【茶叶保存方法】Tea Storage Methods

茶叶爱好者必须了解如何正确储存茶叶，因为即使是优质茶叶，如果储存不当，也很容易变质、颜色变暗、香气散失，甚至会产生异味、发霉，最终无法饮用。为了防止茶叶吸收湿气和异味、减少光照和温度的影响，需要采取适当的储存方法。通过以下方法可以延长茶叶的保存期限。

1. 买回新茶后，最好尽快将其放入茶叶罐中。但许多茶叶罐本身会带有异味，因此在放入茶叶之前，有必要先去除异味。可以先放入少量茶叶，在罐中摇晃，使其吸附异味。
    
2. 在选择储存容器时也需注意。不要使用其他用途的金属或陶器容器，或是光线容易穿透的玻璃瓶，以免影响茶叶品质。具有内外双层密封盖的金属容器非常适合储存茶叶，但最理想的是使用密封性好、不透光的锡制容器.
   
   
3. 如果购买了大量茶叶，应将日常需要的小部分放入一个小容器中使用，其余部分则储存在大容器中。
   
   
4. 取用茶叶时，不要直接用手抓，以避免汗水或异味污染茶叶。最好使用茶匙来取茶。
   
   
5. 不要将茶叶容器放在厨房或潮湿的地方，最好储存在阴凉干燥的地方。
   
   
6. 如果购买了多种茶叶，最好将它们分别储存在不同的容器中，并在容器上标明茶叶的名称和购买日期。

A tea lover has to know how to store tea properly because good quality tea can quickly deteriorate, darken in color, lose its fragrance, acquire an unpleasant taste and even go moldy and undrinkable if it isn’t stored correctly. To prevent tea absorbing moisture and odor, reduce the impact of light and temperature, appropriate storage methods need to be taken. By the following methods the storage period of tea can be extended.

1. After buying new tea it’s best to put it in a tea container as soon as you can. However, many tea containers have an unpleasant smell so it’s necessary to remove this smell before putting the tea in. This can be done by placing a small amount of tea in the container then shaking it about.
2. Care also has to be taken over the choice of containers. Don’t use a metal or earthenware container intended for other uses or a glass bottle that light will penetrate to avoid affecting the quality of the tea. Metal containers that have outer and inner lids that can be sealed tightly are very suited to being used to store tea, however, it is best to use a tin container that is air tight and does not let in light.
3. If a large amount of tea is purchased, put the small amount you need for daily use in a small container and the rest in a larger one.
4. When taking tea from its container don’t grab it with your hands to avoid contaminating it with sweat or unpleasant odors. It’s best to take out the tea using a tea spoon.
5. Don’t store the tea container in the kitchen or a damp place. It’s best to store it in a dark dry place.
6. If you buy various kinds of tea it's best to store them in separate containers and label them with their name and the purchase date.