Brewing
How Should You Store Loose Leaf Tea?
Store loose tea sealed in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors. The kitchen counter can be convenient, but proximity to heat, steam, or spices may dull the leaf.
Protect aroma first
Dry tea readily picks up surrounding smells. A container that closes well helps keep a floral tea from tasting like the spice cabinet. Keep it away from the stove, kettle steam, and sunny windows.
The UK Tea & Infusions Association recommends a cool, dry place and avoiding strongly flavored or perfumed foods. An opaque tin or tightly sealed pouch is usually more useful than a decorative clear jar in direct light.
Buy what you will drink
Storage can preserve tea, but it cannot improve tea that has already lost its fragrance. Choose an amount that fits your actual drinking pace. Write the opening date on the container if you rotate several teas.
If a tea smells flat, brew a small test cup before discarding it. Taste, not an arbitrary calendar deadline, should guide whether you still enjoy it.