Airtight tea storage solution

Hi Kim,

Thanks for the link!

Quick question - I have 1/2 pint paint cans of enamels, etc., but have never seen a 1/4 pint can. Are they simply smaller all the way around, or flatter, meaning they look like, well... like tuna fish cans? I'm guessing you use an opener (okay, this is two questions - sorry!) to pry off the lids... do they seem like they will easily bend/warp?

Thanks!!

What might anyone think of dry ice used to displace the O2 prior to sealing it up?

I'm not thinking of dropping a chunk in and sealing but rather letting it 'steep' a bit as it outgasses then remove and seal.

Prob more a laboratory experiment than something practical but obsession is it's own reward, eh?

;])

btw- I like the paint can idea, I initially thought of these glass containers I have seen with soft silicon seals. Likely a bit more costly than the cans though.

TBerk

Kim wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com:

I use a Tilia Foodsaver to vacuum seal tea in pint Mason jars. I also use the bags to make individual servings of tea to take with me on trips, etc. I've been doing this for about a year now and it works really well. The tea stays as fresh as the day I buy it.

Dee

I will second that! I have been using a foodsaver for almost 10 years now and if you want to preserve freshness they are hard to beat. The only downside is that the special bags are expensive.

There is a commercial model available, in the same price range, that uses much much cheaper bags, and will probably be my next purchase.

Actually I recommend exploring this whole site thoroughly, I have done a lot of business with these guys over the years and they have good quality Industrial grade stuff. Good source for Desiccants, bags, and all sorts of food packaging goodies.

Not affiliated, just a very satisfied customer.......

Mike

Great suggestion! (I have a Foodsaver, so should have thought of this!)

Do you need to use the coffee filter trick with the tea, or does the vacuum not pull the leaves out?

Thanks!

Resa

snipped-for-privacy@adelphia.net.nospam wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@adelphia.com:

I have not had to use anything to keep the leaves in their proper place. I fill the jars, usually 2/3s full or less, and nothing gets sucked up into the vacuum.

Dee

snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com/8/05 11: snipped-for-privacy@host.net

Kim,

Thanks for the information. I've been searching the earth for really good containers for small samples.

Michael

Hi there,

Sorry for the long delay in replying...Comcast accidentally disconnected our line on Friday while installing a new tenant's line. The tech just fixed it, so I'm back in business!

The 1/4 pint cans are the identical to a regular sized paint can, just much smaller. They are about 5 cm (2") tall and 6 cm (2 1/2") wide.

I use the thin, flat end of my tea scoop to open the lids. The lids are not especially susceptible to bending, though I imagine one could damage them if too much force was used.

Overall, I think they hold up remarkably well. I rinsed mine with mild soap and water and rinsed them several times. I hand dried them and then let them sit overnight to ensure all moisture had evaporated before filling with tea.

Kim

Serendip wrote:

Cable companies... sigh. Mine has been here for an hour, spray painting the lawn, so when another truck comes at the end of the week or next week, they will know where to bury a line. I asked what happens if it rains - the paint will wash away. I asked why they paint so far in advance - it fits their schedule. I asked what happens if it rains between now and then - the line burying people can't bury the line. And they start all over. I may ask them to switch to green paint, since it's never going to be seen by the second truck anyway. Sigh.

Thanks!

Perfect, and come to think of it, since they aren't getting gunked up with paint, should remain easy to remove and replace.

Thanks, Kim!!

Resa

Ha, Exactly! The line tech that was here this morning was shocked that our junction box needs upgrading (all the others in the neighborhood were upgraded last year). He's sending out a crew this week to do the upgrade. Translation: We're going to break your mostly working line and then you are going to have to call us a million times to get it fixed. Sigh, indeed.

You are most welcome! I'm enjoying an outstanding Competition Monkey Picked Tie Guanyin from Holy Mountain Trading Company. I hope your day is just as lovely!

Kim