In fact, tea deterioration has nothing to do with expiration, but tea generally expires, and the probability of deterioration is very high.
At the same time, whether tea deteriorates, in addition to the shelf life, is also closely related to storage.
The following are the shelf life of various types of tea:
Green tea = 1 year;
Black tea = 2, 3 years;
Oolong tea = 3~5 years (1~2 years for light fermentation process);
Black tea, white tea = can be stored for a long time, generally about 10 years, or even longer;
Yellow tea = 1 year.
The above shelf life only requires us to drink it within a specific period, or drink it in time after purchase, so that the flavor of the tea is better;
However, if it is not stored properly during this process, it will deteriorate within the shelf life. On the contrary, if the tea is properly stored, it will not deteriorate, and the drinking period can be appropriately extended.
So how to judge whether the tea has deteriorated? Please pay attention to the following situations. No matter which situation occurs, do not continue to drink it even within the shelf life!
01
Softening and moldy
The best water content of tea is about 5%. If the water content exceeds 10%, the tea is prone to moisture and mold, especially in the rainy season in the south, the moisture-proof performance of tea needs to be more stringent.
The most important way to judge whether it is soft and moldy is to touch and smell!
Normal tea feels brittle and easy to break; if the tea is soft, moist, or has a musty smell, then the tea has undoubtedly deteriorated and cannot be consumed.
02
Obvious color change
It is normal for tea to darken after being stored for a long time, but the color of tea is generally transparent and bright. If the tea not only darkens in color, but also becomes dark brown, turbid, and does not feel normal, then you should pay attention.
Observe the tea soup and dry tea carefully before drinking. If the smell is dull, the aroma is very different from the original, or it has a strange smell, such tea is likely to have deteriorated.
03
Smell
Tea absorbs water very well and is easy to deteriorate. If you smell a clear smell of camphor balls or oil in the tea, it is best not to drink such tea.
Tea has three characteristics: adsorption, hygroscopicity, and oxidation, which also means that it is easily affected by external factors. How to store tea correctly is a must for every tea lover to learn tea knowledge.
Therefore, expiration of tea does not mean deterioration, but expiration will increase the risk of tea deterioration; once it is confirmed that the tea has deteriorated, it must not be drunk.
So we need to do the following:
1. Green tea, yellow tea and other fast-storage teas should be used up within 3 months after purchase, or sealed and put in the refrigerator to increase the storage capacity, but do not have the mentality of long-term storage.
2. Black tea, oolong tea, etc. can be stored appropriately, but it is best to use them up within 1 year.
3. Black tea, white tea, etc. can be stored for a long time, but it must be sealed, dried, ventilated, and moisture-proof, otherwise deterioration will happen overnight.
4. Don't drink if it is deteriorating or the shape, color, fragrance, and soup color of the tea have changed significantly. Health is more important than anything else, so don't take risks.
