Can you drink moldy tea leaves?
Quick Answer
No
Drinking tea made from moldy tea leaves can lead to food poisoning and other health risks. Mold can produce harmful toxins which are not destroyed by boiling water.
What Is It?
Moldy tea leaves refer to tea leaves that have been contaminated by mold, a type of fungus. This usually occurs when the tea leaves are stored in damp, warm conditions.
Why It Can Be Risky
Consuming moldy tea leaves can pose several health risks:
- Food poisoning: Mold can produce toxins that can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to mold, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, and rash.
- Respiratory problems: Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Safe Method?
If you find mold on your tea leaves, it’s best to discard the entire batch. Even if only a small part of the tea leaves is visibly moldy, the rest could still be contaminated with invisible mold spores.
Storage Tips
Store tea leaves in a cool, dry place.’, ‘Keep the tea leaves in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in.’, ‘Avoid touching the tea leaves with wet hands or utensils.