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ultimate guide to tea expiration and storage

The Ultimate Guide to Tea Expiration and Storage

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Tea is not specific to any one part of the world; its popularity is uniform across the globe. Whether you are having an unenergetic day, looking for a cozy beverage at your work break, or simply want to uplift your spirits on a day off, tea does the magic every time. If you are a tea lover, you might question the maximum life of your tea or wonder what the best way of storing it is. This blog answers all your questions, serving to be your ultimate guide to tea expiration and storage.  

Does tea expire?

Although tea does come with an expiry, it does not mean that it becomes unsafe to consume it past the mentioned date. The expiration date of a tea denotes the time frame within which the tea can preserve its aroma and vigor. After a specific duration, the tea becomes stale and musty.  

The life of your tea 

Authentic tea never goes bad completely, but it can deteriorate in quality over time, losing its flavor, aroma, and health benefits. Storing tea for too long can also make it susceptible to contamination by microorganisms, insects, or mold, making it unsafe to consume. Generally, tea is best consumed within one to two years, but this can vary depending on the type of tea and how it is stored. 

Types of tea and their shelf lives 

There are several different types of tea, each with its own special characteristics, tastes and benefits: 

  • White tea 
  • Yellow tea 
  • Green tea 
  • Oolong tea 
  • Pu-erh tea 
  • Black tea 
  • Red tea 
  • Aged tea 

The shelf life of tea also depends on its type and level of oxidation. Highly oxidized teas like black teas and roasted oolongs have a longer shelf-life and can retain their original taste and fragrance for extensive durations. Whereas lightly oxidized teas like the green and yellow ones are timid and more likely to go bland. For example, black tea is good for two long years, but white tea can expire in less than six months.

Factors that impact the tea’s expiry 

There are some environmental factors which can speed up the tea’s journey towards expiration. Some of them are:  

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  • Exposure to humidity 
  • Exposure to light 
  • Interaction with heat 
  • Blending in with other odors 
  • Susceptible to micro-organisms 
  • Exposure to air  
  • Excessive crushing of the tea leaves 

How to improve the tea’s longevity? 

Once we are aware of the factors that damage the tea’s essence, the next step is to protect it from all those factors. To make sure that the tea does not encounter air, moisture, heat, or light, we need to store it accordingly. Here are a few tips to ace the storage game for all kinds of tea: 

Choosing the right container: 

  • Air-tight seal: An air-tight jar is the best way to protect your stored tea leaves from air, moisture and odor. They help regulate the oxidization process of the tea, keeping it full of vim and vigor.  
  • Opaque containers: Due to tea’s sensitivity to light, an opaque jar is the best storage mode for it. Some good examples can be steel or ceramic jars which are not only durable but also aesthetic. 
  • Adequate size: Make sure that the size of your tea jar has ample space. It prevents over-stuffing and crushing of the tea leaves, allowing it to stay fresher for longer. 
  •  Do not use plastic or wood: Plastic is not only harmful but also gives off a certain smell which can get infiltered into your tea. Wood, on the other hand, is highly prone to moisture and odor. 

Choosing the right storage space: 

  • Store it in a cool environment away from heat sources. 
  • Make sure the space is dark. 
  • Do not allow wet accessories to get in contact with your tea as they can spoil and harden it quickly.  
  • Do not refrigerate. 
  • Ensure that the space is free of unpleasant odors. 
  • Store each type of tea separately. 
  • Store it in a clean setting that is out of the reach of microorganisms.  

How to identify stale tea: 

  • Lack of strong flavor and aroma 
  • Musty smell 
  • Tea leaves hardening or crumbling together 
  • Discoloration 
  • Moldy appearance 
  • Wet to touch 
  • Presence of pests 

A few creative techniques to utilize stale tea 

If you just witnessed signs of decay in your tea, no need to worry. Discarding stale tea is not the only solution, it can be repurposed in some creative ways: 

  • Use it as fertilizer for your garden. It is rich in nitrogen and other nutrients which can enhance the quality of your plants. 
  • If you are into art, you can brew tea and form watercolor pigments. The earthy beige and brown notes can add a ravishing touch to your canvas. 
  • It can also act as a natural dye for a range of raw materials such as linen and wool.  
  • It works very well as an odor absorber. You can place it in your wardrobe or toilet to boost the freshness. 
  • It can be used in self-care remedies such as face packs or body masks. 
  • Use its soothing properties as a cure for cuts and burns.  
  • It can be used as a household cleanser. 
  • Tea leaves placed in votives, or vases can provide a unique and fitting decorative touch for your upcoming event. 

The perfect brew 

Here’s how to make the perfect cup of tea:  

  • Allow the water to rest for a bit before heating it up to ensure it’s well-aerated. 
  • Drop a tea bag into your cup and add hot water. 
  • Gently stir the tea; too much stirring can result in a bitter taste. 
  • Once you achieve the desired color, carefully remove the tea bag without squeezing it. 
  • Personalize your tea by adding milk, or sweetener, or enjoy it as it is. 

Read Also: Are sachets better than tea bags?

Wrapping up: 

Tea lovers are found all over the world. Tea storage plays an important role in determining its taste, freshness, aroma, and overall life. As a tea lover, you can only enjoy your tea in its best form if it’s stored correctly. For this, the tea needs to be away from light, heat moisture, and bacterial sources. Although it does not completely become useless after expiry, proper storage of the tea is essential in quality maintenance and keeping it free from microorganisms.

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