What Happens if You Drink Expired Tea?
Tea is a popular and beloved beverage consumed worldwide, and an important part of many cultures. But while we all love tea, it has a limited shelf life and can quickly become expired. So what happens if you drink expired tea?
Signs of Expired Tea
There are several tell-tale signs that your tea has gone bad:
- Discolouration – tea will slowly turn from a rich brown colour to a yellowish-brown or grey
- Odour – tea will become less aromatic and develop a sour smell
- Flavour – tea will become bitter and much less palatable
If you notice any of these signs of spoilage, it’s best to simply discard the tea.
Risks of Drinking Expiry Tea
Unfortunately, drinking expired tea can come with a few health risks.
First, expired tea may contain a higher number of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, some of which can be harmful to your health. Additionally, tea contains compounds known as polyphenols, which become less stable over time and start to produce toxic compounds. This can cause symptoms like headaches, stomach irritation, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Recommendations
For these reasons, it’s best to avoid drinking expired tea. Keep in mind that loose-leaf teas can last much longer than tea bags, so if you’re willing to invest in loose-leaf, it can be a great way to extend the shelf life of your tea.
The best way to ensure that you’re drinking fresh tea is to pay attention to its expiry date. Even if your tea looks and smells okay, if it’s past its expiry date it’s best to discard it.
Finally, don’t forget to store your tea in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This will help extend its shelf life and keep it fresher for longer.
Conclusion
While a cup of retired tea may seem harmless, it can pose serious health risks. To keep your tea as fresh and safe as possible, make sure to pay attention to its expiry date, store it properly, and discard it if it shows signs of spoilage.
