Green tea that has been stored for three years should not be consumed. The Shelf life of green tea is 12 months (1 year). As a food product, it should be consumed within its shelf life. Once past its Expiration date, the internal components such as polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients in the tea leaves are prone to oxidation, rendering them of little value for consumption with an extremely poor taste. Additionally, after the expiration date, green tea can easily harbor bacteria and undergo changes in quality, and drinking it may cause discomfort.
Green tea is a fresh type of tea, and it generally does not have a long shelf life. At room temperature, it is usually good for about one year. If stored too long, it becomes stale and loses its effectiveness and benefits. The primary factors affecting the quality of tea include humidity, light, and temperature. Proper storage can extend the shelf life of tea.
How to Determine if Green Tea Has Gone Bad
1. Smell the Aroma
Take a deep whiff of the dry tea or the aroma of the tea infusion. If there is an obvious stale, sun-dried, moldy, or strange smell, it is recommended to find a new batch of tea.
2. Inspect the Dry Tea
Assessing the color and dryness of the dry tea is the simplest method for identification. If the tea leaves appear dark yellow and are not crisp, they are likely spoiled. You can test this by trying to crush the dry tea between your fingers; if you can only crumble it into small pieces and the stems do not break easily, it suggests spoilage. Unspoiled green tea, under normal conditions, contains around 7% moisture and can be ground into powder when crushed.
3. Observe the Tea Infusion
Green tea is prized for its clear, green liquid and its refreshing, sweet taste, especially during hot summer days. Spoiled green tea will produce a brownish, heavy-looking infusion with no clarity. It will taste dull, lacking the characteristic briskness and freshness. The uplifting sensation typically associated with green tea will be absent.
Common Methods for Storing Green Tea at Home
1. Place the tea in sturdy, odorless, sealable food-grade plastic Bags or aluminum foil bags. Squeeze out the air and seal the bag. Alternatively, after sealing, store in the refrigerator.
2. Use thick Iron cans, Stainless steel cans, or tin cans. Ensure they are odorless before placing the tea inside. Store the cans in a cool, dry place.
Green tea is valued for its freshness, so new green tea is best, usually within one year. If stored for too long, the flavor changes, and the components within the tea also change, which is not beneficial for health.