Editing Tea (section)

=== Storage ===

Storage conditions determine the [[shelf life]] of tea; that of black teas is greater than that of green teas. Some, such as flower teas, may last only a month or so. Others, such as pu-erh, improve with age. To remain fresh and prevent mold, tea needs to be stored away from heat, light, air, and moisture. Tea must be kept at room temperature in an air-tight container. Black tea in a bag within a sealed opaque canister may keep for two years. Green tea deteriorates more rapidly, usually in less than a year. Tightly rolled [[gunpowder tea]] leaves keep longer than the more open-leafed [[Chun Mee tea]].

Storage life for all teas can be extended by using [[desiccant]] or oxygen-absorbing packets, vacuum sealing, or refrigeration in air-tight containers (except green tea, where discrete use of refrigeration or freezing is recommended and temperature variation kept to a minimum).<ref>{{cite web |title=Green Tea Storage |url=http://www.o-cha.net/english/cup/pdf/29.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327174214/http://www.o-cha.net/english/cup/pdf/29.pdf |archive-date=27 March 2009 |access-date=15 July 2009}}</ref>