White tea is light-colored and gentle, with a delicate and refined taste. But stored poorly, it can lose its freshness and quality quite quickly. It should also be stored in airtight containers away from light, heat, moisture, and very robust odors, which would otherwise tend to degrade its flavor and aromatic smell.
To ensure your white tea will stay fresh for as long as possible, without losing that delicate flavor and fragrance for as long as it possibly can, here are the best practices for how you should store the Premium Fuding White Tea.
Why White Tea Needs Special Care?
The tea plant is processed into white tea using exclusively the youngest buds and leaves and is subject to minimal processing. Its sensitivity to environmental factors such as light, moisture, and air makes it highly sensitive to degrade its flavor and aroma very easily. White tea’s freshness is unlike that of most teas, which undergo further oxidation. This freshness has to be kept however, and needs careful attention to storage.
Tips To Store White Tea For Freshness And Flavor
1. Choose an Airtight Container
Using an airtight container is one of the most important steps in storing white tea. Oxidation due to exposure to air may cause the loss of flavor and aroma. The tea won’t absorb moisture and surrounding odors, which will assist the tea to remain quality inside. You can use glass jars with airtight seals, metal tins or specialized tea canisters as long as they close it tightly.
2. Keep Away from Light
In general, white tea should not be exposed to direct light, especially sunlight, as direct sunlight will negatively affect the delicate white tea leaves and fade their colour. Long-term exposure to light will also cause a loss in flavor and aroma. Store in a dark place, such as a dark cupboard or pantry, if you are using a glass jar. A better option for storing the tea outside of a closed cupboard would be an opaque container, which also shields the tea from light.
3. Stored In A Cool, Stable Temperature
A cool, regular temperature is what white tea should be stored in. Tea is affected by excessive heat and different levels of temperature and it alters the tea composition and its taste. Never put white tea near heat such as a stove, oven, or sunny window sill.
Ideal storage is in a cupboard or pantry away from direct heat. Some tea enthusiasts even use wine coolers or specialized tea fridges, though a stable, cool spot in the kitchen works well for most.
4. Use Within Optimal Time
White tea, when stored properly, can last up to two years. However, it’s best enjoyed sooner to fully appreciate its fresh, delicate flavors. But if you intend to keep it for longer, inspect the tea’s scent and look every once in a while. A well-stored white tea will still have a natural, slightly floral smell and look pale and vibrant. If it looks faded on the leaves or the tea smells stale, it may have started to lose some of its original qualities.
Final Thoughts
These storage techniques allow you to preserve the delicate flavors and aroma of white tea, delivering a flavor that is alive and purely white, which is why so many folks love it. If you store your tea properly, it will protect your tea’s quality, and you will experience a better time drinking it. White tea should be left in its environs to remain fresh for longer and still be flavourful when it is used.