Often, many friends consult me about some Tea they found at home, asking if it can still be consumed after the “expiry date,” or whether they should throw it away. I think it's necessary to write an article to popularize knowledge about tea expiry dates.
Firstly, in traditional tea shops, most people believe that tea doesn't have an “expiration” concept. As a food that naturally ages, absorbs flavors, and oxidizes, when it appears as a commodity in society, non-professional consumers need to understand its production time and corresponding quality. “Expiry” does not necessarily mean “spoiled”; these are two different concepts.
We still have Oolong tea and Pu'er tea from the 1990s in our home, which, when stored properly and without any off-flavors, can still be enjoyed. Of course, Pu'er tea has the characteristic of becoming more fragrant with age, which is why aged Pu'er tea and aged White Tea are valuable. To some extent, there is a concept of a tea's “optimal tasting period,” which refers to the time when a particular tea is best suited for tasting.
In general, standardized tea storage
requires placement in a dry, shaded, Odor-free, and warm place.
So, we suggest the following for the six main types of tea:
their “optimal tasting periods” and storage conditions are:
1. Green tea: approximately 6-12 months.
(Temperature 10-20°C, humidity below 50%)
We recommend storing it in a refrigerator at the corresponding temperature, ensuring it is sealed to prevent flavor absorption.
2. Black Tea: 3-5 years. (Temperature around 25°C, humidity below 50%)
Store at room temperature, avoiding light and maintaining dryness; regular box packaging and sealed storage are sufficient.
3. White tea: can be stored long-term.
(Temperature below 20°C, humidity below 50%)
We recommend natural storage in a dry, shaded, odor-free, and warm place.
4. Yellow tea: 1-2 years. (Temperature 10-20°C, humidity below 50%)
We recommend storing it in a refrigerator at the corresponding temperature, ensuring it is sealed to prevent flavor absorption.
5. Oolong tea: around 3 years. (Temperature around 25°C, humidity below 50%)
Store at room temperature, avoiding light and maintaining dryness; regular box packaging and sealed storage are sufficient.
6. Dark tea: can be stored long-term.
(Temperature around 25°C, humidity below 65%)
We recommend natural storage in a dry, shaded, odor-free, and warm place.
Generally speaking, tea from reliable sources and well-sealed packaging, without any off-flavors or mold, and without visible spoilage, can still be acceptable even slightly past its “optimal tasting period.” If you don't have the ability to identify the condition of the tea and are concerned about potential issues, then follow the “expiry date” indicated on the packaging when handling the tea.