Black Tea is loved by many, and even in summer, there are still plenty of people who enjoy drinking it. However, black Tea isn't at its best immediately after processing; it needs to be stored for a certain period before consumption. Therefore, spring teas processed in the first half of the year are typically best enjoyed in the second half of the year or even the following year. But how should black tea be stored properly? How long can it be stored? And does it expire? These are basic tea knowledge points that tea enthusiasts should understand.
The topic of expiration dates is one that receives considerable attention in the food industry. There's a joke about expiration dates: It goes that someone sets an alarm to get up at 11:50 PM every night to prepare instant noodles because they know that in just a few minutes, the instant noodles will have passed their expiration date, which ends today.
While this might seem like a joke, it reflects many people's sensitivity towards expiration dates. The same applies to tea. What about black tea? Can black tea, like White Tea, Pu'er, dark tea, or aged Tieguanyin, improve with age? If it passes its expiration date, can it still be consumed?
How Long Can Black Tea Be Stored, and Does It Expire?
The shelf life of black tea is generally 2 to 3 years. As a fully Fermented tea, its internal composition is relatively stable, making it easier to store compared to other types of tea. However, due to the delicate nature of black tea, its shelf life isn't particularly long, with a maximum storage time of 3 years.
To store black tea, start by preparing a clean aluminum foil bag. Place the black tea you wish to store into the bag and fold it over to seal it well. Then, place the sealed bag in a clean, odorless refrigerator for storage.
Another method for storing black tea involves cleaning a metal can and placing a few bags of quicklime inside. Next, put the black tea into the can, tightly close the lid, and seal it. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Tea is meant to be consumed, and only through drinking does it achieve its true value.
No matter how well you store your tea, it cannot and should not be stored indefinitely. The most challenging aspect for tea enthusiasts is determining the optimal drinking period for each type of tea. Even if the black tea is of good quality and has been stored well, we generally recommend consuming it within three to five years. When you purchase and open your favorite black tea, try to drink it according to your usual pace rather than storing it intentionally for a long time.