Tea Info › Storing Tea
Storing Your Tea
There are four things tea doesn't like: light, air, moisture and heat. Tea also soaks up strong smells easily. So the best place for your tea is an airtight container, kept in a cool, dry, dark cupboard.
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Keep It Fresh
Seal it tight
Air slowly dulls tea's flavor. Close your container well after each use, and choose a container that's not much bigger than the amount of tea inside.
Keep it dark
Light fades tea quickly. Use an opaque container, or keep a clear one in a closed cupboard.
Keep it dry
Moisture is tea's biggest enemy. Always use a clean, dry spoon, and keep tea away from the kettle, stove and sink.
Keep it cool
Store tea at room temperature or a little below, away from the oven, sunny windows and other appliances that get warm.
Keep it away from strong smells
Tea absorbs odors, so store it away from spices, coffee, onions and garlic, and keep strongly flavored teas apart from delicate ones.
Skip the fridge
Taking tea in and out of the fridge or freezer can cause condensation inside the container. A cool cupboard is better for everyday tea.
How Long Does Tea Stay Fresh?
It depends on the tea. Delicate green teas taste their freshest within a few months of opening. Black teas and well-rolled oolongs keep their flavor longer. Some white teas are even aged on purpose, and they mellow over time. Whatever you're drinking, let your nose and your cup be the judge: fresh tea smells lively and fragrant.