New Arrival 20240310



Why is the moisture content of the tea set at 3-5%?

Posted on

If the food is monolayer water (Aw 0.05-0.2, moisture content 3-5%), it can protect the internal substances from oxidation, which is represented by dried food. If the water content is lower than this, the change in food quality is mainly the oxidation of oil and the change of pigment. If the water content is higher than this, the change in quality is dominated by the hydrolysis of enzymes or non-enzymes and the microbial action.

The water content of the monolayer is the optimum water content for the storage and preservation of dehydrated foods.

Taiwan’s national standard stipulates that imported tea has a moisture content of 7%. Usually, green tea has a moisture content of about 4%, the water activity of 0.26 which is similar to that of milk powder. When the water activity is 0.3, the lipid oxidation rate is the slowest, so that tea is not dried as much as possible. The moisture content of the tea is set to 3-5%, which is just taking advantage of both the single molecular water layer and the lowest lipid oxidation.

The end. 

Translated and edited by Adm./jLteaco, all rights reserved.

Source from: TRES

2 comments


  • Dear Morgan,

    Thanks for your comment on our blog. The tea farmers (producers) usually have an instrument to measure the moisture content during the tea processing. However, for those who are very experienced tea producers, they determine its moisture by touching the tea with their hands. Hopefully, we answered your question.

    Have a nice day.

    Nina J Lin on

  • When you are drying, fermenting, or firing your teas. How do you determine the final moisture content? Very informative article. TY

    Morgan Chrissley on

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published