How to store tea so that it does not lose its flavor and aroma

Even though tea has a fairly long shelf life, if stored improperly, its flavor can change for the worse. Therefore, the pleasure of the tea experience will be ruined. Where and how should RICHARD^® tea be properly stored, and what can affect it?

Humidity

Humidity is tea's greatest enemy. It absorbs water well, causing rapid spoilage and a risk of mold. Additionally, the moisture releases the flavor from the leaves. If the package is placed near the sink, dishwasher or over the stove where something is constantly cooked and boiling, the tea will lose flavor and smell unpleasant after a while. Therefore, it is preferable to immediately transfer the tea from the carton into a tin or ceramic container with a tightly closing lid.

Tips:

Place a food moisture absorber in the kitchen cupboard where the tea will be stored.

Sunlight

The loose leaf tea dislikes sunlight: it dries the leaves, changes their color and activates oxidative processes, resulting in the deterioration of both the beneficial properties and the taste of the drink. Even a dim diffused light can cause damage, so even if you like clear jars, it is better to remove them from the open shelves to the dark closet. Another option is to store the tea in hermetically sealed light-tight packages.

Tips:

Keep tin packs of RICHARD^® loose-leaf tea for tea storage.

Temperature

It is advisable to keep tea in a cool place, preferably at a temperature between 0 and 18 °C. In the kitchen it should be shelves far from the hob, microwave, electric kettle or heater. However, the refrigerator is not suitable for storing tea either: if the package is constantly taken in and out, condensation will form on the tea leaves due to the drastic temperature difference.

Foreign odors 

It is strongly advised not to keep tea, even in tin packages, near spices, seasonings, garlic, onions and other strong-smelling foods. Tea leaves excellently absorb odors, and as a result, the beverage may gain undesirable flavor or aroma notes. Meanwhile, in the cupboard next to cereals, flour and canned foods, the tea will stay safe.

Tips:

Be sure to thoroughly wash and dry storage containers before placing new volumes of tea in them.

What else is undesirable:

• Touching leaves with your hands. Use a clean, dry spoon.
• Keep tea in cloth bags, cartons and paper bags - they are breathable and wick away moisture.
• Tuck the tea into the jar, as the leaves are easily damaged. Whole leaves are less likely to oxidize and retain the beneficial properties, flavor and aroma.
• Ignore the expiration date. For example, RICHARD^® Lord Grey is stored for 24 months and Royal English Breakfast is stored for 36 months.

What about the tea bags?

Since sachet tea is no different from loose-leaf tea, the above guidelines apply as well. Tea bags should not be taken out of their original sealed packaging. Allocate a pretty box with cells, lay out sachets of your favorite flavors, and open them just before tea time.