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As a business working with premium organic herbs, teas, and botanicals, you know just how important freshness is. Whether you’re blending custom teas, crafting herbal remedies, or stocking your shelves with nature’s best, how you store your bulk herbs can make all the difference.

At The Herbal Connection, we’re passionate about helping our wholesale customers get the most out of every ingredient — and that includes making sure those vibrant colours, aromas, and beneficial properties last as long as possible. So today, we’re sharing our favourite practices for keeping herbs and botanicals fresh, potent, and ready to shine.

If you’ve ever wondered about the best way to store dried herbs or how to protect your bulk botanicals from environmental damage, this is your go-to guide.

Why Proper Herb Storage Matters

Herbs and teas are living expressions of the earth. Even after they’re harvested and dried, they continue to interact with the environment — and unfortunately, that can mean losing flavour, potency, or shelf life if they’re not stored with care.

Without proper storage, dried herbs can:

• Absorb moisture from the air, leading to mould or spoilage

• Lose their aroma and flavour due to exposure to light or heat

• Oxidise or fade when exposed to air

• Attract pests in unsealed containers

That’s why establishing smart, protective storage practices isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Especially when you're dealing with wholesale quantities and high-quality organic products, proper storage is the key to preserving your investment and delivering the best possible product to your customers.

1. Choose the Right Containers

Let’s start with your first line of defence: storage containers.

Ideal options include:

• Glass jars with airtight lids: Best for smaller quantities or high-turnover products.

• Mylar bags with zip seals: Great for light-proof storage and bulk quantities.

• Food-grade plastic bins with tight-fitting lids: Sturdy and pest-resistant for larger volumes.

• Stainless steel containers: Non-reactive and long-lasting.

Avoid using paper bags or thin plastic that can tear, leak, or allow airflow.

✨ Herbal Connection Tip: If you purchase our herbs in bulk bags, transfer them to airtight containers as soon as you open them. Resealing after every use makes a big difference!

2. Keep Things Cool, Dry, and Dark

Herbs are most vulnerable to heat, light, and moisture. These three elements are the primary causes of deterioration — so controlling your storage environment is key.

The golden rules:

• Temperature: Store herbs in a cool environment, ideally between 15–21°C (59–70°F). Avoid keeping them near stoves, ovens, or heat-producing appliances.

• Humidity: Moisture is the enemy! Keep your space dry with good air circulation and consider a dehumidifier if you’re in a humid climate.

• Light: Sunlight and even indoor light can degrade herbs. Always use light-blocking containers or store items in a cupboard or pantry away from direct light.

✅ Checklist:

•  Airtight containers

•  Dark cupboard or opaque storage

•  Stable room temperature

•  Low humidity levels

3. Label Everything Clearly

In a wholesale or bulk setting, it's easy for products to get mixed up or forgotten. Proper labelling helps you rotate stock effectively and prevent waste.

Make sure to include:

• Product name

• Date received or packed

• Batch number (if applicable)

• Best-before date

Using the FIFO method (First In, First Out) helps ensure you use older stock before it expires.

4. Bulk Storage Tips for Wholesale Clients

Whether you’re running a tea house, wellness shop, or herbal clinic, managing large volumes of herbs requires a bit more planning.

Here’s what we recommend for bulk buyers:

• Divide bulk into smaller containers for daily use. Keep your main stock sealed and only open small portions as needed.

• Avoid scooping with hands – use clean, dry utensils to prevent contamination.

• Store high-aroma herbs (like peppermint or cinnamon) separately to prevent scent transfer.

? Storage tip from our warehouse team: Keep your bulk stock in stackable food-safe containers with locking lids — they’re space-efficient and help preserve freshness.

5. Watch for Signs of Spoilage

Even with perfect storage, herbs are natural products and should be monitored regularly. Watch for:

• Discolouration (fading or darkening)

• Off smells (musty, mouldy, or “flat” aromas)

• Clumping (a sign of moisture)

• Visible mould or insect activity

If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the affected product to avoid cross-contamination.

6. Don’t Forget Teas and Blends

Herbal teas — especially blends with fruits, spices, or petals — can be particularly sensitive to air and humidity.

• Store them the same way as herbs: cool, dark, airtight

• If you’re blending your own teas, weigh and mix in small batches to maintain freshness

• Always clean your blending equipment thoroughly between batches

? Looking to stock up on herbal tea ingredients? Explore our range of organic teas and blends, ready to store beautifully and brew effortlessly.

7. Use Within the Optimal Window

Most dried herbs and botanicals stay fresh for 12–18 months, while some roots and barks can last up to 2 years if stored properly. High-volatility herbs like lemon balm or chamomile may start to fade sooner.

Using herbs within their ideal window ensures your customers experience their full therapeutic and aromatic benefits.

8. Embrace Sustainable Storage Options

Sustainability is part of everything we do at The Herbal Connection, and we know our clients care too.

For an eco-conscious approach to storage:

• Choose reusable glass jars or tins

• Recycle or reuse food-grade buckets

• Repurpose old herb containers for non-food storage

• Support sustainable packaging when you reorder

We’re always looking for ways to support you with low-waste solutions — and we’re happy to share tips or recommendations tailored to your business.

Protect Your Investment, Preserve Your Craft

You’ve taken the time to source high-quality, organic botanicals — now give them the care they deserve. With the right storage methods, your herbs and teas can stay fresh, fragrant, and effective long after harvest.

At The Herbal Connection, we’re more than just a supplier — we’re your partner in herbal success. Whether you need storage advice, fresh stock, or custom blends tailored to your business, our team is here to help.

Explore our range of bulk organic herbs, spices, and teas today — and let’s keep nature’s best at its best.