What is the proper way to store tea? Even quality tea deteriorates in flavor and fragrance if not stored properly. Here, we introduce the best methods of tea storage.

Tea is very sensitive to light and temperature change; it absorbs the odor in its surroundings easily. Therefore, it is best to store tea in locations with constant temperature and away from strong odors, such as a cupboard or other places that are known to be cool and dark. Tea stored in this manner should be consumed within two weeks to one month.

▼ Storing Large Quantities of Tea If you have many packages of tea at home, it is best to store them in the freezer without breaking the seals. This is to preserve the original tea flavor and to prevent it from absorbing unwanted odors. However, before opening the package for consumption, defrost in normal temperature first, without breaking the seal. This is to avoid condensation within the package, as moisture will damage the tea.

▼ Storage inside the Refrigerator We do not recommend storing opened packages of tea for daily use inside refrigerators. This is because the odor in the refrigerator will permeate the tea. Also, when moving the tea in and out of the refrigerator repeatedly, rapid changes in temperature will cause condensation inside the package, moistening the tea.

▼ Storage at Maiko Tea At Maiko Tea, we store tea in refrigerators used specifically for this purpose. Please be assured that we provide you with the finest tea throughout the year by preserving its superior quality. In addition to refrigerators at Maiko Tea, we also store tea in refrigerators at JA Kyoto Tea Market (Chaichiba) and Kyoto Prefecture Tea Producers' Cooperative (Kyoto Cha Kyoudoukumiai). Maiko's storage room with 5℃ temperature

We have familiarized you with methods of tea storage, but we recommend you purchase tea in smaller quantities (100g) if possible. If purchasing larger quantities, we advise you to buy several small packages. (For example: purchasing ten 100g packages rather than a 1kg package will help to preserve the original flavor instead of the 1kg package possibly growing stale, depending on its treatment) At some stores, buying in bulk (500g package/ 1kg package) is more economical, but considering the difficulty of tea storage at home, the consistent tea quality can not be guaranteed at such bargains.

Tea is very sensitive. It is vulnerable to the following five things:

For example, tea stored near a heater, or in high humidity, will lose its color, flavor, and aroma. Avoid storing tea near spices or aromatic foods, as the odor will affect the tea, stripping it of its refined flavor

Although you are left with stale tea, you do not want it to go to waste. In such situations, try one of these simple recipes for homemade houjicha (roasted tea).

Houjicha

Houjicha is an excellent beverage for children and the elderly because of its low caffeine and catechin content. It can be easily made by using either of the following methods:

▼ First Method (Using a frying pan)

1. Line frying pan with baking sheet. (This is to keep the tea from absorbing any unwanted grease/odor left on the pan.) 2. Place tea leaves on baking sheet. 3. Stir and dry roast over low heat until tea becomes fragrant. ・ Be careful not to scorch the tea leaves. ・ Dry roast until tea leaves achieve a golden brown color.

▼ Second Method (Using a toaster oven)

1. Spread tea leaves evenly on aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 60�-90seconds. 2. Tea is done roasting when the "kuki" (stalks) have slightly expanded, and easily powders when pressed between the fingers. ・ When done, the color should be similar to that of sencha. It is commonly called "aohoujicha" in Japanese. ・ Cool tea leaves on the aluminum foil after roasting.

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