For tea enthusiasts, nothing can beat the flavor of a good quality loose leaf tea. But, did you know that the way you store it can affect its freshness and taste? Yes, that's right - proper storage can increase your tea’s shelf life and ensure you get the same flavor-packed taste every time you brew it. But what's the best way to keep your loose leaf tea fresh? Read on to find out!
Ways You Can Keep Your Loose Leaf Tea Fresh For Longer
Don't Store It In Paper Or Foil Bags For Too Long
When you purchase loose leaf tea, it's likely that you'll get it packed in paper or foil bags. And sometimes, people make the mistake of leaving the tea leaves in the bags themselves, thus damaging their quality.
You see, paper or foil bags work as a temporary storage option for your tea. Since they are made of very thin material, these bags won't be enough to protect your precious tea leaves from outside elements like air and moisture. So if you don't want your tea to get spoiled, you need to transfer the leaves to a proper storage container instead of letting them lie around in the bag they came in.
Avoid Plastic Jars
When it comes to storing tea leaves, don't grab the first container you see around - especially if it is made of plastic. While plastic jars are a cheap option for everyday storage, they may contain chemicals that may leach into your tea leaves when stored for longer durations. Moreover, clear plastic also makes your tea leaves vulnerable to damage from exposure to light. Using glass containers is a better idea. A pretty glass jar with a cork lid will not only keep your loose leaf tea fresh for longer but also add more beauty to your kitchen space.
Use Airtight Containers
Before you choose a storage container for loose leaf tea, ensure that it's fully airtight. The oxygen present in the air can oxidize the components in the leaves, thereby altering the taste. So, if you use a normal jar, the tea inside will be continuously exposed to air, degrading its quality over time.
Choose a stylish airtight ceramic storage jar to keep your tea leaves safe from air and moisture. Containers made of stainless steel or natural bamboo jars are also a good choice for storage.
Use Separate Containers For Everyday Use
As mentioned above, constant exposure to air can lower the shelf life of loose leaf tea. So if you are someone who purchases tea in bulk, it's a good idea to store the majority of the leaves in a large well-sealed container. The rest you can store in a separate container for regular use. Doing so will ensure that the major portion of tea leaves retain their freshness for longer.
Avoid Exposure To Heat, Light, Or Moisture
Constant exposure to heat, light, or moisture can degrade your tea. However, this can be easily avoided by ensuring the right conditions of storage. Keep your tea storage jar in a cool place, away from direct light or moisture. Going for opaque containers is the best choice when it comes to tea leaves, as these can easily block light from reaching the contents. But you can use transparent jars, too, as long as you store them in a dark place.
Store It Away From Strong Odors
Never store your tea near foods or ingredients that have strong odors. This also includes aromatic spices. Tea leaves can easily absorb odors from things stored around them, thus impacting their flavor.
Don't Keep It In Your Refrigerator
It's a bad idea to keep tea leaves in the refrigerator, even if you are keeping it in a well-sealed jar that won't absorb the aroma from any cooked dishes. You see, a refrigerator has high moisture levels, therefore there is the risk of this moisture condensing on the tea leaves every time you open the jar to brew tea.
Summing Up
Keeping your loose leaf tea fresh isn't too hard as long as you know the right way of storing it. Make sure to transfer it to a nice airtight container soon after purchase to keep the flavor intact for long.