How Long Does Chaga Tea Last?
Despite the fact that chaga is almost self preserving mostly because of it's high mineral content, brewed chaga tea will eventually ferment due to bacteria getting into your brew.
This is why up to two weeks in the fridge is ok, but leaving brewed chaga in the fridge for over 14 days than you may be taking a health risk.
It's best to freeze prepared chaga tea if you are not planning on consuming it within 10 to 14 days. You can thaw in the fridge when your ready to enjoy.
Chaga Storage | Chaga Tea Shelf Life
Like most tea's, whether your chaga is in small pieces, chunks or powder, dried Chaga can expire and lose potency if not stored properly. Chaga mushrooms lose potency when exposed to direct sunlight and constant air circulation.
This degrades the potency of your chaga as Chaga becomes less potent as it oxidizes.
Storing chaga is important because you can extend the shelf life of chaga almost indefinitely if stored properly.
Storing Chaga
Try to avoid storing chaga in paper bags but rather keep your dried chaga in a airtight container, food grade pouch or a glass jars works well. Make sure you store your sealed chaga tea in a dark cupboard until tea time.
When purchasing chaga always look for a Lot # and Best Before date on the package of any brand of Chaga that you purchase. That way you have some idea as to when it was packaged and how soon you should consume it.
Ideally you want to use you chaga within 6 months to a year to get the most benefit. Even if chaga is stored properly for the long term, fresh is always best in our view and reduces the chances of spoilage or any unwanted side effects. Chaga won't do you a lot of good sitting on the pantry shelf.
Annanda harvest chaga monthly and certifies our fresh chaga with a shelf life of 2 years. When stored correctly you can enjoy birch tree chaga for a very long time.
The best rule of thumb is to use your chaga before the expiration date on the package. Otherwise use common sense. Treat both dried chaga and brewed chaga tea as you would any other food; like leftovers in the fridge it's just a matter of time before they will begin to spoil.
Chaga is very dense with nutrients and can host mold and bad bacteria just like any other food. Chaga can spoil and ferment, go moldy and smell musty or sour when it spoils.
Reusing your chaga is always a good practice. Make sure that you store your wet chaga in the freezer so it doesn't become contaminated with mold.
To get the most value out of chaga it's always good to re-use your chaga several times.
We have heard from many customers who were not aware that chaga can be reused and have been discarding there chaga after only one use.
There's lots of information and tips on brewing chaga on our website www.annandachaga.com