When you bring home Chinese green tea, it might not always come in elegant packaging designed for long-term storage. Some tea may be in bags, which aren’t the most convenient for keeping it fresh over time. So, what are the suitable containers for storing Chinese green tea? Let’s explore this topic in detail.
In general, containers for storing tea should be made of materials such as tin, porcelain, or colored glass. Iron tins, wooden boxes, bamboo containers, plastic bags, and paper boxes are acceptable but less preferred. It’s essential that tea storage containers are kept dry, clean, and free from any lingering odors. Once tea leaves are placed inside a container, it’s best to store them in a dry and well-ventilated place, away from moisture, high temperatures, dirt, and direct sunlight. Additionally, the storage area should not have strong odors from substances like camphor, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cigarettes, or cleaning products.
Many people opt to seal their tea inside iron tins, then place these tins in plastic bags before storing them in the refrigerator. This method is also effective in preserving the tea’s freshness.
Now, let’s explore some common types of containers suitable for storing Chinese green tea:
- Purple Clay Tea Canisters (Zisha): Purple clay tea canisters are known for their double-pore structure, which enhances their breathability. These canisters are excellent for storing tea because they can maintain the freshness of the tea while dissipating any unwanted odors, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic brew. The porous nature of purple clay helps to regulate humidity inside the container.
- Porcelain Canisters: Porcelain canisters have the advantage of being both aesthetically pleasing, with their pristine white appearance and glossy glaze, and functionally stable. They effectively preserve the original quality of the stored tea and are often used for storing collectible teas.
- Wooden Tea Canisters: Wooden tea canisters provide good sealing properties, are moderately priced, and are suitable for general tea storage. However, they are not moisture-proof.
- Stainless Steel Tea Canisters: Stainless steel tea canisters offer good sealing properties, are moderately priced, and excel in preventing moisture and light exposure. They are suitable for storing everyday teas at home.
- Tin Tea Canisters: Tin canisters provide excellent sealing, light protection, moisture resistance, and odor control. They are a preferred choice for storing relatively valuable teas.
- Iron Tea Canisters: Iron canisters have relatively good sealing properties and are effective at blocking light. However, their moisture resistance is lower, and over time, they may develop rust.
Among these materials, tin tea canisters are considered among the best for contemporary tea storage and provide optimal preservation. Purple clay canisters and hand-painted porcelain canisters also have their unique advantages, making them favored choices, especially among tea collectors.
Besides the choice of container material, several other factors can influence the taste of green tea:
1. Temperature: The ideal temperature for storing Longjing tea, for example, is between 0°C to 5°C. If the temperature is too high, the tea may oxidize rapidly, while excessively low temperatures can affect its taste and aroma. Some people store tea in the freezer, where temperatures typically hover around -17°C. However, this can lead to the crystallization of any moisture in the tea, potentially diminishing its freshness.
2. Humidity: Tea leaves prefer a dry environment. When exposed to humidity, they may gradually lose their vibrant green color and become darker. It’s crucial to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and, if possible, isolate the tea from oxygen. For instance, tea containers should be filled to capacity, minimizing the presence of air, which can hasten oxidation.
In summary, the choice of an ideal container for storing Chinese green tea depends on your preferences and the type of tea you have. Containers made of materials like tin, porcelain, and colored glass are generally excellent choices for preserving tea. The key is to maintain a clean, odor-free, and dry environment for your tea containers. Proper storage ensures that your green tea remains fresh, aromatic, and full of flavor for an extended period.
