Key Facts
- Tea is delicate: light, moisture, air, heat and odors damage its aroma and effect.
- Particularly sensitive: Green tea, white tea & jasmine tea
- Storing tea correctly helps it stay fresh for up to 2 years – Pu-erh tea can even mature.
- Storage affects not only the taste, but also the character of the tea.
Why is proper storage so important?
Tea is a natural product. Its aromas are created through elaborate processing – and they can easily be lost. Oxidation, UV radiation, foreign odors, or moisture can quickly make high-quality tea taste bland or musty.
The good news: With a few simple rules, you can optimally protect your tea.
The 5 biggest enemies of tea (and how to avoid them)
| factor | problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Light | UV rays destroy aromas | Store in a dark place, not in glass containers |
| moisture | Mold & loss of aroma | Store in a dry and airtight container |
| Air | Oxidation & Aging | Cans with seals, little air space |
| Odors | Tea absorbs foreign aromas | Store tea separately in odor-neutral containers. |
| heat | The aroma disintegrates, especially in green tea. | Room temperature, away from heaters, no refrigerator |
Storing tea correctly
Here's how to properly store loose tea:
- Airtight seal (e.g. aroma container with seal)
- Protected from light (metal or coated packaging)
- Not in the refrigerator (humidity!)
- Keep away from spices, coffee, cleaning products, etc.
- Quiet, dark & dry – e.g. in the pantry
Our recommendation: Many of our original packages are already lightproof and resealable.
Storage instructions for each type of tea
type of tea |
sensitivity |
Shelf life (optimal freshness) |
Special features |
| Green tea | Very sensitive | 6–12 months | Consume quickly, store in a cool place |
| White tea | High | 12 months | Delicate aroma, store separately |
| jasmine tea | High | 6–8 months | Fragrances evaporate quickly |
| Oolong | Medium | 12–18 months | Partially fermented, robust |
| Black tea | Small amount | Up to 2 years | Good storage life |
| Pu Erh | Very robust | Years to decades | Can be selectively ripened (Sheng) |
