Tea is extremely hydrophilic and porous: it absorbs ambient moisture and surrounding odors.
To preserve the intensity of your blends and prevent them from going stale, you must protect them from their five natural enemies:
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Air (oxygen): which oxidizes the leaves and alters the aromatic oils.
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Light (UV rays): which degrades chlorophyll and changes the taste of the tea.
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Moisture: which can cause the tea to mold or trigger undesirable fermentation.
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Heat: which accelerates the aging of the aromas.
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Strong odors: storing your tea near spices or coffee will permanently alter its fragrance.
The metal tin: the essential case for loose tea
The metal tea tin has several advantages for tea storage. Completely opaque, the metal tin blocks 100% of light rays. Thanks to its airtight lid (often doubled with a seal or a flap system), it prevents air from entering and retains fragrances inside while acting as a barrier against kitchen moisture. Sturdy and durable, it also protects whole leaves from mechanical crushing.