In another post we talked about storage of teas, avoidance of these elements
i) Air or more precisely oxygen
ii) Moisture
iii) Light
iv) Odors
v) Heat
So essentially, what we need are air-tight, opaque containers to store our precious teas.
Here are some containers you can use (other than dark teas):
Glass jars for storing tea:
i) Aesthetically pleasing
ii) Airtight (if it has one of those locking mechanisms)
Cons:
i) Expensive
ii) Transparent- of course you can simply circumvent this by storing your teas in an opaque packet before placing in the glass jar
iii) Brittle
iv) Heavy
Tupperware:
i) Cheap
ii) Airtight
Cons:
i) Has that ‘plasticky’ smell, unless you are just about the only person who likes it, steer clear from this
ii) Translucent
iii) Your teas will smell like plastic- yes I needed that double emphasis
Ceramic Jar for storing tea:
i) Odor free
ii) Completely opaque
iii) Aesthetically pleasing- unless the design is archaic, like mine
Cons:
i) Heavy
ii) Brittle
iii) Generally not airtight
Metal Tin for Storing Tea:
i) Cheap
ii) Light (as least relative)
iii) Can be completely opaque
iv) After airing out, odor-free
Cons:
i) Not completely airtight- will deteriorate with use
ii) Normally not entirely sturdy
Pewter Caddies For Storing Tin
i) Completely airtight, will not deteriorate with use
ii) Sturdy
iii) Odor free
iv) Opaque
Cons:
i) Expensive
ii) Not so easy to find
iii) Heavy, very heavy
PET bags:
i) Cheap
ii) Light
iii) Airtight
iv) Opaque
Cons:
i) Airtightness deteriorate with use- limited use
ii) Does not protect tea leaves from physical damage
Vacuum flask
i) Completely airtight
ii) Opaque
iii) Relatively cheap
Cons:
i) Just looks weird
ii) Takes up space
Best suited for aging teas, for double protection you can seal the cover.