Neglected Iron Goddess Oolong Tea - OK to drink?

by Dee
(California)

Hi, I found some vacuum-packed Iron Goddess tea in my mom's pantry. The tea must have been there for years (at least 3 years, maybe more). The package looked intact but when I opened it, the tea seemed a bit damp. Is this still safe to drink? The dry tea leaves don't have much of a smell but the first infusion I tried was nice and floral. Taste was OK too. I'm just wondering if this tea will have any negative effects on health. Thanks for your help!

Answer:

Dee, it should be okay be it hasn't turned mouldy.

I presume this is a green oolong?

If you are in doubt, you can try drying them up in the oven at high heat before storing them away again.

Hope this helps.

Julian