Hi, frequently I'll brew a nice cup and then let my tea leaves sit around in the pot for awhile before I brew another with them. The taste doesn't change all that much and I don't mind, but can mold or bacteria grow while the leaves are just sitting there damply? Is there any maximum amount of time after which they should be thrown away?
Thanks!
Anytime something organic sits around wet, damp and dark mold and bacteria will grow sooner or later. Sooner if warm, later if cold.
I routinely reuse leaves up to 24 hours after an infusion. In summer I'll pitch 'em after that; in winter, sometimes two days. I've never had a problem.
Regards, Dean
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