By Shireen Jamooji
January 26, 2026
We all need a cup of chai when the day gets stressful and nothing tastes as good as tea brewed fresh from tea leaves. But if you struggle to keep your tea leaves tasting their best in all climates, here are some handy hacks you should try.
Obvious, but effective. Use an airtight container to protect tea leaves from air exposure. Oxygen causes flavour loss and staleness. Choose containers with tight seals, preferably made of tin, ceramic, or dark glass.
Store tea away from direct light, especially sunlight. Light can break down delicate compounds in the leaves, reducing taste and aroma over time.
Keep tea leaves dry at all times. Moisture leads to mould growth and spoils flavour. Always close containers properly and avoid storing tea near sinks or kettles.
Store tea away from strong-smelling foods and spices. Tea easily absorbs surrounding odours, which can change its natural taste and make it unpleasant.
Choose a cool, stable place for tea storage. Heat speeds up ageing and flavour loss, so avoid cupboards near ovens, microwaves, or other heat sources.
Buy tea in smaller quantities that you can use within a few months. Fresh tea tastes better, and shorter storage reduces the risk of quality loss.