. This will prevent moisture from seeping into the tea and dampen the tea further. As tea is hygroscopic, when exposed to moisture it absorbs the water particles. An oxidation process occurs which hampers the taste, flavour, and quality of the tea.
- Store Away From Spices
Tea is a delicate ingredient that makes it receptive to odours. To keep the flavour of the tea intact, it is suggested to keep them away from strong spices, and other scented teas.
- Store In Cupboard
It is advisable to keep the tea in cool and dry places away from moisture, light, and heat. Storing them in the cupboard which is cool and dry prevents the enzymes from degrading the tea. Make sure the cupboard is away from damp places like sinks and kettles.
- Do Not Put In The Refrigerator
Make sure not to store tea in the refrigerator. It is best to keep it at room temperature. The refrigerator will not keep the tea fresh for longer and will dampen it by absorbing moisture.
- Store Tea In Bulk
Try storing tea in bulk inside the container. This maintains tea’s quality over time. Tea, when stored in bulk, helps keep it fresh as it pushes the air out of the container. Moreover, keeping all tea in one place allows it to maintain the same fragrance and freshness you enjoyed when you bought it for the first time.
- Avoid exposing Tea To Direct Sunlight
To preserve the flavor and quality of tea, it's important to shield it from bright light. Exposing tea to intense light can result in a slight metallic taste and degrade its overall quality over time. Opt for a dark storage area, particularly if using a transparent container like a glass jar, as it allows light to penetrate. Avoid placing tea on countertops where it may be exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, light exposure can lead to temperature fluctuations, which should be minimized for optimal tea storage.