Can tea still be consumed if it has a moldy taste after being stored for too long

If tea leaves have a moldy taste after being stored for a long time, it is usually not recommended to continue drinking. The moldy smell may be caused by mold contamination, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions after consumption. The appearance of a moldy taste in tea often indicates that mold has already occurred, and mold is prone to grow and produce toxins in humid environments. These toxins are resistant to high temperatures and cannot be completely destroyed by ordinary brewing. Long term ingestion may cause damage to organs such as the liver. Even if there are no obvious mold spots on the appearance of lightly moldy tea leaves, the internal mycelium may have spread, posing a potential risk. If you accidentally drink moldy tea leaves, you may experience acute gastroenteritis symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. People with allergies may also experience skin itching or respiratory discomfort. A very small number of dried stored tea leaves produce a moldy odor due to the adsorption of environmental odors, but this situation is relatively rare. It can be assisted by observing whether the tea leaves are clumped, discolored, or whether the tea soup is cloudy after brewing. But for safety reasons, any tea leaves with a moldy smell should be discarded to avoid losing out on small gains.

Tea should be stored in a sealed and dark container in a cool and dry place. It is recommended to consume unfermented tea such as green tea within six months, and regularly check fermented tea such as black tea. If tea leaves are found to be damp, they can be dried in a timely manner, but tea leaves that have already produced a moldy taste should not be consumed again. Drinking tea for health needs to be based on safety, and it is better to discard spoiled tea than to take risks.