🌿 How to Store Oolong Tea
1. Keep Oolong Tea Dry and Away from Moisture
Since Oolong tea is dried and packed in clean, dry conditions to prevent mold and bacterial contamination, it’s important to store it properly after opening.
Once you cut open the bag, keep the tea in a dry place. You can either tightly reseal the original bag or transfer the tea into a clean, airtight container.
It’s best to use glass jars, ceramic containers, or tin cans for storage. Avoid using plastic jars, as the tea can easily absorb the plastic odor, which affects the aroma and flavor. After each use, make sure the container is tightly closed.
2. Keep Tea Away from Light and Heat
Light and humidity are considered the two biggest “enemies” of dry tea. When tea leaves are exposed to sunlight, heat, or moisture in the air, they lose their color, aroma, and beneficial properties.
Never store tea in open or clear containers. Instead, choose opaque, airtight containers that block out light and air. Place them in a cool, dry, and stable environment.
The best place to store tea is in a kitchen cabinet—a spot with low light and stable temperature. Avoid storing tea near stoves or heat sources, as the warmth and steam can damage the tea. Refrigerators are also not ideal for tea storage.
3. Keep Tea Away from Strong Odors
This is extremely important because tea naturally absorbs surrounding odors very well. If tea absorbs external smells, it will lose its original delicate fragrance and flavor. In some cases, strong odors can even alter the tea’s composition.
Avoid storing tea near herbs, spices, or any strongly scented items. Keeping tea in airtight containers is the best way to protect it from absorbing unwanted smells and to preserve its natural aroma.
4. Do Not Store Scented Teas with Oolong Tea
If you store scented teas together with Oolong, the fragrance from the scented tea will transfer to the Oolong, altering its delicate aroma.
Always check the scent of the tea before storing it. Mixing different tea fragrances can result in an overpowering scent that diminishes the natural elegance of Oolong tea.