Lots of Tea enthusiasts ask about the shelf life and storage practice for loose leaf teas. The different categories of teas may have a slightly different expiration time but this will always come around to proper and improper storage for the most part. Tea rarely expires unless it goes bad because of poor storage practices. Over time teas in the different categories may begin to loose some of their flavor components and some of the medicinal properties. This can be avoided if the tea is stored properly.
Container Type Really Does Matter
For example loose leaf teas that are packaged in proper airtight containers last much longer than teas kept in plastic or glass or paper. These allow a transference of air or create a chemical reaction with the tea. That’s one of the reasons that Divine Lotus Tea is shipped in a container ready for your tea shelf. Our containers have an airtight lid and are made of metal. 
Tea Category Makes a Difference
In the large scheme of things tea categories do matter. They do have slightly different shelf lives. I will speak mostly about our teas because we source very fresh ingredients. This matters because when we speak of shelf life we have to start with fresh to keep it fresh. I think you know what I mean. For instance:
- Herbal Blends: These teas definitely can last up to 2 years when stored properly. a note here is that most herbal blends are purchased for their medicinal qualities. they are all delicious and anyone can drink them and they all bring the body into harmony and enhance health and wellness. The point here is that the longer you hold onto your herbal teas the less the efficacy. To prevent this store your tea properly and drink your tea! Click the picture and check out this Herbal Tea and explore others!
- White Tea: Normally white tea is considered a prized tea to have in your collection of (Camellia Sinensis ) teas. White teas are believed to have a long shelf life and have an abundance of medicinal value. When properly stored, this tea can remain fresh tasting and maintain it’s sweet aroma for up to 2 years. After the 2 year mark the tea is still drinkable but you may notice that the qualities may diminish at a faster rate. The great thing is that the health benefits remain strong. The sooner you drink this tea the better. Click the picture and check out this White Tea and explore others!
- Black Tea: Loose leaf black teas remain fresh more than 18 months to about 3 years. Black teas have gone through a fermentation process which aides in their ability to retain their flavor and aroma. when stored properly black teas will keep giving without losing much of its flavor and aroma for at least the 3 years. Click the picture and check out this Black Tea and explore others!
- Pu-erh Shou and Sheng Teas: Shou Pu-erh- Fermented and Sheng Pu-erh is a raw Pu-erh. As a rule Pu-erh teas have the longest shelf life. Many people will keep their Pu-erhs 50 years. The big NO’s on storing these amazing teas is moisture, opposing aromas, and light. they improve with age up until about 70 years. Pu-erhs can be collected and enjoyed for years. I highly recommend them as part of a regular tea practice. Click the picture and check out this Pu-erh Tea!
- Oolong Teas: These teas are very special. Oolongs can be partially green and barely fermented or they can have an almost roasted finish. They can have the appearance of a roughly rolled ball or they can be rolled into a long black dragon looking leaf. Both are sweet and delicious in my opinion. These teas will last up to and perhaps beyond 2 years when stored properly. Click the picture and check out this Oolong Tea and check out others!
- Green Teas: These teas can be quite delicate. Especially the Japanese Greens. They will last about 18 months when stored properly. After that amount of time they will begin to lose some of their more pronounced flavor notes. That said the medicinal properties will last up to perhaps 3 years. the best practice with green teas is to drink them up and try some more types. Click the picture and check out this Green Tea and explore others!
The Five Enemies of Tea
Now for that proper storage. There are 5 enemies that threaten the freshness of tea. Air, extreme and fluctuating temperatures,humidity, light, strong aromas. Basically you want to first off, keep your tea in an air tight container which we have provided for you. Our lovely black or gold canisters are the perfect solution. And as convenient as it might be above or near your stove is not the ideal location for keeping your tea fresh for a long time. a cupboard in another part of the kitchen or in the pantry is best. this helps to avoid temperature swings and humidity. It is not a good plan to store where ingredients that have a strong aroma reside. And lastly put the lid on and store after taking out your serving so that the tea is exposed to the least amount of air and light possible. Here is an interesting article that also includes storing and shelf life of teabags in case you have some. I hope though that you will graduate totally to loose leaf tea to reap the best benefits. Loose leaf teas nurture good health and raise your spirits.
So Lets get drinking that tea! You might want to go through your tea stash and get rid of the teas that are old and stale and stored improperly and go check out our teas. Divine Lotus Tea already comes to you properly stored. They will bring you a fresh experience and peace in every cup.
I’d love to hear from you so leave a comment .
