The possible blends for private label tea are almost infinite, but one thing that they all have in common is that they need appropriate storage. Effective storage is how you ensure the tea remains fresh for longer, maintaining its odor, flavor and other distinctive characteristics so that the customer will not be disappointed.
Keep your private label tea somewhere:
Dark
There are two main ways you can ensure your private label tea is kept in a dark space. You can keep it in a cupboard, but the best practice is to ensure you store it inside an opaque container. If you see tea displayed in glass cabinets, you may not realize just how dramatic the impact light can have on its quality. Light causes the most flavorsome parts of the tea to degrade. In the case of direct sunlight, the heat can also be damaging, so storing it somewhere dark can also help keep it cool.
Dry
This does not just mean avoiding direct contact with water, but also ensuring that the surrounding environment is not too humid. Part of the reason that tea keeps so well on the shelf is because it is so dry. It does, however, absorb water very easily, meaning it will not keep as long and the flavor profile may change. Avoid any refrigerators, dishwaters, radiators, air conditioning units and any other potential sources of moisture. This does change, of course, when the time comes for the tea to be brewed!
Odor free
Every tea variation has its own distinct scent. Proper storage is not just about the taste, but ensuring that aroma remains unique and inviting. This means you do not want it being contaminated by the other strong odors that can pervade a tearoom or kitchen, and which can have a knock-on effect on flavor. Avoid other potential smells, like spices, food, trash cans or cleaning materials. Also ensure that delicately fragranced teas are kept separate from the more powerfully scented options, and that containers are kept sealed. Be aware of the material used in your containers as well – wood is generally a good tea receptacle, but some woods do have their own distinctive odors that could change the taste of the tea.
Airtight
All of the above principles can be upheld, at least in part, if you use an airtight container to store your tea. It protects the tea from everything: light, damp, heat, unwanted odors and any other adverse environmental conditions. The more air to which your tea is exposed, the greater the risk of contamination. Considering the role oxidization plays in the development of different types of tea, including color and flavor, it is also no surprise that exposure to oxygen can also have an impact, again mitigated by an airtight container. This container may be made of ceramic, metal, plastic or wood.
Tea does generally keep well in a cupboard or on the shelf, provided that you store it properly. By taking appropriate steps to avoid air, light, heat, moisture and other odors, you can ensure your tea retains its color, texture, scent and, most importantly, flavor for longer, until it is time for the end customer to brew it into a drink.