A tea lover wrote to us: I bought your finest Lishan tea and usually save it for special occasions. Yesterday, while brewing, I got caught up on the phone and forgot about it, leaving it out all night. I want to pour it out, but it feels like such a waste. Can I still drink this overnight tea?
Liao Chang Xing Reply: "Can You Drink Overnight Tea?"
What is overnight tea? “Overnight tea” refers to tea leaves that have been steeped in hot water and left sitting in the water for more than 10 hours. Such tea becomes intensely bitter and astringent due to the continuous release of tannins and caffeine, making it unpalatable and potentially causing discomforts like stomachaches, heart palpitations, and headaches. Furthermore, tea left steeped at room temperature for too long easily interacts with bacteria and microorganisms, leading to spoilage and sourness. Therefore, drinking overnight tea is generally not recommended.
Why is cold-brewed tea fine? Cold-brewed tea is initially made using room-temperature or ice water rather than hot water. When brewing with cold water, tannins do not easily dissolve, so even if left to steep overnight, it won’t become overly bitter or high in caffeine. However, note that you shouldn’t use too many tea leaves for cold brewing, otherwise you’ll still run into issues with excessive tannins. Additionally, cold-brewed tea needs to be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth, and even when refrigerated, it should be consumed as soon as possible.
Can I leave tea overnight if I remove the leaves after brewing? Yes, but you must refrigerate the tea liquor to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. Even with proper refrigeration, it should be consumed promptly, preferably within 3 days. If refrigeration conditions are poor, the tea will still spoil if left for too long.
Can You Drink Overnight Tea: Conclusion
Hot-steeped overnight tea spoils, becomes overly strong, and breeds bacteria. For your health, it is recommended not to drink it.