When you purchase green tea, you need to make sure you properly store the green tea so that it is stored in an opaque, airtight container in a cool, dry place. Green tea needs to be out of the light and definitely kept out of the humidity and away from smells that can permeate the green tea leaves.
Here is a list of best practices for storing green tea. Following good green tea storage practices will keep your tea fresher for longer periods of time:
- Store green tea in an airtight container. Metal, ceramic, and even wooden containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal.
- Store green tea in a cool, dark place away from light and heat.
- Store only green tea in your containers to avoid other substances altering the flavor of your tea.
- Have separate containers for black, green, and herbal teas. Scented teas should also be stored separately.
- Buy green tea in small quantities so that you can store it properly and use it up before it gets old and loses flavor. Most experts recommend using green tea within 6 months for best taste.
Some believe that a well-preserved tea can last for up to a year before quality suffers. Green tea loses quality faster than black tea. Don't forget that freshness also depends on how well the tea has been stored from plantation to dealers to retailers.
For more information on China Green Tea or Japan Green Tea, see our loose-leaf green tea website.