storage issues for newbie

[CJluvsT]

Can glass jars be used to store tea if they are made to be more opaque? I have a lot of canning jars and was wondering if I could use them if I put paper around them to keep the light out. I store the tea in a closet, so light isn't a big issue anyway. Just wondering about the glass. I know you can store them in ceramic canisters. Or would it be better just to leave it in the bags they come in? I'm a little confused on the best storage solution. I'd like to use what I have, and not spend a lot of money on tins, but I don't want to compromise my investment either. What do you all all do with the teas that don't come in tins?

[Chip]

Storage issue for newbie

Yeah, we are always dealing with the issue of where to store TeaChat newbies!

That is an effective storage method and inexpensive as well. Don't forget the paper on the outside.

I would likely keep the tea in the bag it came as well since canning jars can be rather large ... too big a jar with a little tea = a lot of additional volume exposure to air each time you open it. You can close the bag for a little extra protection.

[Smells_Familiar]

glass jars + paper lining + vacuum is how i store the teas i don't want to "mature" further. for all other teas, aside from puerh, i use the same method just without the vacuum.

i've cut up old brown paper grocery bags and taped them onto my half pint ball jars (i usually only use half pint jars for tea). nothing fancy, but neat and tidy. works great!

*edited for dim dumbness

[carobebe]

Don't you just love the tins that Adagio gives you when you order? The lid, although clear, prevents light from hitting your tea.

[hooksie]

Don't you just love the tins that Adagio gives you when you order? The lid, although clear, prevents light from hitting your tea.

Well technically they let light through, just not UV.

[ABx]

Well technically they let light through, just not UV. Razz

Unfortunately I've found that they let in more than light. I put some jasmine pearls in one as an xmas gift, put it in a plastic grocery bag (along with other gifts) on the table, and when I came back the next day the whole bag smelled of jasmine. I had always worried about those tins since the lid is a little loose, but since then I refuse to use them.

As to the original question, when I was just starting out I bought a bunch of the kitchen jars with rubber gaskets that clamp closed and painted them on the outside. They work/ed great (I still have a few things in them) - the only reason I stopped using them is because they are bulky. Tins that hold the same amount seem to use about 25-50% less space.

If you start buying a lot of tea then you might find that you will want to get tins just because they are more space efficient, but otherwise they're not a bad choice at all If you have a kitchen type vacuum sealer then you might even see if you can get a canning jar attachment for it

If you get a vacuum sealer for it then you could store the bulk of the tea in the vacuum sealed jar, and then keep a smaller tin for more frequent use. That way you always have fresh tea but you don't have to worry about vacuum sealing it every time you use it. That will also minimize the exposure to air because you won't be opening it as much.

[carobebe]

That's a great idea! Thanks!

[tjausti]

I have all my sample tins in a large lock and lock and have noticed significant leakage of odor from all the different teas that are in the tins from adagio.

I have moved most of the teas to their own smaller lock and locks. I keep thm in a cabinet away from light.