Can I still drink tea cakes that have gone moldy

It is not recommended to continue drinking tea cakes that have become moldy. Moldy tea cakes may contain harmful substances such as aflatoxins, and long-term intake may cause damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. White, green, or black mold spots can be seen on the surface of moldy tea cakes, and the metabolites produced during the mold growth process may penetrate into the interior of the tea leaves. Mild mold growth may only affect the local area, but in high temperature and high humidity environments, the growth rate of mold is fast, and even if the moldy part is removed, there are still safety hazards. Aflatoxin is resistant to high temperatures, and ordinary brewing cannot destroy its toxicity. Ingestion may cause acute poisoning symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Some tea cakes with slight moisture but no obvious mold growth may be drinkable after professional baking treatment, but it is difficult to determine the degree of mold growth in the home environment. Old tea may produce golden mold under specific storage conditions, but it needs to be strictly distinguished from harmful molds. Golden fungus is in the form of golden yellow granules, evenly distributed inside the tea cake, while harmful fungi often adhere to the surface in a flocculent form.

Tea cakes should be stored in a dry and ventilated environment, avoiding direct sunlight. It is recommended to discard the tea cake directly after discovering mold growth, and do not risk drinking it to save costs. Daily tea drinking can be stored in containers with good sealing, and the condition of the tea leaves should be checked regularly. Moldy tea not only affects the taste but also endangers health.