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. CHUNMEE SPECIAL GRADE:Chunmee translated is "Precious Eyebrow". The shape of the leaves is reminiscent of an eyebrow. The leaves are hand rolled and pan fired. The tea is full bodied with delicate toasty notes. Mellow smokiness lending to sweet tobacco or plum character. HOT TEA: Put a slightly heaping tsp of loose tea for each 8oz of freshly boiled water. Steep 3-7 minutes. Milk and sugar are not recommended for this tea. 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.