Black tea generally stays good for up to two years. While it technically won't spoil, its quality can degrade over time, becoming stale.
Here's a breakdown:
-
General Shelf Life: Most teas, including black tea, have a shelf life of around two years when stored properly.
-
Stale, Not Spoiled: Ketan Desai, the chief educator and sustainability officer at VAHDAM India, explains that tea doesn't spoil but goes stale if stored for extended periods. This means it might lose its flavor and aroma but is still safe to consume.
-
Storage is Key: Proper storage significantly impacts how long black tea remains fresh.
- Keep tea in an airtight container.
- Store it in a cool, dark, and dry place.
- Avoid exposure to light, moisture, and strong odors.
-
Signs of Stale Tea:
- Loss of aroma: The tea may not smell as strong or fragrant.
- Dull flavor: The brewed tea might taste bland or weak.
- Change in color: The dry tea leaves may appear faded.
In summary, while black tea won't go bad in the traditional sense, its flavor and quality are best within two years of purchase, provided it's stored correctly. After that, it may become stale and less enjoyable.
