How to Store Loose Tea?
Like many other food products, loose tea is at its best when it's freshest. For this reason, storing it properly can help ensure your tea tastes delicious for as long as possible.
Read on for our recommendations for storing your tea to ensure it maintains optimal flavor and aroma.
Go to tins for storing loose tea >>
The best way to store loose tea
We recommend storing loose tea in an opaque, airtight container to prolong its shelf life. To keep tea fresh, protect the tea leaves from exposure to air, heat, light, and moisture. This means storing the tea in an airtight container and keeping it in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing tea near any heat source, such as a stove or a sunny window.
Containers for storing tea
At Replantea, we sell our organic teas and infusions in 100g resealable Kraft bags. They're an excellent option if you plan to finish your tea in a few weeks.
On the other hand, if you want to preserve your tea for longer, the best option is tea tins. These are decorative tins with a sliding lid that makes them completely airtight.
Go to tins for storing loose tea >>
How long does tea last?
The lifespan of tea depends on how it's stored. As a general rule, loose tea stored in an opened Kraft bag will stay fresh for about four months, and tea stored in a tin or other airtight container will stay fresh for about a year. After that, the tea won't spoil, but it will begin to lose its flavor.
On rare occasions, tea can spoil if exposed to excessive humidity and heat. If your tea looks or smells off, you should discard it and replace it with fresh tea.
What to do with expired tea?
Tea lasts a long time, but if you're like us, you may find that leftover tea accumulates. If you have very old tea that's no longer suitable for drinking, there are still some ways to use it at home. You can compost the tea leaves and also use the prepared tea to water plants. You can also use tea leaves to dye fabrics or even as watercolors. You can even use tea to clean furniture and enhance its color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should tea be stored in the refrigerator?
In most cases, it's not necessary to store tea in the refrigerator. In fact, storing tea in the refrigerator can expose it to moisture and condensation, reducing its shelf life. The only tea we recommend storing in the refrigerator is matcha tea .
How can I tell if the tea is still fresh?
In most cases, tea doesn't spoil, but over time it loses freshness, flavor, and aroma. If you're unsure whether your tea is still fresh and can't remember when you bought it, it's a good idea to inspect your tea leaves, inhale the aroma, and brew a cup to taste. Old tea often has less flavor than fresh tea.
Can I save used tea?
No. Although some teas can be re-infused, it's not recommended to reuse tea leaves more than two hours after the first infusion. You can read our article on re-infusing tea if you'd like to learn more about this topic.
What is the best container to store loose tea?
You can store loose leaf tea in any container you like, as long as it's opaque and airtight. Tins and tea canisters are excellent options for storing loose tea, but you can also use jars or other containers. Be sure to store your tea in a cool, dark place, away from any sources of heat, light, or moisture.
Can I store tea in a glass jar?
Yes, as long as you keep it in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard or cabinet. Although tea leaves look beautiful in a glass jar, you should avoid exposing them to light to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
RELATED INFORMATION
Share