Stored well, loose leaf tea keeps its flavour and aroma for longer, so every cup tastes as good as the first. Here's how to store loose leaf tea and matcha properly, and the common mistakes to avoid.
The Four Enemies of Tea
Loose leaf tea is delicate. To keep it fresh, protect it from:
- Air: exposure to air can make tea go stale.
- Light: sunlight can fade the flavour and colour.
- Heat: warm spots speed up the loss of flavour.
- Moisture and strong smells: tea easily absorbs damp and odours from nearby foods and spices.
How to Store Loose Leaf Tea: Step by Step
- Use an airtight container. A sealed tin is ideal. All of our loose leaf teas come in reusable tins.
- Keep it somewhere cool and dark, like a kitchen cupboard, rather than on a sunny windowsill.
- Keep it away from the kettle, hob and oven, where heat and steam can reach it.
- Store it away from strong smells such as coffee, spices and herbs.
- Always use a dry spoon so no moisture gets into the tin.
- Close the lid firmly after every use.
Should You Keep Tea in the Fridge?
For most loose leaf teas, no. Taking tea in and out of the fridge can cause condensation, and moisture is bad for tea. A cool, dry cupboard is best.
How to Store Matcha
Matcha is especially delicate, as it's a fine powder. Keep it in its airtight tin, away from light, heat and moisture, and seal it tightly after every use. Enjoy it within the best before date for the brightest colour and flavour. Learn how to make matcha at home, or discover our ceremonial and culinary matcha.
How Long Does Loose Leaf Tea Last?
Loose leaf tea doesn't spoil quickly when stored well, but its flavour gradually fades over time. For the best taste, enjoy it within the best before date shown on the tin. If your tea smells faint or tastes flat, it's probably past its best.
Common Tea Storage Mistakes
- Storing tea in clear glass jars in sunlight
- Keeping it next to the kettle or cooker
- Storing it beside coffee or spices
- Using a wet spoon
- Leaving the lid loose
Our Tea Tins
Our loose leaf teas, from spiced Chai and Cinnamon Black Tea to Green Tea with Lemon and Ginger, come in reusable tins that keep them fresh and look lovely on a kitchen shelf. They also make charming gifts. See our stocking fillers for tea lovers.
For more on tea, visit the UK Tea & Infusions Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store loose leaf tea?
In an airtight tin, in a cool, dark, dry cupboard away from heat and strong smells.
Can loose leaf tea go off?
It rarely spoils when stored dry, but its flavour fades over time. Enjoy it within the best before date.
Should I store tea in glass jars?
Glass jars look lovely, but light can affect tea. If you use them, keep them inside a cupboard.