Storage Tips for Looseleaf Tea
Looseleaf tea is the preferred choice for many connoisseurs. This is because leaves, which can be bought in stores like Diehl's Real Teas, often pack more flavor than mass-produced tea bags, and there are more choices in artisan blends of herbs and tea. You can also better control the strength of your tea when using tea leaves. Proper storage is a must if you want your quality leaves to retain their initial flavor profile.
Tip #1: Choose a container
The containers and boxes that some looseleaf teas come in are useless once open. You need an airtight container to ensure the quality of the tea is maintained. Oxygen causes tea leaves to oxidize, and that affects flavor. You can purchase metal tins with tight-fitting lids that seal when closed, which prevents oxidation from occurring. There are also wooden tea boxes designed to hold multiple flavors of tea that close tightly with a light seal to help keep oxygen out.
Tip #2: Manage the temperature
High temperatures can also cause the flavor of your looseleaf teas to break down, ruining what would otherwise have been a flavorful cup. Store tea in a dark cabinet or at least in a container that isn't placed in direct sunlight. Avoid areas of the home that get warm, such as cabinets above the oven or storage shelves near heat vents, since this can overheat the stored tea and ruin the flavor.
Tip #3: Consider long-term storage
If you plan to store tea for a long period of time, consider alternative storage methods. You can place an oxygen-absorbing packet, available from some tea suppliers, in the storage container to help prevent oxidation. For even better storage, seal the container inside a freezer bag and store it in the freezer to help prolong the quality of the tea. Just make sure there is no moisture trapped in the tea container or storage bag, as this can result in the formation of ice crystals and a burned taste once the tea is brewed.
Tip #4: Practice odor control
Tea can absorb odors quite easily. This is yet another reason to store it in a tightly sealed container or to put it in plastic before freezing. You should also avoid keeping tea near odor-heavy areas. For example, don't store your tea container in the spice cabinet or near your onion-storage bin. Always shut the container promptly after retrieving the tea you need to ensure there is as little odor exposure as possible.