Do tea leaves need to be exposed to sunlight

Tea generally does not need to be exposed to sunlight, as excessive exposure can accelerate oxidation and loss of aroma. Tea should be stored away from light and moisture, and special types of tea such as aged white tea can be moderately sun dried to promote conversion. After the production of common teas such as green tea and black tea, the internal moisture and active substances have stabilized. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can damage the structure of chlorophyll and tea polyphenols, leading to a darker color and lighter taste of tea leaves. High temperatures can also promote the adsorption of odors in tea leaves, affecting their quality. It is recommended to use sealed containers such as tin cans and porcelain cans for storing tea at home, and place them in a cool and dry place to avoid mixing with strongly scented items such as spices and cosmetics. Some post fermented teas such as Pu erh raw tea and aged white tea require short drying time in specific processing steps. During the production of traditional white tea, sunlight withering is used to promote water evaporation, and the initial stage of Pu erh tea production also requires sunlight drying. This type of sun exposure should be controlled during the morning or evening when the sun is soft, and the tea leaves should be frequently flipped to ensure even heating. Modern large-scale production often uses indoor withering troughs or drying equipment, which is more conducive to precise temperature and humidity control.

It is recommended to keep the humidity of the tea storage environment below 60% and regularly check the condition of the tea leaves. If signs of moisture are found, they can be placed in a well ventilated place and dried in the shade. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight. The shelf life of different types of tea varies greatly. Green tea is recommended to be consumed within one year, while fermented tea can be stored for a longer period of time. Before drinking, observe whether the tea leaves have any mold or odor to ensure safety and flavor.