How to best preserve fresh tea leaves after picking them

Fresh tea leaves that have been picked are best stored in a low-temperature sealed and dark environment. The main preservation methods include refrigeration, vacuum, drying, canning, and freezing.

1. Refrigeration Method

Put fresh tea leaves into a food grade sealed bag, exhaust the air, and place them in the refrigerator compartment. Controlling the temperature between 0-5 degrees Celsius can delay the oxidation of tea leaves and maintain their color and aroma for about 7-10 days. Be careful to avoid mixing with strongly scented food to prevent cross contamination and affect the quality of tea leaves.

2. Vacuum method

uses a professional vacuum machine to evacuate the air inside the packaging bag and isolate it from oxygen contact. The vacuum state can effectively inhibit the enzymatic oxidation of polyphenolic substances in tea, and the storage period can reach more than one month. Suitable for large quantities of tea that cannot be processed in a timely manner in the short term.

3. Drying Method

Spread the tea leaves evenly on a bamboo sieve and place them in a ventilated and cool place for natural dehydration. The environmental humidity should be below 60%, and during this period, the tea leaves should be regularly flipped to ensure even dehydration. When the moisture content of the leaves drops to around 6%, transfer them to a sealed container and store them at room temperature for 3-6 months.

Fourth, canning method

Choose opaque containers such as tin cans and porcelain cans, and place food grade aluminum foil on the inner layer. After filling the tea leaves, compact and reduce the gaps, seal the can mouth and place it in a cool place. High quality ceramic jars combined with desiccants can keep tea fresh for 2-3 months without easily absorbing environmental odors.

Fifth, Freezing Method

Divide tea leaves into small sealed bags and place them in a freezer below minus 18 degrees Celsius. Ultra low temperature can completely inhibit the biochemical reactions of tea leaves, and the shelf life can be extended to 1 year. Before use, it is necessary to warm up at room temperature to avoid condensation. After opening, it is recommended to consume as soon as possible.

During the storage period of fresh tea, its condition should be checked regularly. If mold or odor appears, it should be discarded immediately. Different types of tea are suitable for different storage methods. Green tea should be refrigerated or frozen, while fermented tea can be vacuum or canned. Regardless of the method used, it is important to avoid high temperature and humidity environments and minimize the number of openings. Before drinking, the tea leaves can be placed at room temperature to balance the temperature. When brewing, using a water temperature of 80-85 degrees Celsius can better stimulate the tea aroma. It is recommended to check the quality changes of tea stored for a long time every quarter.