How to Store Herbal Tea Properly and Keep It Fresh
By Rachel Walters
At Tribal Tea Co., we craft our herbal loose-leaf teas with care, using the finest ingredients to ensure that every sip brings out the best flavors and benefits. However, even the highest-quality tea can lose its flavor and freshness if it isn’t stored properly. Storing herbal tea correctly is key to preserving its quality, aroma, and taste over time. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your tea fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you need it.
- Keep Your Tea in an Airtight Container
One of the most important factors in preserving the freshness of herbal tea is preventing exposure to air. Loose-leaf tea is delicate and can quickly lose its flavor when exposed to oxygen. The solution? Store your tea in airtight containers. Choose a tin or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep air out and lock the flavor in.
Pro tip: If you’re using a glass jar, make sure it’s tinted or kept in a dark space (more on this below) to protect your tea from light exposure.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
Just like air, sunlight can be tea’s worst enemy. Herbal teas can become stale and lose their vibrant flavor when exposed to direct light. Store your tea in a dark, cool cupboard or pantry. If your container is transparent, like a glass jar, opt for a shaded area or use an opaque container to block out the light.
- Stay Away from Moisture
Moisture is another element that can ruin your tea. Herbal teas, especially loose-leaf blends, can absorb humidity from the air, which can cause mold or change the flavor profile. Always store your tea in a dry environment and never keep it near humid spots like above the stove or sink.
If you live in a humid area, it might be worth investing in some silica gel packets to place in your tea storage container (do not empty the gel packet directly in the tea!) to absorb excess moisture.
- Avoid Strong Odors
Herbal teas, especially those made with flowers, spices, and dried fruit, are highly absorbent and can easily pick up surrounding odors. To avoid your tea tasting like last night’s leftovers, store it away from strong-smelling foods or spices. This is another reason airtight containers are so important—they help keep unwanted odors at bay.
- Store in Small Batches
If you’ve found a favorite blend at Tribal Tea Co. and stocked up, it’s best to store the bulk of your tea in a cool, dry place and only transfer smaller amounts to a more accessible container. This way, you’re only exposing small batches to air and light each time you open your container, keeping the rest of your stash fresh for longer.
- Use Your Tea While It’s Fresh
Herbal teas are at their best when consumed within six months to a year after purchase. Over time, the oils in the tea leaves begin to break down, which affects both flavor and potency. While it’s possible to enjoy tea past this timeframe, you’ll notice a difference in taste and aroma. So, while we love stocking up on our favorite blends, try to enjoy your tea within a reasonable time frame for the freshest experience.
- Buy Quality Tea
Finally, the freshness of your tea starts with the quality of the tea itself. At Tribal Tea Co., we ensure that our herbal teas are packaged and shipped to maintain maximum freshness. Whether you’re trying our year-round blends or our seasonal favorites, starting with high-quality tea is the first step to a fresh, flavorful brew.
Ready to enjoy some fresh, flavorful tea? Explore our full selection of herbal blends and tea accessories today!