Tea is a beloved beverage all over the world, enjoyed for its flavor and health benefits. But how long can tea sit out before it goes bad? And what are the best ways to store tea so that it stays fresh as long as possible? In this brief guide, I will answer all your questions about storing and enjoying tea.
So, how long can tea sit out? Black, green, and white teas should not be consumed if they have been sitting out for more than four hours. Oolong teas should not be consumed if they have been sitting out for more than six hours. Herbal teas should not be consumed if they have been sitting out for more than eight hours.
However, if you’re using a teabag, these guidelines are less strict. Teabags can sit out for up to 12 hours before they become unsafe to drink, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw away any tea that has been sitting out for too long or refrigerate it.
“Black, green, and white teas should not be consumed if they have been sitting out for more than four hours. Oolong teas should not be consumed if they have been sitting out for more than six hours. Herbal teas should not be consumed if they have been sitting out for more than eight hours.”
TEA CROSSING
Brewed tea can generally last up to seven days when stored in a fridge. Iced tea will last about three or four days in the fridge.
If you want to store your tea for longer than that, you can freeze it. Brewed tea can last up to six months when frozen, while iced tea can last up to two months.
However, both brewed and iced teas start to lose flavor after being frozen for more than two months.
You should not store brewed and iced teas at room temperature because they will quickly spoil and develop an unpleasant taste.
Be sure to refrigerate your tea after you have brewed it, especially if you don’t plan to drink all of it. You can also make it into iced tea.
Best Storage Temperature
Tea is a delicate drink and it’s important to store it properly so that you can enjoy its flavor and freshness.
The ideal storage temperature for tea is between 50-and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your home is cooler or warmer than this, you can store your tea in the fridge or even the freezer. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before drinking.
Brewing Methods Affect Shelf Life
Brewing methods affect how long the tea can stay before it goes bad. The way you brew your tea will determine how long it can last on the shelf.
For example:
- Black tea brewed in a teapot with boiling water has a shelf life of about 5 days. However, if you let the tea cool and then store it in the fridge, the tea will last for about six months.
- Green tea has a shorter shelf life than black tea because its high levels of antioxidants make it more susceptible to spoilage. Generally speaking, green tea can last up to four months when stored at room temperature, or up to eight months when refrigerated.
- Herbal teas have an even shorter shelf life than green teas, and you should them within 2 weeks of brewing.
Storing Methods
Now that you know how long tea can last, it’s important to understand how to store tea bags properly.
Teabags can lose their flavor and aroma over time if you do not store them correctly.
The good news is that there are several ways to store tea bags so that they will remain fresh and tasty for months or even years.
Here are two ways to store your tea and tea bags:
- One way to store tea bags is by freezing them. This helps to protect the delicate tea leaves from exposure to oxygen and strong smells. It is best to wrap the tea bags in foil or a zip-top bag before placing them in the freezer.
- Another option is to store the tea bags in an airtight container. Be sure to keep the container in a dark, dry, cool location.
Can I Reheat My Tea?
You can reheat your tea, but it’s not always ideal. Heating your tea will change its flavor and aroma, so you might not enjoy it as much as you did when it was fresh. If you do choose to reheat your tea, be sure to use a microwave or stovetop instead of an oven, which will heat the water too quickly and could end up ruining your tea.
Should I Use Fresh or Boiled Water for Tea?
The water you use for your tea is important.
Fresh, cold water is best.
If you don’t have cold water, use boiled water that has cooled down to a reasonable temperature.
Never use hot tap water, as it will make your tea taste bitter.
Use about one teaspoon of loose tea leaves or two teaspoons of tea bags per cup. Place the tea leaves in the teapot or teacup and pour over the boiling water. Let steep for three to five minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the leaves after steeping and enjoy.
Can I Brew Tea in a Coffee Maker?
Yes, you can brew tea in a coffee maker. However, you may need to use a filter to prevent the tea leaves from clogging the machine.
You can also make iced tea in a coffee maker by adding ice cubes and cold water to the brewing cycle.
Can I Brew Tea In A Blender?
You can brew tea in a blender, but I don’t recommend it. The high speed of the blender blades could cause the tea leaves to become bruised and release their flavor too quickly. This could result in a bitter-tasting cup of tea.
Can I Brew Tea With Hot Water From My Faucet?
You can brew tea with hot water from your faucet, but I don’t recommend it. The water from your faucet may not be hot enough to brew tea properly. It is also important to note that the chlorine in tap water can affect the flavor of your tea.
Can I Brew Tea with Distilled Water?
You can brew tea with distilled water, but I don’t recommend it. Distilled water does not have any minerals or nutrients which are essential for brewing good-tasting tea. Additionally, distilled water can make your tea taste a little bland.
What Type Of Tea Is Best For Reheating?
There are a few different types of tea that work well for reheating.
- Black tea is the most common type of tea and you can reheat it without losing its flavor or quality.
- Green tea is also a good choice for reheating because it doesn’t lose its flavor or nutrients when heated.
- Oolong tea is another option for reheating, but it’s important to avoid over-heating it or it will become bitter.
- Herbal teas are not recommended for reheating because they can become bitter after being heated.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several factors to consider when deciding how long tea can sit out. Tea that has you have properly brewed and stored can last for several hours, but it is important to be aware of the risks of leaving tea out for too long. By taking these steps I have covered, you can enjoy your cup of tea without worrying about the safety of your beverage.