Does jasmine tea have a shelf life

Jasmine tea has a shelf life, usually 12 to 18 months, which is affected by factors such as packaging, storage conditions, tea quality, processing technology, and whether preservatives are added.

As a reprocessed tea, the shelf life of jasmine tea is closely related to the moisture content and floral retention of the tea leaves. Bulk jasmine tea is prone to moisture and aroma loss due to exposure to a sealed environment, and its shelf life usually does not exceed 12 months. Jasmine tea packaged in vacuum or sealed in aluminum foil bags can be stored for about 18 months by isolating oxygen and moisture. Industrial products with added food grade preservatives may be labeled with a shelf life of 24 months on the packaging, but the floral fragrance will gradually diminish over time. Jasmine tea stored in a low-temperature and dry environment is less prone to spoilage. If the tea leaves show obvious discoloration, mold spots, or odors, they have expired. Jasmine tea produced by traditional fermentation techniques has a slightly higher moisture content than ordinary green tea due to multiple flower smoking, so special attention should be paid to moisture prevention. The high temperature and humidity environment in summer can accelerate the oxidation of tea leaves, and unopened jasmine tea should also be stored in a cool and dark place. Some merchants label the 36 month long shelf life as commercial promotion, and the actual flavor will significantly decrease after 18 months.

It is recommended to store jasmine tea in ceramic jars or iron boxes, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environments. Seal the tea leaves promptly after each serving, and use food desiccants to keep the tea leaves dry. Although expired jasmine tea may not have visible mold, its aroma components have evaporated completely and its nutritional value has decreased. It is not recommended to continue consuming it. When brewing, pay attention to whether the tea soup is cloudy. Fresh jasmine tea should have a clear and bright amber color tea soup and long-lasting floral fragrance.