One of the many enjoyable aspects of tea drinking is in the selection process. Flavor, aroma, type of tea, intensity and purpose of loose leaf tea are all part of the decision making process. After you decide upon your prefect blend of loose leaf tea, caring for your tea leaves is just as important. Just how do you keep your tea fresh?
Tim Smith, owner and operator of The Tea Smith and award winning tea infusionist, says keeping your tea fresh at home starts before you buy it. Make sure teas are fresh when purchase them, make sure you choose a vendor who properly keeps tea fresh. Tim added that if you can smell tea, like in the grocery store, it is not fresh. Tea needs to be stored with life proof containers or airtight tea storage canisters and cannot be exposed to air, light or other aromas. Tea can absorb aromas from your spice cabinet and can make for an interesting flavor tea!
As for the length of tea freshness, that depends upon the tea. Properly stored tea can stay fresh for some time. We like to say that green tea should be used within six months while black tea up to one year. Tea won’t necessarily go bad but flavors and health benefits diminish. To get maximum flavor and benefits use as fresh as possible.
In keeping your tea leaves fresh keep these tips in mind:
Keep your tea in a dark place and do not use clear jars as sunlight and UV rays can bleach out and break down your tea eliminating aroma and flavor and nutrients.
Keep your tea in an airtight container so that tea leaves will not absorb moisture and unpleasant odors from the air. Keep tea in resealable zipper packages or containers that avoid excess air inside the bag or container.
Keep tea away from heat as exposure can ruin tea. Keep out of sunlight and near stoves, ovens, or other warm places. Heat can breakdown the quality of the tea and its flavor and aroma.
Keep tea away from items with strong odors as tea can easily absorb them. Spices and other pantry items are things to keep your tea clear of.
Keep your tea dry. Moisture can ruin an entire batch of tea leaves within just a few minutes. Tea leaves can absorb moisture from the air very easily and quickly. Keep tea away from humid areas as well such as dishwasher, vents or inside a refrigerator.