Green tea has been used for centuries and is known to bring a wide range of health benefits. It has antiviral properties, boosts metabolism, and helps fight disease. But does this mean it lasts forever?
In this article, we will find out whether green tea goes bad or will last indefinitely.
Does Green Tea Go Bad?
Like most other beverages, green tea does go bad if left for too long. That’s because its high antioxidant levels mean it can easily spoil over time. If stored in a cool dark place, your green tea will remain safe to drink for up to 9 months after it was packaged. It will start to lose some of its freshness over time though — within 6 months it will start to taste stale, and after a year or so it can become bitter and unpleasant.
How Long Does Green Tea Last?
The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions – to maximize the shelf life of opened green tea, keep it in airtight containers or bags. Properly stored, an unopened package of green tea will generally stay at its best quality for about three years.
Opened green tea that has been sold unrefrigerated and contains no added preservatives will generally stay at its best quality for about 12 to 18 months when stored in a cupboard at room temperature.
Green tea that has been sold refrigerated can be kept as long as unopened shelf stable green tea (about 3 years) when stored in the refrigerator.
To maximize the shelf life of opened powdered or liquid green tea, keep it refrigerated and tightly covered.
How To Store Green Tea
Many tea enthusiasts, especially those who buy their teas online, ask about how to store green tea. Some people are more interested in preserving the freshness of the tea leaves, in order to ensure a better-tasting cup of tea. Others want to make sure that their tea leaves will last as long as possible. I’ll try to address both points in this article and give some tips on how to store green tea properly.
In order to keep your green teas fresh and flavorful, you need to find a place that is dry and cool. A kitchen or pantry is fine, as long as it’s not near a stove where it can get too warm or humid. A kitchen drawer is also suitable, but don’t put the teas anywhere near spices or other foods that have strong aromas that can absorb into the tea leaves.
You should also avoid storing your teas in a place where they will be exposed to sunlight. Sunlight deteriorates the flavor of the tea leaves, so it’s best if you keep them in a dark place such as drawers or cabinets (or even a box). The fridge is another good option for keeping your teas cool and dry.
How To Tell If Green Tea Is Bad?
Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages on earth. It has a number of beneficial effects on the body, including fat-burning properties and disease prevention.
However, it’s not always easy to determine whether green tea is still good for consumption. There are a few factors to keep in mind when deciding if your green tea has gone bad.
Look at the color. Freshly brewed green tea should be a bright green color. If your tea looks brown or yellowish, it probably means it has gone bad.
Smell your tea. Good quality green tea smells fresh and aromatic, with a grassy scent. Tea that has gone bad smells musty and stale, like wet clothes that have not dried properly.
Taste your tea. Freshly brewed green tea should have a very light taste as well as the aroma. If you taste bitterness in your cup of tea, it could mean that it has been stored improperly or is past its expiration date
4 Tips To Keep Green Tea Fresh Longer
The trick to getting the most out of your green tea is to keep it fresh, as green tea that has been exposed to air for too long can quickly lose its flavor.
There are a few simple steps you can take to keep your green tea or matcha powder tasting fresh and flavorful:
Tip 1: Choose a vacuum-sealed or foil-lined package. Green tea loses its flavor when it comes into contact with oxygen. Avoid paper containers, as they can become soggy and may even affect the flavor of the tea.
Tip 2: Store in a cool, dark, dry place. Humidity and heat can also cause your tea to go stale. Refrigeration isn’t necessary, but if you live in a very humid or hot climate, try storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tip 3: Buy in small quantities, so you’re not left with stale green tea at the end of the month.
Tip 4: Use a sealed container for loose leaf teas once they’ve been opened. If you have a large supply of loose leaf teas that have been opened, store them in an airtight container so they don’t attract moisture and lose their flavor over time.
Related Questions
Is It OK To Drink Expired Green Tea?
It is better not to drink expired green tea as it can be harmful, although the effects may vary in different individuals.
Green tea contains antioxidants that help in preventing cell damage. Green tea also contains caffeine, a stimulant that helps your body to stay alert and focused.
However, consuming green tea after its expiry date may affect your digestive system and cause diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
