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Stale Tea
Sam 3/22/04
> Does tea go stale, and if it does how long does it take?
Sam,
Yes, tea does indeed go stale, and at different rates depending on type. A
black ("red" according to Chinese classification) tea is the most durable
and should last quite a long time properly stored in a sealed, opaque
container. Green tea is the most fragile, some delicate ones going stale
rather quickly. Some people say days; months is more likely. Oolongs fall in
the middle, but keep well usually. Generally, the lighter or greener the
color of the leaf, the more quickly it will go stale. Going stale, for this
discussion means losing its aromas and flavors by degrees. My rule of thumb
is to keep the green teas well stored and to use them well within half a
year.
So, what are your favorite teas?
Michael
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