Generally, fresh Green Tea refers to the green Tea produced in the current year (which can age and become old if not properly stored); old green tea refers to the green tea produced in the previous year.
The quality differences in green tea are quite significant, and identification can be based on the appearance of the dry leaves, the brewed tea, and the infused leaves. Fresh green tea has a bright, lustrous green color and a rich, fragrant aroma; the brewed tea is jade green with a clear fragrance, Orchid aroma, or roasted chestnut scent, the taste is sweet and refreshing, and the infused leaves are bright and vivid green.
Old green tea has a dull, yellowish color with no luster, a low aroma or a stale smell; the brewed tea is dark yellow in color, the taste lacks freshness, and the infused leaves are yellowish and lack brightness.
How to Identify Year-Old Green Tea?
Visually, old tea will appear yellow or brown due to prolonged storage or improper preservation, which causes the loss of chlorophyll from the new leaves. The surface gloss of the leaves diminishes, and the vitality decreases. Such old tea can be recognized at a glance, relatively straightforwardly.
If it's well-preserved green tea (such as those kept in refrigerators by manufacturers or merchants), some experience is required. Because such tea retains a certain degree of greenness in terms of its appearance and color, with some level of vitality; however, the taste will not be as fresh as new tea, generally having a slightly sweet yet tangy flavor, or the bitterness and astringency are more easily extracted.
A more precise judgment requires an assessment of the aroma. Even when stored in a refrigerator, the aroma of old tea will inevitably weaken. If the merchant re-fires the tea to enhance its fragrance, there will be a smoky “burnt” scent that lacks freshness and naturalness. If the merchant uses artificial fragrances to enhance the aroma, it will produce an unusually high and strange scent, which may feel uncomfortable. Those who regularly consume this tea will definitely be able to discern this “fragrance.”
What is the Typical Shelf Life of Green Tea?
Generally, the shelf life of green tea at room temperature is around one year. However, factors affecting the quality of tea include temperature, light, and Humidity. If stored appropriately, reducing or eliminating these factors can extend the shelf life of the tea.
The national standards for tea have been established based on food hygiene standards, including limitations on shelf life. Generally, the shelf life of green tea is about one year. However, if improperly stored and exposed to excess moisture, the tea can expire within two months. Once opened, green tea should be transferred into airtight containers and consumed within two months if possible.