Article Title: Does Tea Expire? 

Tasting and enjoying tea is a lifestyle for many people. It's delightful to share emotions and talk about life over a cup of tea. However, due to busy lives, people are spending less time on tea, leading to many teas exceeding their shelf life. So, how long does tea actually last? Is it safe to consume expired tea? Does drinking expired tea harm the body? These are questions that many people are concerned about. Today, our team of tea experts will outline the shelf life of different types of tea, hoping to provide a better understanding of tea expiration dates.

Shelf Life Standards for Tea

Just like any other product, tea has a shelf life. As a food product, tea naturally comes with its own set of standards. The Chinese national food safety authorities have established shelf life standards for tea. However, due to the various types of tea available, the shelf life can be quite ambiguous.

Shelf Life of Different Types of Tea

• Green Tea: Shelf life is about 1 year, but improper storage may lead to discoloration and loss of flavor after around 8 to 9 months.
• Yellow Tea: Shelf life is about 1 year.
• White Tea: Has a longer shelf life, lasting several years, with improved taste after a certain period.
• Oolong Tea: When refrigerated, shelf life is about 18 months. Baked teas like Wuyi Rock Tea can be consumed even after 2 years.
• Black Tea: Generally post-fermented, loose leaf black tea can last 3 to 5 years, while compressed tea can be stored for around 10 to 15 years.

Consumption and Assessment of Expired Tea

If the tea shows no abnormal color or smell, it is still safe to consume. Simply put, tea being past its expiration date doesn't necessarily mean it has gone bad.

Signs of Spoiled Tea

• Obvious color change: While some darkening over time is normal, a dark and murky tea infusion indicates spoilage.
• Unusual odor: If the tea smells like mothballs or has an oily scent, avoid consuming it.
• Softness or mold: Tea that feels soft, damp, or has a moldy smell has gone bad.

Proper Tea Storage Methods

During rainy summers with high humidity, tea is prone to moisture and mold. Many tea enthusiasts store tea in the refrigerator to extend its freshness. However, whether tea is suitable for refrigeration depends on the type.

Teas Suitable for Refrigeration: Green tea, lightly fragrant oolong tea, and moisture-absorbing tea. They should be stored in airtight containers, away from strongly scented foods.

Teas Unsuitable for Refrigeration: Pu'er tea and white tea. Pu'er tea, in particular, benefits from aging, while white tea does not require refrigeration.

Lastly, remember to store tea in a dry, clean, and odor-free container in a dry and well-ventilated area, away from moisture, heat, dirt, and direct sunlight. Different types and grades of tea should not be stored together.