How to store tea properly.

Astuces et Boîtes à Thé Adaptées

Tea is a delicate beverage that needs to be stored with care to preserve its aroma, freshness and benefits. Poor storage can alter its flavor and reduce its antioxidant properties. Fortunately, by choosing the right tea caddy and following a few simple rules, you can enjoy quality tea for longer. In this article, we reveal the best storage tips and recommend the ideal tea caddies for storing loose tea or tea bags.

Why is it important to store tea properly?

Tea is sensitive to many external elements: ✅ Air can oxidize the leaves and reduce their aromatic intensity.
✅ Humidity promotes the development of mold and deteriorates the tea’s texture.
✅ Light can accelerate the aging process.
✅ Odors are easily absorbed by tea leaves, altering their natural taste. Proper storage preserves the freshness, richness of flavor and health benefits of tea.

Choose the right tea caddy for best preservation

One of the most important elements in storing your tea is the container. Ideally, you should opt for an airtight , opaque tea caddy that protects the leaves from air, moisture and light. Best tea tins for storing tea:

Washi tea caddies Made in Japan, these washi paper-covered tins are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also perfectly airtight. They ensure optimal preservation while adding a touch of elegance to your tea collection.
Illustrated tea caddies Ideal for combining practicality and decoration, they store tea while adding an artistic touch to your kitchen.
Metal tins with double lid Excellent for optimal insulation, they prevent air and humidity from altering the quality of the tea.
Ceramic jars with hermetic lids: Very effective for protecting your tea from temperature variations and light.

💡 Tip: If you like to collect several varieties of tea, use individual tins for each type to avoid mixing aromas. 🔗 Discover our selection of washi tea caddies and illustrated tea caddies to store your tea with style and efficiency!

Avoid light, heat and humidity

Tea should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from light, to avoid any alteration of its aromas and benefits. Avoid storing your tea:
❌ Near a window or in direct light.
❌ Near the stove or oven.
❌ In the refrigerator or freezer (humidity can degrade the quality of the leaves).
❌ In a room where the temperature varies frequently. Ideally, place your airtight tea caddy in a closed cupboard, away from temperature and humidity variations.

Protect your tea from external odours

Tea is a powerful odor absorber, which means it can pick up surrounding aromas and lose its natural taste. Avoid storing your tea near:

Spices and herbs
Coffee and chocolate
Household products and perfumes

Choose an airtight tea caddy with a double lid to prevent unwanted absorption.

Enjoy your tea as soon as possible

Although tea does not “perish”, it gradually loses aroma and freshness over time. Ideal shelf life for different types of tea:

Green tea: 6 to 12 months
Black tea: 12 to 24 months
White tea and Oolong: up to 2 years
Pu-erh tea: improves with age

💡 Tip: Buy in reasonable quantities and store in suitable tea caddies to avoid loss of quality.

Choose loose tea for better conservation

Loose tea is generally of better quality than bagged tea, as it retains its essential oils and natural aromas better. Advantages of loose tea:
✔️ Longer shelf life
✔️ Richer flavors
✔️ Less contact with air and humidity For optimum preservation, pack your loose tea in an airtight tea caddy, such as a washi caddy or illustrated tea caddy.

Why not freeze tea?

Contrary to popular belief, freezing is not recommended for tea, as it can affect its quality. Reasons to avoid freezing:

Risk of moisture absorption
Alteration of texture and flavor
Refrigerator odor absorption

Store your tea in an airtight tin at room temperature to preserve all its qualities.

Conclusion: Keep your tea fresh with the right tin

By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, fragrant and delicious tea at any time of day. Summary of best practices:
✔️ Use an airtight, opaque tea caddy.
✔️ Store your tea in a cool, dry place.
✔️ Avoid light, humidity and strong odors.
✔️ Consume it within the optimum time.
✔️ For longer shelf life, opt for loose tea. 🔗 Discover our selection of washi tea caddies and illustrated tea caddies for perfect storage!

❓ FAQ: Everything you need to know about storing tea

📌 Where to buy a quality tea caddy?
Discover our collection of washi tea caddies and illustrated tea caddies in our store. 📌 How long can loose tea be stored?
Between 6 and 24 months, depending on the type of tea. 📌 Does bagged tea keep as well as loose tea?
No, loose tea preserves its aromas and benefits better. 📌 Can tea be stored in a glass jar?
Only if it is opaque or stored in a dark cupboard.

How to store tea properly: tips and suitable tea caddies