All our teas are packaged and shipped on the same day that your payment is received. Our bags are triple layered and flavor block to keep teas fresh. Without exposures to light, heat, moisture and air, our teas have shelf life of 1-2 years. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. SPICED VANILLA CHAI BLACK LOOSE TEA:Indian Chai is typically blended using rich Aasam black tea, with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and pepper. The drink produces a warm soothing effect. We've added a dash of vanilla to this wonderful blend. The addition adds a hint of creaminess to the spiced tea. Note, turn your bag of Chai upside down a few times. The spices can settle at the bottom. HOT TEA: Put a slightly heaping tsp of loose tea for each 8oz of freshly boiled water. Steep 3-7 minutes. Add milk and sugar to your taste. ICED TEA: 6 slightly heaping tsp of loose tea for each 1QT iced tea. Pour 1 1/4 cup boiling water on tea. Steep 5 minutes. Quarter fill serving pitcher with cold water. Pour into pitcher straining tea. Add ice.