What happens to Arizona green tea if it sits for a long time?

Arizona Green Tea, like any other tea, will change over time if it sits for a long time. Here's what might happen:

Flavor Changes:

* Less Flavorful: The tea leaves will lose their flavor compounds, leading to a weaker, less pronounced green tea taste.

* Bitterness: The tea may become more bitter as the tannins oxidize and break down.

* Stale: It might develop a stale or unpleasant taste, similar to how milk goes bad.

Appearance Changes:

* Color Change: The color of the tea may darken or become less vibrant as the pigments degrade.

* Cloudiness: The tea might become cloudy or develop a sediment at the bottom of the container due to oxidation or the breakdown of tea particles.

Other Changes:

* Loss of Antioxidants: The tea's antioxidant content will diminish over time.

* Microbial Growth: While unlikely in unopened containers, if exposed to air and moisture, bacteria and mold can develop, making the tea unsafe to consume.

How Long Is Too Long?

The rate of change depends on storage conditions. Here's a general guideline:

* Unopened Bottles: While Arizona Green Tea has a long shelf life, the flavor will likely start to degrade after about 6 months, especially if stored in a warm environment.

* Opened Bottles: Opened tea should be consumed within 3-5 days. Store it in the refrigerator to slow down the deterioration process.

Overall:

While it's not necessarily dangerous to drink Arizona Green Tea that has been sitting for a while, it's best to drink it fresh for the optimal flavor and health benefits.