"The best quality tea must have the creases like the leather boots of Tartar horsemen, curl like the dewlap of a mighty bullock, unfold like a mist rising out of a ravine, gleam like a lake touched by a zephyr, and be wet and soft like earth newly swept by rain"
—Lu Yu
Loose Leaf Tea Storage Tips
When we invest in a quality tea, we want the most out of it. Here are some tips on how to properly store your loose leaf tea:
- Tea is best kept at room temperature. Rapid changes of temperature will damage tea. Keep tea away from heaters, air conditioners and windows, especially during the harsher seasons.
- Make sure to keep tea in a dry place. Humidity will ruin tea.
- Tea absorbs nearby odors and aromas, so keep away from strong spices. It is best not to keep tea close to where food gets cooked, or places with a lot of smoke.
- Do not put your tea in the refrigerator, unless it is stored in a vacuum sealed container. Aside from the cold temperature, refrigerators generate moisture.
- Make sure to use an airtight container when storing tea. Tea exposed to the open air for lengthy periods will lose moisture, flavor and quality.
- The best way to store loose leaf tea is in a stainless steel container or in an airtight bag lined with aluminum foil. The second best option is a tinted/colored glass container. Avoid using clear glass jars to protect tea from being exposed to direct sunlight. The darker the storage location, the better.
- Never store tea in plastic.
