Why tins for storage?

[llopis]

I see everybody is talking about keeping their tea in air-tight tins, and even going out of their way to buy some.

Is there any drawback to storing them in regular, air-tight glass jars as long as they're kept in a closet or pantry without light? I have plenty of those glass jars and I'd rather reuse them (until I get enough tins from Adagio that is

[Mary R]

None that I can see.

[scruffmcgruff]

Yeah that sounds fine. Make sure your jars' seals don't have any funny smells, though. I've heard that rubber gaskets can make tea smell funky.

[wanna-be buddha]

Hey llopis, welcome to the forum!

I use some glass jars with rubber seals for bulk black teas, particularly scented ones, without any trouble. I seem to recall hearing something about funky smells, too, but I haven't experienced it myself. I do tend to prefer tins, though, as most of mine are double-lidded and really do a great job keeping tea fresh(er).

[rhpot1991]

They are in tins because light is harmful to the tea. The tins from Adagio have a tint in the lid, so they are fine. If you use glass just make sure you store it in some cupboard or something so the light isn't bothering your tea.

[augie]

Glass blocks UV light -- or does light in general harm it? I a couple glass jars out on the counter.

[Wesli]

Make sure it's airtight! Sometimes I keep my T in zip bags. I feel sorta guilty, but I drink it up too fast for any harm to cometh.

Rage

[scruffmcgruff]

Regular glass does not block UV light, just so you know. Also, I'd guess that visible light has some negative effects on tea as well, but I'm not sure.

[rhpot1991]

It was my understanding that it was just UV light that is harmful, and regular glass/plastic will not block that.