Tea, like many other beverages, has a best before date rather than an expiration or use by date. It’s because it loses its flavor and aroma over time or becomes fully stale. However, the length of time that tea can be kept fresh depends on the type of tea and how it is packaged. Loose leaf tea kept in containers, for example, will lose its flavor over time, although dry leaves will last longer. However, after some time, their natural flavor may fade as well. As a result, knowing your tea before pouring it is a smart idea.
When it comes to tea types, most of us are familiar with the four most common varieties, but we may not be aware of their best before dates.
How long does loose leaf tea last?
Tea leaves have a two-year shelf life. This, however, is dependent on the type of tea leaf used and the length of time it was fermented.
Although tea leaves from various types of tea all come from the same plant, they are picked and processed in different ways, which might affect their shelf life.
The benefit of properly keeping tea bags is that they can be used even after their best before dates have passed. The best by date on any sort of tea is usually not an expiration date, but rather the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the tea will stay in optimum condition. As a result, if properly preserved, commercial tea bags are ready to use at any time.
Keeping all of these considerations in mind, we can ensure that our tea lasts longer and tastes its finest. The good news for tea aficionados like us is that we don’t have to worry about our tea going stale because it’s usually eaten before it’s halfway through its expiration date.
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3.How to make green tea in the Vietnamese way
Shelf life of specific loose leaf teas
Teabags keep longer than loose leaf tea, owing to the fact that the tea used in bags is not as fresh as loose leaf tea. It’s also usually of poor quality. It can’t deteriorate any further since it already has.
White tea
Because it is prepared from only the youngest buds of the tea plant, white tea is one of the most sought-after teas. It isn’t fermented either.
As a result, its shelf life isn’t particularly long. It will keep for a year and retain the majority of its flavor. However, if you want to get the most out of it, consume it within 6 months.
Green Tea
One of the most popular forms of tea is green tea. Because it is not fermented like white tea, it should be consumed within 6 months of purchase for the best freshness.
You can preserve it for a year to 18 months if you store it carefully, but the aroma and flavor will definitely deteriorate.
Oolong tea
Oolong tea has undergone partial fermentation. Fermentation levels can vary from a few percent to nearly 100 percent. As you may anticipate, this results in a wide range of shelf life.
Iron Goddess of Mercy tea is a mildly oxidized oolong with a shelf life comparable to green or white tea. It may last a little longer, but the difference is insignificant.
If properly stored, more strongly oxidized oolong teas can last a year or two.
Black tea
Black tea has gone through the entire fermentation process. As a result, unlike many other teas, it has a longer shelf life. Black tea should last two to three years, however, I’d drink it within two years just to be safe.
Tips to preserve loose leaf tea
- When it comes to loose tea, how long does it last? To extend the shelf life of loose tea (including white, green, black, and oolong kinds), store it in a cool, dark closet away from direct heat or sunlight.
- At normal temperature, how long does loose tea last? Loose tea will keep its finest quality for roughly 18 to 24 months if stored properly.
- Store loose tea in sealed containers to extend its shelf life and preserve flavor and potency.
- Is it okay to drink loose tea after the package’s “expiration” date? Yes, as long as it’s stored properly and the package isn’t damaged — commercially packaged loose tea usually has a “Best By,” “Best if Used By,” “Best Before,” or “Best When Used By” date, but this isn’t a safety date; it’s the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the loose tea will stay at peak quality.
- Is loose tea susceptible to spoilage? No, professionally packed loose tea does not deteriorate, but it does lose potency and flavor over time; the recommended storage time is just for optimal quality.
- When it comes to loose tea, how can you know if it’s still good? Brew a cup of tea for at least 3 to 5 minutes to see if the loose tea is still good; if the aroma is weak and the flavor isn’t apparent, the loose tea should be changed.
Related questions
It’s not always easy to figure just how long tea leaves will last. Here are some of the most common questions I’m asked on this topic.
- Is it safe to drink expired loose leaf tea? Yes, it is quite acceptable to consume them. It will not kill you or make you sick in any way. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll get less delicious tea. During my study, I discovered that people were consuming loose tea leaves that were 3 to 10 years old. They must have forgotten about the tea in their pantry. However, as I previously stated, they did express dissatisfaction with the flavor. So, if you want to impress a guest or give it as a gift, I wouldn’t advocate using old tea leaves.
- Is it possible for bacteria to grow in loose leaf tea? Yes, bacteria can grow if brewed loose leaf tea is left to sit for an extended period of time. This is especially true if you sweeten the loose leaf tea with sugar or another sweetener. If tea leaves are not stored properly, bacteria can grow on them. It is, however, a rare event. I’ve used certain teas for a long time and have never seen any noticeable bacterial development on any of them. It’s important to note that hazy tea isn’t a symptom of bacteria. It has to do with the tea’s chemical composition and how the chemicals react when the tea cools. This is explained in full in our article on why tea becomes hazy.