Purchase your tea from a place that has a good turnover so that you can be sure that the tea you are buying is fresh. Since
white teas and green teas are the most fragile, they should be consumed when still reasonably fresh, within 2 to 4 months of purchase. Oolongs are more oxidized and can therefore keep longer, between 4 and 8 months from purchase. Being fully oxidized, black teas will keep the longest -- up to 12 months.
Tea should be kept in a dry environment away from heat and light in an airtight container. Make sure that it's at a distance from all heat-producing devices, such as the toaster oven, the oven, the stove and the microwave. Although there are many types of equipment, a tea pot made of porcelain works for all teas. More exciting perhaps is the clear glass tea pot that allows you to watch the tea leaves dramatically unfold.
It's important to provide the leaves plenty of space to expand in the water. The best way to do this is to steep the tea in the pot and to use a fine strainer as you pour the tea into your cup. While the tea ball may be less messy, it confines the leaves to a cramped space preventing them from fully expanding.
Next time you buy tea, remember to be away of how long that particular tea will last. Store it away from heat and light. And, use a strainer instead of a tea ball.
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