Have you ever wondered how to store tea? Have you ever wondered if there is a way that is better than any other? Can tea be stored in glass jars? Can it be stored in plastic containers? How about metal? Or wood?
Tea bags can be stored in glass jars. However, it is not recommended. If you are storing tea bags in glass jars, you need to store those glass jars in a cabinet.
In the following sections we will explore the pros and cons of storing tea in different containers. We will look at why some containers are better and others are not.
Are Glass Jars Okay For Storing Tea Bags?
Glass jars are good for storing tea if the jars are stored in a cabinet or closed pantry. The key to using glass jars for storage is that you need to store them in a cool and dark place.
Tea can lose its potency and become stale quicker if you store it in a sunny or bright place. The same thing happens if you store it in a place that is hot.
If the glass is clear, the tea will not last as long. If the glass is opaque, the tea has a better chance of lasting.
Are Glass Jars Okay For Storing Loose Leaf Tea?
Loose leaf tea, like tea bags, needs a cool and dark place in order to last longer. Opaque glass jars are better than clear glass jars. In either case, you need to store the jars or glass containers in a cabinet or pantry.
What Else Can Tea Bags Be Stored In?
Tea bags can be stored in a variety of containers. Some containers are better than others.
Plastic Bags (Ziploc)
Plastic bags can be used for short term storage of tea. If you are planning to keep a used tea bag for reuse, you can store it in a Ziploc in the fridge or freezer.
Plastic bags can also be used for transporting tea bags. They are great if you want to take your favorite tea on vacation with you.
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers can hold tea bags. Since you should be storing your tea bags somewhere dark and cool, the plastic shouldn’t leech into the tea.
Plastic containers are not ideal for tea storage except in the short term. They work okay but some can start to leave a bad flavor.
Metal Containers
Metal containers are one of the better containers for tea. The only downside to metal containers is that in hot climates or during the hot season, they get hot and thus make the tea too hot.
This can be avoided if you store them in a good place. You want them somewhere where they can stay cool. If you do not have a good place, then avoid metal, glass, and plastic containers.
Ceramic Containers
Ceramic containers are the best option for tea storage. Unlike glass they do not let in any light when sealed. Unlike metal they do not get hot quickly. If you are storing tea on the counter or anywhere that is not a cabinet or pantry, ceramic is the safest container.
Wood Containers
Wood containers are also great for storing tea bags. Like ceramic they do not let in a lot of light. They also do not get hot quickly. However, the wood can leave a flavor after a while.
Cardboard Containers
Tea bags often come in flimsy cardboard boxes. You can store them in these boxes. It is best to store the boxes in a cabinet or pantry where they will stay nice and cool. The boxes let in very little light which will help the tea stay fresh.
What Else Can Loose Leaf Tea Be Stored In?
Loose leaf tea can also be stored in a variety of containers. There are some containers that just do not work well for loose leaf tea.
Plastic Bags (Ziploc)
Plastic bags are not great for storing loose leaf tea. If you are freezing tea leaf ice cubes, freezer safe plastic bags work just fine. You can also use a plastic bag to store tea leaves in the fridge for later.
However, plastic bags are not good for storing on counters or in places that get any light. They also don’t work well in cabinets or pantries because you cannot stack them well. Nor can you see their labels easily.
Plastic bags do work well for taking loose leaf tea with you on vacation or for a short trip. Although a container with more protection is best.
Plastic Containers
Loose leaf tea can be stored in plastic containers. Similar to tea bags, plastic containers are not the safest option but they work well enough in the fridge or for short periods of time so long as the containers are stored in a cool, dark place.
Metal Containers
Metal containers are a popular storage solution for loose leaf tea. They work great so long as they stay cool. They do not let any light in except when they are open.
Ceramic Containers
Ceramic containers are another popular option. They stay cool and they keep the light out. They are best if you are storing tea on shelves or on the countertop. You can also use them when storing tea in the pantry or a cabinet.
Wood Containers
Wood containers are not ideal for loose leaf tea. The tea can and will get stuck to the wood and take on some of the woody flavor.
Cardboard Containers
Cardboard containers are not a good choice for loose leaf tea. While they can keep the light out, they offer little else in protection. Since loose leaf tea doesn’t usually come in such containers it is best to purchase a better-quality container.
How Long Can Tea Be Stored?
Tea can stay fresh for a long time. Similar to herbs and spices, tea will last a while in an airtight container.
Tea stored in paper or plastic bags begins to lose its potency after a few months. Tea stored in airtight containers that do not let light through can last up to a year. After that the tea slowly loses its strength.
Conclusion
In the end, how you store your tea is up to you. If you drink it so fast you only need it to last a month or two, most containers will work. However, if you want to ensure the highest quality for the longest period of time, choose wisely.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.