Almost every type of food has an expiration date, and Tea is no exception. But does Puer tea expire?
Puer tea does not expire. Puer tea and dark teas are fully fermented teas, and their shelf life can range from 10 to 20 years. Therefore, there is no set expiration date for these types of tea. Proper storage can actually improve their quality.
For example, Wuyi Rock Tea, when stored for a year, often develops a rich aroma and a smooth taste. Similarly, dark teas from Hunan, Fu brick tea from Hubei, Liubao tea from Guangxi, and others will not spoil but can enhance their quality if stored properly.
The storage of Puer tea is very particular. It should not be exposed to sunlight and must be protected from moisture. If unopened and stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area free from odors, it can be kept for decades without issue. However, Puer tea comes in two forms: ripe and raw. Generally, ripe Puer tea is best consumed within 5 to 10 years, while raw Puer tea can be enjoyed for up to 20 years, with the flavor improving over time.
To determine whether tea has expired, consider the following: Is it moldy or does it have a stale smell? Has Green Tea turned red or developed a brownish hue? Has the concentration, astringency, and freshness of the flavor diminished? Additionally, check the expiration date on the packaging. For loose tea, it is best not to consume it after 18 months.
Most people believe that loose tea allows them to clearly see its appearance, which helps them judge the quality of the tea, so they tend to prefer buying loose tea. In reality, loose tea continues to degrade during the sales process as it is exposed to air, absorbing moisture and odors, which leads to a silent change in the tea's quality, compromising its original flavor. Compared to loose tea, packaged tea offers several advantages, such as being less prone to contamination and degradation. Moreover, standardized packaging typically includes information like grade, production date, manufacturer name and address, and production standards.