Yue Yue: Tea leaves are extremely susceptible to moisture, and moldy tea should not be consumed. However, some people think it is a pity to discard them and consider simply sun-drying them before brewing. Is this approach correct?

This practice is extremely dangerous. Moldy tea breeds many harmful molds that secrete toxins detrimental to human health. Drinking such tea can often cause symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dizziness. In severe cases, it may affect organs and trigger certain diseases, so it is never worth the risk.

In fact, not only should moldy tea not be drunk, but severely smoked or burnt tea is also best avoided. Scientific research shows that heavily smoked tea, like other burnt foods, can easily produce "3,4-benzopyrene," a carcinogen. Accumulation of this substance in the body increases the risk of cancer. Therefore, heavily smoked tea should not be consumed.

It is particularly important to note that some very tender teas, such as Biluochun and Mao Feng, often have abundant white hairs, which are a sign of normal, high quality. These should not be mistaken for "mold." This is something beginners who are unfamiliar with premium green teas should learn to identify.