Giving your tea the best life!

In valuing the positive effects a simple cup of tea can have upon its drinker, we believe that every cup served ought to be of its utmost quality. But also, we consider the drinker of this wholesome beverage to deserve the best taste, aroma, emotional and physical benefits of their chosen cuppa: the magic of this come down to how we store our tea.

Whether your tea be loose-leaf or in tea bags, tea will last longer and retain its quality better, if it is kept away from heat, light, moisture, oxygen and odours. Read on to learn the simple strategies to avoiding these tea-terrors.

Store tea in a cool and dark location:

Storing tea away from direct heat and light can prevent degrading by high temperature, and loss of freshness by light.

Near windows which receive the warmth and light of the sun, and appliances that give off heat, are best to be avoided as places to store tea.

Instead, ideal locations include closed cupboards or pantries, away from appliances. Enclosing the tea within opaque containers adds further protection from light, and adds to the tea’s shelf-life.

Store tea dry, and away from moisture:

Tea should not meet any moisture until it is dunked in the deep end, that is, when it is being steeped! During its time in storage, tea is to be kept dry, as any moisture can ruin it.

It is for this reason that tea (with the exception of tea powders, such as matcha) should never be stored in the fridge or freezer; doing so causes condensation upon thawing, which creates undesirable moisture for the tea to absorb.

Store tea in airtight containers:

Whilst many teas are produced through the process of oxidation, if this process continues longer than desired, the taste of the tea will be significantly altered, resulting in a ruined tea.

Such continuation of oxidation can occur when the tea leaves are exposed to (the oxygen in) air. We can taste ‘over-oxidation’ in this way, but we can also see it in our everyday lives: rust on iron; the browning of apple flesh; and as for tea, we may see it in the discolouration of green tea leaves.

Ways to limit the exposure of air to tea is by storing it in an airtight container. Be mindful that whilst jars and other rigid containers may be airtight, once the tea quantity reduces, there is more space for air inside the container. If possible, storing tea in airtight pouches is best, whereby you can gently squeeze out the excess air before sealing.

Store tea away from strong odours:

Whilst the cupboard might be a great storage location for your tea, away from heat and light, if it is near items which give off a strong aroma, you may need to shuffle things around. Tea can easily absorb odours from items which are around them, so if it is placed near herbs, spices or even coffee, be prepared for you tea to slightly taste like its neighbour.

This advice extends to your tea selection also. Try to avoid storing scented or blended teas (such as chai) too close to true tea (such as pure black, or green teas).

Check your labels:

If you really want to get the longest shelf-life out of your tea, then purchasing leaves from a recent harvest means you will have longer to use it. Often when teas are on sale, it can mean it is close to its best-before date, so stocking up on this ‘bargain’ may not work out so well in the end.

Also, being aware of the advised expiry dates (as shown on the teas packaging), will help ensure you enjoy tea when it is at its best. Tea blends will differ in their shelf-life, as some ingredients within certain blends (such as dried fruit) may expire quicker than the tea leaves.

If your tea-drinking habits show you may not get through a large quantity within its shelf-life, consider buying smaller portions at any one time (or host a tea party!).

In any case, always be sure to cast a keen eye over your tea before steeping, to check that it looks fresh, free of moisture and discolouration. A trusty ole sniff test is always worth it too, to check for an off, or mouldy odour.

Have these strategies in place, and you’re sure to be giving your tea its best life, and giving its drinker the best tea-consuming experience.