Aug 27th, '07, 03:04
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skywarrior
How long does tea really last?
This is probably a dumb question. Over the years people would give me teas I wasn't all that wild about but tried every once in a while. I've pitched a fair amount due to my recent move, but it's got me thinking about what the real shelf life of tea is. I have some tea that is still packaged and some I've tried. So, how ruthless do I need to get?
Aug 27th, '07, 09:40
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Re: How long does tea really last?
Welcome Skywarrior,
If it is black, it could last years, 2 to 3. If it is green, it may last only months. Once a green tea is opened, it may only be good for a few months. But I have had some greens open for 6 months and they actually were better, but this is the exception. Same with oolong. Let your palate be your guide.
If it is black, it could last years, 2 to 3. If it is green, it may last only months. Once a green tea is opened, it may only be good for a few months. But I have had some greens open for 6 months and they actually were better, but this is the exception. Same with oolong. Let your palate be your guide.
skywarrior wrote:This is probably a dumb question. Over the years people would give me teas I wasn't all that wild about but tried every once in a while. I've pitched a fair amount due to my recent move, but it's got me thinking about what the real shelf life of tea is. I have some tea that is still packaged and some I've tried. So, how ruthless do I need to get?
Nov 30th, '07, 10:53
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Dec 1st, '07, 07:43
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Dec 1st, '07, 09:23
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2002...that may be good for sweetened iced tea, but I am curious if it is still any good.
I recently went into my tea drawer where all my black teas have sat dormant and untouched though well sealed for around a year and a half while I go through my current green tea phase.
I opened up a selection called Golden Monkey Imperial from Upton. This is either a 2004 or 2005 harvest black. I was completely astounded as I brewed the tea and took a whiff of the aroma. My knees almost gave out. It was remarkably sweet like molassis. This is unquestionably better than when it was fresh when I felt it was a little rough or too intense. Now it is so good. I probably have 20 black teas equally well sealed and preserved. I bet my Hao Ya A is really really good also.
Has anyone else had a similar experience with black teas, especially from China???
I also tried a Darjeeling. This also really shocked me, perhaps even more than the Golden Monkey. It was still really really good.
I recently went into my tea drawer where all my black teas have sat dormant and untouched though well sealed for around a year and a half while I go through my current green tea phase.
I opened up a selection called Golden Monkey Imperial from Upton. This is either a 2004 or 2005 harvest black. I was completely astounded as I brewed the tea and took a whiff of the aroma. My knees almost gave out. It was remarkably sweet like molassis. This is unquestionably better than when it was fresh when I felt it was a little rough or too intense. Now it is so good. I probably have 20 black teas equally well sealed and preserved. I bet my Hao Ya A is really really good also.
Has anyone else had a similar experience with black teas, especially from China???
I also tried a Darjeeling. This also really shocked me, perhaps even more than the Golden Monkey. It was still really really good.
blah blah blah SENCHA blah blah blah!!!
Dec 1st, '07, 17:54
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Dec 1st, '07, 18:18
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I've never seen/heard of a fired Dian Hong. (high-fire whatnot in the same way some oolongs are)
That's very interesting Space. I will definitely see if this "Grand Yunnan Imperial" develops a new character over time. It makes me wonder if there is a good way to store a dian hong for this aging business...
That's very interesting Space. I will definitely see if this "Grand Yunnan Imperial" develops a new character over time. It makes me wonder if there is a good way to store a dian hong for this aging business...
Dec 1st, '07, 20:57
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The better quality China black teas tend to age well, becoming smoother, sweeter and more complex over time. They seem to be unique in this way but of course, proper storage is crucial.
Once had a nice Kenyan that became amazing about 9 months after harvest. It was a decent tea at first - nothing special - but suddenly developed a complexity later in its life span. We'll never know at what point it would have lost its magic as someone dropped and broke the canister!
Once had a nice Kenyan that became amazing about 9 months after harvest. It was a decent tea at first - nothing special - but suddenly developed a complexity later in its life span. We'll never know at what point it would have lost its magic as someone dropped and broke the canister!
Dec 1st, '07, 21:11
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