A Guide to Storing Freshly Bagged Teas
You may start to question how long green and white teas survive as you begin to consume more green tea for health reasons or to reduce weight. Since the solution depends on the storage circumstances, there is no precise solution other than broad principles.
Due to their slightly different chemical compositions, green and white teas are known to have varying storage periods. However, how well the tea is also stored significantly impacts how long a given type of tea will remain fresh. Continue reading to discover the best strategy for preserving your favourite cup of tea and details on how long green and white teas often last.
Green Tea
The plant Camellia sinensis produces green leaves and buds, which are used to make the type of tea known as "green tea." It is well-known for its antioxidant and health-promoting qualities. Green tea is one of the most refreshing teas available and gets its colour from its high caffeine level.
About a year is the typical shelf life of green tea. To avoid consistently drinking the same tea, it's a good idea to rotate your stock. It will assist in preserving freshness and preventing oxidation. Additionally, it would help if you exercise caution when purchasing pre-packaged bags because some manufacturers may leave them on the shelves or keep them in an overly warm setting, which can lead to oxidation.
White Tea
The most widely consumed type of tea is white tea. Additionally, it is thought to be the least processed caffeinated tea, which means it is virtually usually made by hand. Because of the antioxidants produced with each steeping, white teas typically last for more than a week.
You should keep white tea in an airtight bag in a cool, dark location. You can also keep white tea in zipper-sealed bags after being carefully wrapped in aluminum foil. Doing this might stop light from entering the bag and fading the flavour or colour over time.
Storage Conditions for Green and White Teas
The standard recommendation for storing green and white teas is to keep them out of the light and in an airtight container. Various storing settings that will give these kinds of teas a longer shelf life:
- Container: Your tea will last longer in a vacuum-sealed bag or a securely closed glass jar.
- Temperature: To maintain freshness and extend the shelf life of your tea, store it in the freezer or refrigerator.
- Light: Avoid exposing your tea to light since this might result in oxidation, which unfavourably alters the flavour.
What Happens to Tea During Storage?
Improper storage can wreak havoc on tea, which is a sensitive beverage. Tea can go wrong and lose its distinct flavour when stored improperly, such as in a hot or humid environment.
Tea leaves endure around six months when they are dry and kept in a container that is well covered and less exposed to the air. For black teas, this is the typical period. The storage period for green teas can be up to a year or longer if they are placed outside with lots of oxygen exposure.
White teas typically deteriorate more quickly because they contain more sugar than green teas. White teas usually last 6 to 8 weeks when stored in an airtight container away from moisture and outside gases.
Store your favourite bag of white tea in the refrigerator if you're concerned that it will spoil before enjoying it. The cold temperature should slow down the degradation process.
Summary
Although the chemical make-up of green and white teas differs significantly, how well the teas are also stored substantially impacts how long they will keep. To extend the shelf life of green and white teas, I suggest storing them upright in an airtight container at a cool temperature.
Green tea: When properly stored, green tea has a shelf life of around six months. It is recommended to store green tea in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator to increase its shelf life.
White Tea: When properly stored, white tea lasts around six months. To keep it moist and fresh, you may store it in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator.