For most Indians, tea is an essential part of their daily lives. And not just here, even for a lot of people around the world, a sip of tea is important to start their day on the right note. The popularity of this beverage is such that it has become more of a cultural symbol in several countries.
Tea lovers enjoy their hot cuppa during the day as well as at night. In India, a cup of masala chai with some crispy tidbits is considered an irresistible combination. So obviously, one can find a chai-patti ka dabba in most kitchens. But have we ever tried to study those tea leaves in the container carefully? They tend to lose their magical aroma in a few weeks of opening the packet. Ever thought about why and how it happens? One may say that it happens because of the way we store the tea leaves. And that’s right. There are some dos and don’ts that we need to keep in mind.
While you will find many tutorials, tips, tricks and hacks on the internet talking about how to brew the perfect tea, there is hardly any information about the storage of tea leaves. It’s important because a lot depends on the freshness and aroma of tea leaves. But fret not, we have got you covered with some super easy tips that will help you avoid the common mistakes while storing your chai patti at home.
1. Avoid Sunlight
Tea leaves are sensitive, and so storing them requires special care and attention. The harsh sunlight can adversely affect the quality of tea leaves. So, we should keep it away from sunlight. Exposure to light can degrade the quality and aroma of the tea leaves.
2. Keep Away From Spices
Tea is said to be extremely receptive to odours. And if you wish to keep its aroma intact, it is suggested to keep them away from anything with a strong scent, including our desi masalas and other flavoured teas.
3. Avoid Moisture
Like sunlight, moisture too can take away the aroma and flavour of the tea in no time. Tea leaves easily tend to absorb the moisture in the air, further dampening it.
4. Use Airtight Containers
This one is a must! Storing the tea leaves in an airtight glass or ceramic container helps prevent the tea leaves from absorbing moisture and odour.
5. Use Stainless Steel Containers
Tea leaves are best stored in a stainless-steel container as this easily blocks sunlight. However, if you are unable to find one, a glass container can work as a substitute too. Make sure the glass container is coloured. This will prevent your tea from being exposed to light. Do not use a clear glass container to store tea.
6. Keep The Container In A Cupboard
The best way to avoid sunlight, moisture and excessive heat is to store the tea jar in a cool, dark cupboard, instead of keeping it on the kitchen top. This also increases the shelf life of tea. .