Whether you are a habitual tea drinker or have recently started taking it, you will always be curious to know the expiry date of your tea. This is primarily because of the safety purpose of tea consumption. Apart from that, tea expiration also affects the freshness of the tea. The pertinent question is whether we should take tea that has crossed its expiration date. Is it healthy to consume expired tea? Will it give any health benefits? Is there any potential health risk involved in consuming expired tea? As a trusted Nepalese tea supplier, we will answer these questions here. If you want to buy Nepali black tea, the following information to help you make an informed decision.

The shelf life of tea 

The valid answer is that your tea has a specific shelf life or expiry date. But this expiry date does not mean you cannot consume it once it has passed the date. What you will notice that the flavor and aroma of your tea are slowly started declining after the expiry date, and so are its potential benefits. Therefore, the manufacturers often use the term ‘best use before’ in every tea packet to guide the consumers. 

Usually, tea packages have a shelf life of nearly two years from their manufacturing date. Tea bags have an 18——to 36-month shelf life, while loose-leaf tea has a 2-year shelf life. In fact, once you open a tea packet, only a 6——to 12-month shelf life remains. 

Popular teas and their validity periods 

The shelf life depends on the type of tea and the way it is processed. For example

Black and oolong teas stay valid for 2–3 years as they undergo vigorous processing.

Green and white teas are delicate in nature, as they are less processed and stay fresh for 6–12 months.

On the other hand, herbal teas can last up to 2–3 years if stored in proper condition. 

Is it safe to consume expired tea? 

As mentioned already, the expiry date indicates its quality, not safety. However, like any plant-based item, tea also goes bad if not stored properly, as suggested by the FDA and other organizations. You can notice the signs, like a deterioration of the taste, mold growth, etc., on your tea. 

Should I buy tea that is nearing its expiration date? 

You can get tea at a discounted rate when it is nearing its shelf life. You will save some money in the process, but such tea will likely lose its original flavor, color, aroma, and associated health benefits. 

How to preserve your tea 

• Keep your tea in an airtight container to retain its freshness and flavor. 
• Store in a cool and dark place. If moisture or heat penetrates, the teas will quickly deteriorate, losing both flavor and aroma. You should never keep your tea near the stove or sink, as moisture might develop in such places. 
• Finish your older tea stock first, and then graduate with your newly purchased tea. 
• Please do not keep your tea near herbs or spices with a strong smell; otherwise, it will quickly absorb such flavors. 

Summary

By keeping these factors in mind, you can continue enjoying this beverage without being worried. You can easily buy Nepali black tea at our site, https://www.nepaliteatraders.com/ and enjoy it for 6 months to 12 months because of its delicate nature. Contact us at Nepali Tea Traders to discuss our wide variety of Neal loose leaf tea and their validity periods.