How long before tea is bad sitting in room temperature?

It's best to drink tea as soon as possible after brewing for the best flavor and to avoid potential bacterial growth. Here's a general guideline:

* Within 1-2 hours: Tea brewed at room temperature will start to lose its flavor and aroma.

* After 2-4 hours: Bacteria may begin to grow, especially if the tea is sweetened.

* After 4 hours: It's generally not recommended to drink tea that has been sitting out at room temperature for this long.

Factors that affect how long tea is safe to drink:

* Type of tea: Some teas, like black tea, are more resistant to bacterial growth than green or herbal teas.

* Temperature: The warmer the temperature, the faster bacteria will grow.

* Sweetness: Sugar can accelerate bacterial growth.

* Exposure to air: Tea exposed to air will oxidize more quickly, affecting its taste and aroma.

To enjoy tea at its best:

* Brew your tea fresh and drink it as soon as possible.

* Store leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

* Reheat tea before drinking it again.

Important Note: If you are unsure about the safety of tea, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard it.