Shelf Life of Tea: How Long Each of the 6 Types Lasts
The shelf life of tea depends on its type. Green and yellow teas are best within about 12–18 months, black tea keeps for more than two years, and oolong lasts about 18 months to 3 years. White tea, dark tea and pu-erh can be aged for years, and many people believe they get better with time.
Here is the shelf life of each of the six types of Chinese tea, plus pu-erh, and how storage changes the flavor.
How long does green tea last?
Green tea has the shortest shelf life of all. It keeps about one year at room temperature, or around 18 months in the refrigerator, sealed and away from odors. Our Longjing, for example, has a shelf life of 18 months.
What is the shelf life of black tea?
Black tea (红茶, hóng chá) is fully oxidized, so it keeps much longer: more than two years. Black teas made from large-leaf varieties, like Yunnan’s Dian Hong, are good for even longer storage. Our black teas such as Sunglow Dian Hong have a shelf life of 36 months.
Does white tea get better with age?
There’s a famous saying in China about white tea: “一年茶，三年药，七年宝” (yī nián chá, sān nián yào, qī nián bǎo), “one year it’s tea, three years it’s medicine, seven years it’s a treasure.” The longer white tea is stored well, the more mellow, delicious and valuable it becomes. Read what white tea is.
These are traditional views, not medical claims. Tea is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
How long can you keep dark tea, yellow tea and oolong?
- Dark tea (黑茶, hēi chá): keeps a very long time in a dry, moisture-proof place. Loose dark tea generally tastes best after 3–5 years; pressed dark tea reaches its best at 10–15 years.
- Yellow tea (黄茶, huáng chá): the most low-key tea, made with one extra step compared to green tea. Its shelf life is the same as green tea: 12–18 months.
- Oolong tea (乌龙茶, wūlóng chá): semi-oxidized, it keeps about 18 months to 3 years, depending on the type and how it is made. Roasted oolongs like Da Hong Pao keep longest.
How long does pu-erh last?
Pu-erh, one of the most popular teas in recent years, is famous for gaining value with age. Ripe pu-erh can be stored for about 15 years. Raw pu-erh can be kept as long as you like: the taste gets better and the price gets higher. Learn why pu-erh gets more fragrant with age.
How should you store tea?
- Keep it airtight, dry, cool and away from light and strong smells.
- Refrigerate green and yellow tea in a sealed container if you won’t finish them within a few months.
- Give pu-erh a little air and stable conditions instead of the fridge.
See also the six basic types of Chinese tea.
FAQ
Does tea expire?
Most tea doesn’t become unsafe, but green, yellow and light teas lose freshness and aroma after their shelf life.
Which tea has the shortest shelf life?
Green tea, about 12–18 months.
Which teas improve with age?
White tea, dark tea and especially raw pu-erh.