To properly store Sheng tea, it's essential to use packaging materials that are odorless and have excellent moisture resistance. The containers should be as airtight as possible to minimize exposure to air, and the tea should be stored in a dry, clean, and odor-free environment. This helps preserve the tea’s quality and flavor over time.
When using ordinary bottles or cans for storage, it's recommended to place the tea in a smaller inner container inside a larger one. This double-layer method reduces the amount of air inside the container. Make sure the lid fits tightly with the body of the container to prevent moisture from entering.
For better preservation, you can use a suction pump to remove air from the storage tank before sealing it completely through welding. This method allows the tea to be stored for up to two or three years. If this equipment isn't available, you can use a hot water bottle (gall bladder) instead. By filling the bottle with tea leaves and sealing it tightly, then covering the lid with wax and wrapping it with tape, you can easily store the tea at home.
Cold storage or refrigeration is also an effective option. However, it's crucial to ensure the tea is well-sealed before placing it in the fridge to avoid moisture and odors from affecting its quality.
Another technique involves using vacuum-sealed tanks. After drying the tea to a moisture content of around 2%, it can be immediately placed into the tank and sealed. This method allows the tea to be stored at room temperature for up to one or two years.
Using desiccants like quicklime or silica gel can significantly improve preservation. Quicklime should be wrapped in a double layer of white cloth and placed in the center of the storage container. Then, wrap the tea in thin kraft paper and place both inside the container in a ratio of 6.5:1. Seal the container with kraft paper and cover it with a straw mat. Store it in a dry area. When the lime becomes damp and reaches about 80% saturation, it needs to be replaced. Typically, new tea requires lime replacement after three months. For silica gel, if the color changes from blue to translucent red or white, it should be dried in the sun or slightly heated to restore its color and reused. This method is cost-effective and highly efficient.
Fufeng Sinuote Biotechnology Co.,Ltd. , https://www.sinuotebio.com