Mr. Wang recently reported that the green tea he bought from a tea shop tasted great at first, but soon lost its flavor. Upon inquiry at the shop, he learned improper storage was the cause. So, what are the key considerations for preserving tea in daily life?
Tea must be kept away from high temperatures: The ideal storage temperature for tea is between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius.Exposure to high temperatures causes sugars, amino acids, vitamins, and aromatic compounds in tea leaves to break down, diminishing the tea's quality and aroma.
Tea should avoid sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight accelerates the oxidation of tea pigments and esters, causing chlorophyll to break down into magnesium-depleted chlorophyll. Tea should not be stored in glass containers, as sunlight exposure in glass or transparent plastic bags triggers chemical reactions that degrade green tea quality.
Tea should not be exposed to oxygen for extended periods: Chlorophyll, vitamin C, esters, aldehydes, and other compounds in tea readily react with atmospheric oxygen. Oxidized green tea leaves cause the brewed tea liquor to turn reddish and darken, significantly reducing its nutritional value.
Storage areas must not be excessively humid: Tea leaves are loose, porous, and hydrophilic, possessing strong moisture-absorbing properties. Optimal humidity for storage is around 60%. If humidity exceeds 70%, moisture absorption can easily cause mold spots, acidification, and deterioration.
During hot summers, tea containers should be placed in cool, shaded areas.