Tea expiration is a common concern. In this article we review all the considerations needing attention.
How to Tell if Tea has Expired
Tea leaves do expire; they are agricultural products with a shelf life, contrary to popular belief. Many tea packages lack clear expiration dates, leading to confusion, especially in Asia, where the “production date” is commonly used instead of the expiration date.
Government standards for tea expiration dates exist, but they are often ambiguous, particularly for fully fermented teas like Puerh. New Puerh teas without expiration dates are typically counterfeit or lack certification. The shelf life of tea varies: packed tea usually lasts 12 to 24 months, while unpacked tea, due to exposure to air, dampness, and odors, has a shorter shelf life of just a few months.
Different types of tea also have varying best-before dates; for example, green tea is best when fresh, while Puerh improves with age. Proper storage, including temperature, light, and humidity control, can extend tea’s best-before dates.
How to Check Tea Freshness
- Check Package: Look for a labeled expiration date on the package.
- For Unpackaged Tea: Follow these steps for basic determination:
- Check for contamination, mold, or color changes.
- Smell the tea; expired tea often has a different odor.
- Examine the color; expired tea may be darker or muddier.
- Taste the tea, focusing on thickness, aftertaste, and freshness.
Risk of Drinking Expired Tea
While some teas may still be safe to drink after their expiration date, it’s generally better to avoid them as drinking expired tea can result in a loss of flavor and freshness. Instead of discarding expired tea, consider alternative uses: place expired tea in drawers or the fridge to absorb moisture and remove odors, use expired tea leaves as fertilizer for plant pots, or create a tea pillow for a subtle tea aroma.
Expired Tea vs. Aged Tea
Aged tea applies to oxidized and fermented teas. Proper storage and care is needed in order to age a tea. Expired teas are usually for non-oxidized tea such as green or herbal selections.
