Can You Drink Tea That Has Been Sitting Out?
If you're like most people, you may have left a cup of tea sitting out on the counter for a while and wondered if it's still safe to drink. The short answer is that it depends on the type of tea and how long it's been sitting out.
Types of Tea
There are different types of tea, such as black, green, white, and herbal tea. Each type of tea has its own properties and potential health benefits.
Black Tea
Black tea is the most common type of tea and is often served as an iced tea. It's made from fermented tea leaves and has a stronger flavor compared to other types of tea. If you've left black tea out for less than 8 hours, it's typically safe to drink. However, if it's been longer than 8 hours, it's best to discard it.
Green Tea
Green tea is a type of tea that's enjoyed by many people worldwide. It's made from unfermented tea leaves and has a milder flavor compared to black tea. If you've left green tea out for more than 2 hours, it's best not to drink it. Bacteria can start to grow in the tea after that time.
White Tea
White tea is made from unfermented tea leaves and has a light flavor. Like green tea, if you've left white tea out for more than 2 hours, it's best to throw it away.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is made from dried herbs, flowers, and fruits. It's a popular caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea. Because herbal tea can vary in ingredients, it's best to follow the storage instructions on the package. In general, it's best not to drink herbal tea that has been sitting out for more than 8 hours.
Potential Health Risks
Drinking tea that has been sitting out for too long can lead to potential health risks. As mentioned above, bacteria can start to grow in the tea, which can cause food poisoning. Additionally, tea contains antioxidants, and leaving it out for too long can cause the antioxidants to break down, diminishing its potential health benefits.
In conclusion, if you're wondering if you can drink tea that has been sitting out, it's always best to err on the side of caution. Different types of tea have different rules for how long they can be left out, so it's important to follow those guidelines. Drinking old tea can lead to potential health risks and diminish its potential health benefits.
