Tea can be stored for a long time, but it does not last forever. If you are creating your own private label tea, then one of the most important things you can do is ensure it is stored correctly. Not only will that extend the shelf life, but it will also maximize the flavor so your customers will be able to enjoy it for longer.
Storage considerations for private label tea
Light
Bright light and UV rays cause tea leaves to deteriorate faster. Avoid glass or other clear containers unless you intend to keep them inside a cabinet or other dark space.
Heat
Heat can also degrade the quality of your tea. As well as keeping it out of direct sunlight, try to avoid leaving it near other heat sources such as radiators or ovens.
Air
Any tea container should be airtight. Not only does exposure to air in its own right have a negative impact on your tea, but it also increases the likelihood that it will take on other smells or be damaged by moisture.
Moisture
The only time your tea should be exposed to water is when you are brewing it. Any damp before that will have a damaging effect. Airtight containers can help avoid this, but you should also keep your tea away from any humid areas. Never store it in a refrigerator or near the dishwasher.
Smell
Tea can take on other aromas that it is exposed to in storage. This is good if you want a scented tea, but not good if it picks up odors of garbage because it is sat near a trash can. You should even avoid spices that you do not want to be part of the blend, and keep the more delicate teas away from the strong ones.
The best tea containers
Solid containers for tea can be ceramic, metal or made of opaque plastic. Useful mechanisms include double lids and silicone seals to protect from air and odors. Wood containers can work, but they do sometimes add their own aroma to the tea.
Bags for storing tea should be multi-ply and be re-sellable. Inner layers can be made of glassine, which is similar to wax paper, or foil. Both bags and solid containers should be filled completely so there is no extra space for air to enter.
Other advice
Buying smaller packs of tea means it is easier to sell it before the taste starts to fade. Once opened, the flavor can be lost quickly. This means you should not buy more tea than you can sell within date, or open it before you are ready to dispatch it. Alongside investing in the proper packaging, these are some of the best ways to ensure your tea stays fresh and delicious.
You might source the best quality tealeaves and ensure they are processed and blended to the highest possible standards, but without proper storage, you will still have an inferior product. By keeping light, heat, air moisture and odors away from your private label tea and ensuring you use proper containers, it will keep longer and taste better.