How fresh should green tea be when I buy it?
I've heard 'drink green tea within a year' — is that real, or just marketing?
Real, especially for spring greens. Quality Chinese green tea (Longjing, Anji Bai Cha, Bi Luo Chun) peaks within 3–6 months of harvest and noticeably loses its bright vegetal aromatics over 12 months — even sealed and refrigerated. Japanese sencha is similar. Look for a harvest date on the package, not just a 'best before' shelf life (which is often years out). For premium spring greens, buy small quantities (50–100g) often, not big tins to last all year.
— Yurii — 931 Tea, 931 Tea