How do you know when tea is too old. Some say up to a year storage for black tea. Others only a couple of months. I suspect I have gotten some stale tea from a vendor and would like to confirm it's old. I have read lack of smell as a sign of age. But what does that mean to someone who does not know how it is supposed to smell? Another source said old tea would crush to dust when pinched.
There is no sure test. If you don't like it send it back or look for another vendor. Some teas are more taste than bouquet and vice versa. One man's breakfast tea may be another's flower fodder. I buy commercial loose teas at discount stores some several years past use date. Normally I buy a tin with a foil seal under the lid. Loose teas might be stale on the surface so dig deep. There could be a problem with preparation. I don't spend a whole lot of time with delicate teas,special pots,themometers,ph levels. You can try to rescue the tea brewing extra strong. If you don't know the taste you're at a disadvantage.
Jim
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