In this article, I will introduce the appeal of tea, which has different flavors depending on the type and origin. Also, I would like to introduce how to preserve delicious tea for a long time and how to use tea that has expired.
The Surprisingly Short Shelf Life of Tea
Tea is thought to be a shelf-stable food, but it contains about 3% water and is not dry food. Therefore, even if the package is unopened, it will gradually lose its taste and aroma.
The shelf life of tea varies depending on the type and manufacturer. Sencha tea is often labeled with a shelf life of six months to a year, but it deteriorates more easily after it is opened, so it is recommended that you purchase enough tea to last about two weeks to fully enjoy the taste and aroma.
A good rule of thumb for the amount of tea that can be consumed after opening the package is to brew it using about 5 grams of tea leaves per serving (for one or two people). If you enjoy tea time once every day, we recommend about 50-100 grams of tea.
How to Properly Store Tea Before Opening the Package?
Before opening the package, tea can be stored at room temperature as long as it is out of direct sunlight, but if you want to store it for a long time, store it in the freezer without opening the package. Also, if you take the tea out of the freezer and open it right away, it will become damp due to the temperature difference from the outside temperature, so let it come to room temperature before opening.
After opening the package, put the tea leaves in a tea can with an airtight inner lid and store it in a place out of direct sunlight. And, avoid direct exposure to air conditioning, stoves, and strong scents. After opening the package, please consume it as soon as possible (preferably within 2 weeks).
Don’t Throw It Away! How to Use Expired Tea
When the expiration date has passed, lightly fry the tea in a frying pan to make “hojicha” with a fragrant aroma. You can also put the tea leaves in a tea pack or cup and place them in the refrigerator, shoebox, or any other place where the smell is unpleasant, and it will absorb the unpleasant smell. However, if the tea leaves have stuck together and clumped, or if they are discolored or have a strange smell, throw them away.
How to make hojicha
1.Heat a frying pan over high heat for 30 seconds to warm it up. 2.
2.Place the pan on a wet towel for 2 to 3 seconds to cool, then spread the tea leaves evenly over the pan.
3.Remove the lid, turn the heat to high, and fry for about a minute, stirring to prevent burning. It is ready when it smells fragrant, loses its green color, and turns golden brown.
What did You Think
Even if the tea has expired, it is not harmful to the body, but if you want to enjoy it, you should enjoy the delicious and fragrant tea. Even if the tea is damaged, there are many ways to use it, such as making hojicha or deodorant, so please give it a try.