Expired tea refers to tea that has surpassed an expiration date listed on its packaging. This is most common for tea bags or non oxidized teas such as green tea. While it is recommended the tea be disposed in the garbage, there are some popular ways expired leaves are used outside of drinking.
Deodorizing: Eliminate Unwanted Odors
- Place expired tea leaves in an open container or wrap them in cotton.
- Use these tea bundles to absorb odors in your fridge or wardrobe effectively.
Filling: Create Scented Accessories
- If you have an excess of expired tea leaves, transform them into scented sachets, pillows, or mouse pads with wrist rests.
- The soothing aroma of tea can relax your mind and provide relief.
Descaling: Remove Stubborn Stains
- Tea leaves work wonders in removing fur deposits on kettle walls or water stains on clothing.
- Use expired products to scrub these surfaces and restore their original appearance.
Kitchen Hacks: Expired Tea to Combat Odors and Remove Smells
- Cover kitchen garbage with a layer of dehydrated tea residue to prevent unpleasant odors.
- Rub your hands with expired tea leaves to eliminate stubborn smells, like fish.
Remove New Furniture Odors
- New furniture often emits a strong paint odor. Wash it thoroughly with tea to naturally diminish the paint smell.
- Repeating the process several times will completely eliminate the odor without harming your furniture.
Gardening: A Natural Fertilizer
- Sprinkle expired leaves in your plant pots to boost plant growth, resulting in greener and healthier leaves.
- The natural fertilizer in tea leaves rivals store-bought options.
Combat Beriberi
- Tea contains tannins, which are effective at killing bacteria, particularly filamentous bacteria associated with beriberi.
- Soak your feet in warm water mixed with tea regularly to help treat beriberi. Green tea is particularly effective.
These are but a few of the most common tricks for expired tea leaves. It is worth noting that aged tea and expired tea are completely different. Aged tea refers to semi and fully oxidized teas as well as fermented teas that are packaged and stored under dry conditions. These are also kept free from pollutants and away from sunlight. Such tea varieties include Oolong, Black, Puerh and various Dark Teas. This is similar to aging wine.
Summary
- Most tea that goes bad upon an expiration date is green tea or low grade variants of all types.
- Expired tea is different than aged tea.
- With proper storage and care, all teas aside from herbal and green can be aged.
