How Long Can You Leave Tea Out?
Tea is a popular beverage that is enjoyed around the world, but it is important to know how long can you leave tea out for before it starts to spoil. Depending on the type of tea, the temperature of the room and the amount of time tea is left out, the tea can become unsafe to drink and should be discarded.
Drinking Timeframes
- Hot Tea: If left out at room temperature in a closed container, hot tea should not be left out for more than eight hours.
- Cold Tea: Cold tea should not be left out for more than 12 hours.
- Sugar and Milk: If any additives are used in tea (like cream, honey or sugar), it is recommended that the tea be consumed within four hours of being prepared.
Separate Tea Leaves
Tea can spoil faster if tea leaves remain in water too long. If you plan to reuse tea leaves, it is best to strain the tea and store the leaves in a separate container. This protects the leaves from gathering bacteria, fungus and other contaminants.
Storing Tea
For best results, it is important to store tea properly. Store freshly brewed tea in a cooler or an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for no more than a few days to avoid spoilage.
When properly stored and not left out for extended periods of time, tea can be an enjoyable and tasty beverage. Taking these precautions will help keep tea flavorful and safe to drink.
