Tea, in general has a very long shelf life. Tea doesn’t go bad if stored in proper cool and dry conditions. Does tea expire? Not actually but it can lose the taste and aroma over time. This is the reason why packaging companies write a best before date on packets.
Still, packaging companies put a shelf life on tea packets. So always check your box, and it always has an extended shelflife. Tea is a popular drink globally, and people have been enjoying it for centuries. It’s rich in antioxidants which help protect against diseases like cancer or heart problems- not only that, but this tasty beverage also helps keep you cool on hot days!
Does tea expire and can you drink tea after the shelf life?
How long does tea last?
The length of an unopened tea package is about two years from the date of manufacture. To determine the best time for consumption, read the expiration date on your package before you buy.
An opened container has a shelf life of six months from when it was opened, typically longer if you use a clean spoon.
What happens when tea expires?
Normally tea doesn’t expires. The best test is your own sensation and if you feel like the taste and Aroma of the tea has changed, don’t use it. The brew from an expired tea is dull and bland.
Does tea leaves expire?
Tea leaves can expire if not stored properly. Store the tea leaves in an airtight container away from sunlight. Never store the tea leaves in a glass jar. Always opt for a ceramic or tin container. The reason is that sunlight can pass through the glass jar and reach inside the contents of the jar.
If you feel like the tea may be expired, check the Aroma and look for any infestation with mold or pests.
Can old tea make you sick?
Old tea as such is good to drink. The problem arises if the tea is infested with molds and insects. If you feel like the tea doesn’t look good and have lost the Aroma and flavor, discard the tea and don’t use it.
Expired tea as such doesn’t make you sick. The tea can only create a problem if it is moldy and infested with pests.
Does green tea expire?
Yes, of course, the green tea expires. It can expire within half an hour of sun exposure. Green tea is very sensitive, and delicate and can quickly lose its earthy and natural Aroma. Always store the green tea in an airtight jar away from the sunlight.
How do you know if Matcha is expired?
Matcha tea is a type of green tea that has been ground into a fine powder. Matcha leaves are grown, harvested, and processed in Japan. This tea come from the same Camellia sinensis plant as other types of green tea. Still, it’s different because Matcha is made by finely grinding whole leaves to produce an ultrafine powder which provides more surface area for the water to extract their nutrients. Matcha contains antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Matcha can’t be brewed like regular loose-leaf green teas; instead, you whisk it with hot water (around 160 degrees) until it is frothy, and then drink before it settles back into its original form.
To know when the Matcha is expired, check for the color and Aroma of the tea. For example, Matcha is vibrant Jade color, but it changes to dull green or brown color when it expires. If you see that your vibrant Matcha has changed its color, it may not give the same refreshing taste as it is too old to use.
Do herbal teas expire?
As with other teas, herbal eas don’t expire but lose flavor and taste with time. If stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, green teas are good to drink. Make sure there is no mold growth or insect infestation if you want to brew an old tea.
Tea leaves or tea bags? Which one expires faster?
Loose tea leaves have a longer shelf life than tea bags. The reason is that the larger the leaf, and longer the shelf life. Teabags contain tiny particles of the tea and expire early.
How to prolong the shelf life of tea?
- Store tea in an airtight container, like a jar or canister
- Keep it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and moisture
- Please make sure the leaves are dehydrated before storing them
- Use a clean spoon to scoop out tea and avoid contaminating the rest of the container’s contents
- Brew only as much tea as you’ll drink right away to keep it fresh
- Discard any leftover tea after a few hours
