Can I still drink expired Tieguanyin?

Many Chinese people like to drink tea, but tea also has a certain expiration date. If left for a long time, it will easily expire, especially some precious teas. It would be a pity to throw them away, but if you don’t throw them away, you are afraid that drinking expired tea will cause some problems. So, can you drink expired Tieguanyin? Let’s find out together!

Common problems with expiration:

1. Mold growth, which can be observed with the naked eye.

2. Discoloration: caused by decomposition or oxidation of the color-developing substances in the tea leaves.

3. Moisture is lost and the tea leaves become dry.

4. Taste changes; flavoring substances react or evaporate.

Tea is a beverage, so of course it has a shelf life. Tea will also become moldy if it is out of shelf life or stored improperly. Moldy tea can no longer be drunk. Usually, the shelf life of sealed packaged tea ranges from 12 to 24 months, which will be indicated on the tea bag. The shelf life of bulk tea is even shorter, so when purchasing, try to buy new tea of ​​the year. It’s better not to drink it after it’s expired, just in case!

If the tea is refrigerated

Refrigerator storage: Place the tea leaves in a dry, odor-free, airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. If the amount of tea is small and very dry, it can also be packed tightly in a double-layer film bag with good moisture-proof performance.

Seal and place in the refrigerator.

The most basic requirements for tea preservation are: first, dryness, and second, low temperature (generally 0-5℃ is more suitable). Here are some other ways to store tea:

Jar storage method

Put the tea leaves into a tinplate tea can with a double lid. It is best to fill it up without leaving any gaps so that there is less air in the can. Close the double-layer lid tightly, seal the gap between the lids with tape, put the tea can into a double-layer nylon bag, and seal the bag.

Thermos bottle storage method

Put the tea leaves into a dry thermos bottle, cover it tightly with the lid and seal the bottle mouth with white wax.

Legal matters: The moisture content of tea during storage should not exceed 5% (green tea) - 7% (black tea). The tea leaves can be fried or dried first and then stored. The tools for frying and baking tea should be very clean, without any grease or odor. The tea leaves should be baked slowly over low heat, and care should be taken to prevent the tea leaves from burning, breaking, or being contaminated by other odors.

As can be seen from the above, it is best not to drink Tieguanyin if it is expired. Generally speaking, tea will deteriorate in the past, so when purchasing tea, it is best to pay attention to the shelf life of the tea and try to choose new tea of ​​the year. Of course, after buying it, you must store the tea in a dry and sealed container.