The Shelf Life of Tea & Proper Storage

Have you ever wondered how long tea stays fresh? Does tea expire? Different types of tea have varying shelf lives, and improper storage can lead to quality deterioration or even mold. Since not all teas are created equal when it comes to longevity, we'll explore the shelf life of different tea types categorized by tea bags, loose leaf tea, and aged (compressed) tea.

Shelf Life of Tea Bags

Tea bags in sealed boxes generally stay fresh for about 24 months. After removing the seal, we recommend consuming the tea bags within 6 months. The tea won't expire, but after the mentioned periods, it may degrade in taste and aroma.

To preserve the aroma for longer, put the tea bags inside an airtight jar or a sealable zipper bag. Then store at room temperature in the cabinet. Avoid exposure to sunlight, humidity, and high temperatures.

That said, the tea inside the tea bags is generally not of high quality, and as a result, there's not that much to preserve when it comes to freshness. In contrast, preserving freshness is crucial for high-quality loose leaf tea, which we will discuss in the next section.

Shelf Life of Loose Leaf Tea

When it comes to the shelf life and preservation of loose leaf tea, there are two important differences compared to tea bags:

• Most loose leaf tea, especially high-quality ones, is less intensively processed compared to the tea in tea bags. Some processed loose leaf teas, such as green tea, may have higher moisture content. When exposed to heat, the water content may come to the surface, causing the tea to oxidize and become stale.
• Some high-quality loose tea is much more fragrant compared to tea in tea bags.

Storing loose leaf tea with care is therefore even more important, which we will discuss in more detail per tea type.

1. Green Tea Shelf Life

Green tea, an unfermented tea, has an average shelf life of about 18 months. Over time, its flavor fades if stored too long. However, with proper storage, green tea can last up to three years. To keep it fresh, protect it from its five main enemies: light, air, heat, moisture, and odors.

Buying & storage strategy

To enjoy the freshest green tea, we recommend purchasing only what you can consume within six months. If you buy a larger quantity, consider dividing it into multiple sealed bags. Keep one bag at room temperature for immediate use, and store the rest in the freezer to preserve their freshness.

Every time you finish a bag, you can take a new bag out of the freezer, allow it 30 minutes to warm up to room temperature, and then open it for use. It's important not to open it right away, because the temperature difference between the frozen tea and room temperature can cause condensation on the frozen tea leaves. Hence, it's better to allow it to defrost first before opening the new bag.

2. Yellow Tea Shelf Life

Yellow tea, a lightly fermented tea, undergoes a process similar to green tea, with the addition of a “sweltering” step during production. Its shelf life is slightly longer than green tea—around one year at room temperature. With proper storage, it can last 18 to 24 months, but we recommend consuming it within 12 months.

3. Black Tea & White Tea Shelf Life

Fully fermented black tea has a longer shelf life than green tea and yellow tea. This is also the case for white tea. Loose black tea and white tea typically last about 24 months, and their shelf life can be extended to 3 years if stored properly.

4. Oolong Tea Shelf Life

The shelf life of oolong tea depends on its degree of oxidation. Light oolong lasts about 18 months, while dark oolong lasts about 24 months. To preserve freshness, use a sealed container and store the tea in a cool, dry, and odor-free environment, away from light. In this way, light oolong can be preserved for up to 24 months, while dark oolong can be preserved for up to 36 months.

The Shelf Life of Aged/Compressed Tea

The shelf life of aged teas, such as aged black, white, and dark tea, is significantly different from tea bags and loose-leaf teas. As the name suggests, these teas actually benefit from long-term storage and won't expire when stored properly. They're often compressed into different shapes for convenient storage, such as round tea cakes. For aged white tea, there's even a famous saying that goes: “one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure” (一年茶、三年药、七年宝).

The transformation of tea through aging occurs due to the interaction of microorganisms, enzymes, and environmental factors. When stored properly in a controlled environment with appropriate humidity and airflow, aged tea undergoes fermentation and oxidation. This process gradually mellows its initial astringency, deepens its flavor, and introduces complex earthy, woody, and sometimes sweet notes.

The tea's aging potential largely depends on its quality, developing distinct characteristics over time. Patience is key, as this maturation process can span years or even decades, turning a good pu erh tea into a prized treasure.

Understanding the shelf life of your tea empowers you to enjoy every cup at its best. Whether it’s a freshly picked green tea or a carefully aged pu erh, proper storage and planning ensure your tea remains as delightful as the day you bought it.