Found your favourite tea, the one you cannot wait to share with friends? Now it is worth storing it properly so its aroma and flavour last. Dried plants are delicate, so a few simple storage habits make all the difference. These tips apply to loose-leaf tea and most dried herbs.
Our five tips for storing tea
Keep moisture away
Tea leaves are dried to preserve them and develop their aroma. Because they are porous, they can absorb moisture and smells from their surroundings. Damp conditions may change their aroma and encourage deterioration. Avoid humid places such as the area around the sink, above the kettle or near a washing machine.
Do not leave tea exposed to air
Exposure to air encourages the oxidation of compounds in the leaves, and your tea can become stale and lose its flavour. Choose airtight pouches or tins. For delicate premium teas, you can seal them in an airtight bag before placing them in a tin.
Keep it out of the light
Sunlight and UV can gradually fade tea leaves and dried herbs, reducing their colour and aroma. Clear jars are therefore not ideal; opaque containers are better. The pouches we use for our teas and infusions protect the leaves from both light and air.
Avoid heat
High temperatures can damage tea leaves, making them overly dry and brittle. They may crumble when brewed and lose their delicate aromas. Keep your tea away from the oven, radiators and the hob.
Protect it from strong smells
Tea easily absorbs surrounding scents. This is how jasmine teais traditionally scented, by placing tea leaves in contact with flowers. To avoid unwanted flavours, keep your tea in an airtight container. If you store green or white tea in the fridge — something we generally do not recommend — make sure it is extremely well sealed.
Choosing the right tea tin
Tea containers come in metal, wood, porcelain and many other materials. A metal tea tin with a well-fitting lid, ideally with an inner seal, is a particularly good choice. It keeps light, damp and odours away so that your teas can retain their flavour for up to two years. They may remain drinkable beyond that, but their taste can gradually fade.
If you reuse a tin for another tea, wash it with water and unscented washing-up liquid, then dry it thoroughly. Any lingering scent from the previous tea could affect the next one.
An exception: Pu-erh tea
Traditionally aged Pu-erh teas can develop with time, rather like fine wine. They may be stored in breathable containers, such as terracotta or cardboard, in a well-ventilated, dry space away from strong odours.
Remember:
The ideal place: away from heat and strong smells.
The ideal container: keeps out moisture and light.
We recommend our metal tea tins, with their double protection from air and moisture. We can also provide plain labels or labels for your chosen tea on request.
Our resealable pouches are also a great option: they help protect your herbs and tea from both air and light.
More advice on preparing tea:
How to choose a filter, teapot and kettle
How to brew tea properly