Empty Longjing Tin Review: The Perfect Genmaicha Storage Solution

Genmaicha, the beloved Japanese green tea blended with toasted brown rice, offers a unique nutty aroma and a comforting, savory flavor. However, its rice component makes it particularly sensitive to moisture, strong odors, and light exposure. Without proper storage, the delicate green tea leaves can stale and the rice can lose its signature crunch and fragrance. Choosing the right container is essential to preserve this special tea’s character.

Rare Tea Company’s range of empty tins provides an elegant and functional storage solution, and the Empty Longjing Tin stands out as a versatile option. Originally designed for Longjing green tea, its airtight construction and durable tinplate body make it equally perfect for storing genmaicha. But does it live up to the task? In this review, we explore the tin’s design, performance, and why it might be the best home for your genmaicha.

Why Proper Genmaicha Storage Matters

Genmaicha’s toasted rice grains are highly hygroscopic, meaning they readily absorb ambient moisture and odors from the environment. If stored in a poorly sealed container, the rice can become stale or even rancid, and the green tea leaves can lose their vibrant color and fresh vegetal notes. Light exposure accelerates degradation, breaking down chlorophyll and reducing flavor potency. An airtight, opaque container is non-negotiable for maintaining the tea’s signature balance of grassy tea and toasty rice.

Beyond preserving freshness, proper storage also extends shelf life. Genmaicha is best consumed within six months to a year of harvest, but with an excellent container, you can keep it enjoyable for longer. The Empty Longjing Tin from Rare Tea Company is designed with these exact requirements in mind, offering a tight seal and a dark interior that blocks light. For those who also enjoy herbal blends, the Empty Himalayan Ginger & Lemongrass Tin provides a similar level of protection, though its size and design are tailored to slightly different tea volumes.

• Before first use, wash the tin with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly to remove any manufacturing residues.

Features of the Empty Longjing Tin

The Empty Longjing Tin is crafted from high-quality tinplate with a robust, airtight lid that clicks into place securely. Its round shape and moderate height make it easy to store on a shelf or in a cupboard. The interior is lined with a food-safe coating that prevents any metallic taste from transferring to your tea. The exterior features a classic, minimalist design – a soft cream background with elegant blue and green artwork inspired by traditional Chinese tea culture. While the design references Longjing, its neutral aesthetic suits any tea, including genmaicha.

A key advantage of this tin is its capacity. It comfortably holds 100–150 grams of loose leaf genmaicha, depending on leaf size and rice proportion. The wide opening allows easy access with a teaspoon, and the airtight seal is excellent: after several weeks of use, no aroma leakage was detected. The tin also stacks well with other tins in the Rare Tea Company range, making it a great addition to a tea lover’s collection. For those who prefer a slightly larger container, the Empty Himalayan Ginger & Lemongrass Tin offers a similar build quality with a different exterior design.

• Airtight lid with a silicone gasket for a secure seal.
• Round shape and wide mouth for easy scooping.
• Holds approximately 100–150g of loose leaf tea.

Comparing the Empty Longjing Tin to Other Storage Options

Many tea enthusiasts store genmaicha in the original resealable pouch, but these are rarely fully airtight and can let in air over time. Ceramic caddies look beautiful but are often heavy and can break if dropped. Glass jars allow light to degrade the tea unless kept in a dark cabinet. The Empty Longjing Tin solves all these issues: it is lightweight, unbreakable under normal use, completely opaque, and its lid creates a near-hermetic seal. Unlike plastic containers, tinplate does not absorb odors or leach chemicals.

Compared to the Empty Black Iced Tea Tin (designed for iced tea storage with a different shape), the Longjing Tin's shorter, rounder form is better suited for daily loose leaf tea access. It also fits neatly into a kitchen drawer or tea tray. While no tin is completely airtight over decades, the Longjing Tin’s seal is reliable for the typical consumption period of genmaicha (3–6 months). If you plan to store multiple tea varieties, the consistent design across Rare Tea Company’s empty tins allows for attractive stacking and labeling.

Verdict: Is the Empty Longjing Tin Right for Your Genmaicha?

After testing the Empty Longjing Tin with several batches of genmaicha, it has proven to be an excellent storage solution. The tea retained its fresh, grassy aroma and the rice remained crisp and flavorful for over two months. The tin’s construction is solid, the lid fits snugly, and the aesthetic adds a touch of elegance to the tea ritual. It is especially suited for those who buy genmaicha in standard 100g quantities and want a dedicated, reusable container.

The only minor drawback is that the tin’s artwork is specific to Longjing, which might not match a genmaicha-focused tea corner. However, this is a purely cosmetic consideration, and the tin’s performance is unaffected. For those seeking a more neutral option, the Empty Himalayan Ginger & Lemongrass Tin offers a similar build with a different design. Overall, the Empty Longjing Tin earns a strong recommendation for any genmaicha lover looking to upgrade from a flimsy pouch.

• Tip: Write the tea name on a small label and stick it on the bottom or side of the tin for easy identification.

If you are serious about preserving the unique flavor of your genmaicha, investing in a quality airtight tin is a small step that makes a big difference. The Empty Longjing Tin from Rare Tea Company delivers on all fronts: durability, seal quality, and visual appeal. Whether you are a seasoned tea collector or new to loose leaf, this tin will keep your genmaicha fresh and ready to brew. Explore the Empty Longjing Tin in our store to give your tea the home it deserves.