Can expired tea still be consumed? When we say "expired," we generally refer to the production and expiration dates printed on the packaging.

In recent years, there has been a craze for aged tea, with many people proud of owning and drinking aged tea, believing that tea becomes more fragrant with age. Is this true?

Does tea have an expiration date?

The expiration date of tea can be understood as its "best before" date, indicating the period during which the food is at its best quality and flavor. Consuming food past its expiration date can lead to spoilage and should be avoided. However, for tea, passing the expiration date may only result in changes in color, aroma, and taste, making it less enjoyable but not necessarily harmful. Some teas improve in flavor with age.

Whether expired tea can be consumed depends on proper storage conditions and whether it has been exposed to moisture, mold, or contamination. Here are some methods to determine if tea has spoiled:

1. Smell: Green tea has strong adsorption and moisture absorption properties, easily absorbing odors. If the tea has lost its original aroma and developed a musty or moldy smell, it's best not to drink it.

2. Appearance: If the tea leaves have turned dark yellow and are no longer "crisp," they may have spoiled. Fresh green tea typically has a bright color and contains about 7% moisture, allowing it to be crushed into powder when rubbed.

3. Brew: Steep some tea leaves and observe the color and concentration of the tea liquor. If the tea liquor becomes cloudy, it is not advisable to drink it.

Factors affecting tea quality include temperature, light, and humidity. Minimizing or eliminating these factors can help preserve the quality of the tea.

Although tea is rich in nutrients, it is not a panacea. There are many rumors about its health benefits:

Can drinking tea prevent cancer?While some studies suggest that tea polyphenols may have a preventive effect on lung and colon cancer, there is still a lack of convincing direct evidence in humans.

Can tea sober you up?While tea can be refreshing, especially strong tea, it does not sober you up. Drinking strong tea can harm the kidneys due to its diuretic effect.

Can tea remove formaldehyde? While tea has some adsorption properties, it is ineffective at removing formaldehyde from the air. Ventilation is the most effective way to reduce indoor air pollution.

In conclusion, while tea is beneficial, it must be consumed correctly to reap its benefits.