At Sip Steeple, we are not just purveyors of some of the world's finest teas—we are custodians of a centuries-old tradition that demands respect and reverence. This respect extends to every aspect of our work, including the delicate art and intricate science of tea storage.
A Deep Dive into the Chemistry of Tea and Influencing Factors
Tea's delicate flavour, delightful aroma, and potent health benefits are a result of its complex chemistry. Within each leaf are compounds like polyphenols (catechins, flavonoids), amino acids (theanine), and volatile organic compounds that lend it its unique characteristics.
However, these compounds are sensitive to environmental conditions. A slight change can alter the leaf's chemistry, affecting the final brew's quality.
Oxygen: Tea leaves contain enzymes that, when exposed to oxygen, trigger oxidation. This process transforms the polyphenols, leading to a change in the tea's taste profile. Prolonged exposure can lead to flavour loss.
Light: Photodegradation is the degradation of organic compounds due to exposure to light, particularly UV rays. Tea leaves, rich in organic compounds, are susceptible to this degradation, leading to changes in aroma and taste.
Moisture: Tea leaves are hygroscopic, which means they readily absorb moisture from their surroundings. This property can become a liability when tea is stored in a humid environment, leading to microbial growth, mould, and unpleasant odours.
Temperature: Temperature influences the rate at which chemical reactions occur. In the context of tea storage, high temperatures can expedite oxidation, moisture absorption, and light degradation, all contributing to a decline in the tea's quality.
Odours: Given the porous nature of tea leaves and their ability to absorb volatile compounds, they can readily pick up odours from their surroundings. This property can significantly alter the tea's original aroma and, consequently, its flavour profile.
Preserving the quality of tea, then, becomes an exercise in the careful regulation of these environmental conditions.
A Timeless Journey: The Historical Roots of Tea Storage
Tea's journey through the centuries has been marked by ingenuity and evolution. As one of the most revered beverages in history, its preservation was paramount. This quest for preservation led to the development of fascinating storage techniques.
In ancient China, tea was compressed into bricks or stored in ceramic jars—practices that both extended its shelf life and facilitated easier transport along the Silk Road. Japan's Zen Buddhist monks developed unique lacquer or ceramic containers, Natsume or Chaire, for storing powdered green tea used in the traditional tea ceremony.
In the sun-drenched climes of India, where tea was introduced during the British colonial period, metal or clay containers were preferred, offering both coolness and protection from the elements. Meanwhile, the Middle East adopted intricately decorated tins for tea storage, reflecting the region's rich artistic heritage.
Each of these practices, developed in response to regional climatic conditions and cultural preferences, underline the importance of airtight, moisture-proof, and light-blocking containers—principles that continue to guide modern tea storage methods.
Maintaining Tea's Essence: Adopting the Best Storage Practices
Informed by the delicate chemistry of tea and lessons from history, we at Sip Steeple have adopted storage practices that guarantee our teas reach you in optimum condition:
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Consistency is key for tea storage. A location with minimal temperature and moisture fluctuations, away from sources of heat and moisture like kitchens or refrigerators, is ideal.
Avoid Strong Odours: Given tea's ability to absorb odours, it's crucial to store it separately from strong-smelling foods or substances. We recommend dedicating a quiet corner of your pantry just for tea.
Minimise Air Exposure: Each time you open your tea container, you expose the leaves to fresh air and the risk of oxidation. It's best to limit this exposure by only opening the container when necessary, and quickly sealing it again.
Harnessing Modern Solutions: Sip Steeple's Use of Ziplock, Opaque Pouches
Drawing from the wisdom of historical practices and the advancements of modern science, we have adopted the use of ziplock, opaque pouches for storing our teas. The benefits of these pouches, and why we chose them, include:
Airtight Seal: The ziplock mechanism forms an airtight seal, protecting the tea from oxidative degradation. This functionality upholds the integrity of the tea's flavour by minimising exposure to oxygen.
Light-proof: To prevent photodegradation, our pouches are opaque, effectively blocking out light that could degrade the tea's organic compounds.
Moisture-resistant: Crafted from materials that resist moisture ingress, our pouches maintain an optimal humidity level inside, preventing the tea from absorbing environmental moisture.
Odour isolation: The airtight seal also doubles up as an odour isolator, preventing the tea from absorbing any surrounding odours, thereby preserving its original aroma.
The journey of our tea, from leaf to your cup, is one steeped in meticulous craftsmanship and time-honoured tradition. Proper storage practices are an integral part of this journey, enabling us to deliver teas that retain their freshness, fragrance, and flavour, offering you the perfect brew each time. At Sip Steeple, we believe that every sip of our tea is a testament to this commitment, and we are proud to share this experience with you.
