In Taiwan's humid environment, if tea is not
stored in correct way after opening, it will be damp and absorb many other
materials in the air.
We believe many people have drank damp tea
that are tea-drenched and have sour taste. Because the dried tea has strong
characteristics such as absorption of moisture and taste, after buying the good
tea, you must know how to preserve, so as not to make tea’s taste and aroma
deterioration.
Characteristics of tea:
Before we talk about the preservation of tea,
we should first understand the characteristics of tea.
1. Tea leaves are afraid of light.
Irradiation of any source of light for a long time (including fluorescent
lamps) will degrade tea.
2. Tea leaves are afraid of moisture. They
will lost their flavor and have a sour taste.
3. Tea leaves are afraid of heat. High
temperatures will degrade tea.
4. Tea leaves can easily absorb odors.
5. When tea leaves are exposed to air,
oxidation will continue.
So why are tea leaves wrapped in aluminum
foil bags? It is an important factor that effectively prevents the above five
points from deteriorating tea.
▲Aluminum foil bags
Tea preservation methods:
1. Moisture
The primary condition for proper preservation
of tea leaves is the control of the moisture. The air contains a lot of
moisture, and the tea leaves are affected by moisture, which in turn leads to
deterioration of the taste.
[Suggestions]
After taking the tea leaves, the
air inside the aluminum foil bag must be squeezed out. Besides, in order to
isolated the tea leaves from air, moisture, and odor, the the aluminum foil bag
should be folded back several times, clamped with two long tail clips, and
finally placed in a double-layered can. Try to keep the tea in its best
condition during storage.
Important reminder: When taking tea, try not
to grab it directly by hand. Because the hand itself will produce heat and
moisture, it will easily make the tea spoil.
▲Taking tea with tea spoon
2. Light
Tea is very sensitive to light. Long-term
exposure will accelerate various chemical reactions in the tea and change its
quality.
[Suggestions]
The package of tea leaves is
packed in opaque aluminum foil bags to prevent direct light from causing
deterioration of the tea. However, in spite of aluminum foil bag packaging, it
is still necessary to store the tea in a cool place.
3. Temperature
The temperature will cause the volatilization
of tea aroma, and the high temperature will accelerate the deterioration of tea
quality.
[Suggestions]
It is recommended to store tea
leaves in a cool place without direct sunlight. After unsealing, please squeeze
out the air from the aluminum foil bag, seal it in the correct way, and store
it in a double-layered can.
Important reminder: Please be sure to use
double-layered can to have better air-tight effect. In addition, do not pour
tea directly into cans for storage. It must be packed in aluminum foil bags and
then put into cans.
▲Double-layered can
4. Oxygen
If tea leaves are exposed to air, it will
cause oxidation of the substances in the tea leaves, resulting in deterioration
of the tea.
[Suggestions]
The common methods of tea
packaging are vacuum, nitrogen-filled or deoxidizer packaging. According to
each tea’s production method and appearance, the applicable packaging methods
are also different. Ball-shaped tea can be vacuum-packed. However, the strip-shaped tea is more fluffy, and the vacuum is easy to break the tea. Thus, the
deoxidizer must be put in and then sealed. This way is used to exclude the
internal air. Therefore, the correct packaging ways can effectively preserve
the shape, color, aroma, and taste of tea. If combined with temperature and
humidity control, it will prevent tea deterioration better.
▲Ball-shaped tea
▲Strip-shaped tea
Based on the above reasons, we have
summarized several suggestions:
1. Tea should be placed in a cool place, not
in a place where it is light or wet. That is, kitchen is extremely unsuitable.
2. For heavily fermented and highly roasted
teas, such as Dong Ding, Tie Guan Yin, Honey Oolong, and Oriental Beauty, the
direct pouring into tea cans after opening is regarded as a requirement for
"arousing tea." Pots will be the best choice for tea storage. Then,
place non-phosphorous paper in the mouth and seal it. For mildly fermented
teas, such as Pouchong Tea and fragrant High Mountain Tea, it should not be
poured into pots after opening. It is better to drink as soon as possible.
About Renaissance of Tea
The Renaissance of Tea team visits tea plantations every year to discuss with their owners
and tea artisans the desired level of fermentation and roasting based on the season and climate.
Renaissance of Tea tasters then evaluate and select the finest teas so to make sure that
every cup offered will bring guests a heart-touching moment.
DRYWTEA homepage：https://drywtea.com/
Online mall：https://drywtea.en.taiwantrade.com/
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