Can black tea expire?

[blade08]

I still have a tin of loose black tea that was packed in december of 2005, is it still drinkable or does tea actually expire?

 

[Hobbesoxon]

I still have a tin of loose black tea that was packed in december of 2005, is it still drinkable or does tea actually expire?

It's always drinkable (if stored in an airtight container), it just gets more tasteless over the years. Just check to make sure that there's no visible mould. Even if there is, a quick rinse or two of boiling water kills virtually 100% of mould (see recent discussions concerning shupu). I'm sure your tea is fine, but it will probably be too bland to get excited about.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes