Storing Matcha Powder: Tips for preserving its freshness

To keep your matcha fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. In this blog post, we'll explore the best ways to store matcha powder at home and discuss its shelf life under various climates and temperatures.

Storage Tips:

1. Airtight Containers: Invest in a good-quality airtight container, preferably one made of opaque, non-reactive material like ceramic or tin, or a bag sealing clip. This prevents exposure to light and air, preserving the matcha's color and flavor.

2. Keep It Cool: Store your matcha powder in a cool, dark and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.

3. Use the Fridge Carefully: While the fridge might seem like a logical choice for freshness, a significantly cooler-than-ambient temperature can negatively impact the matcha. This is due to condensation from moisture in the air onto the tea powder once the matcha is exposed to humid environments. Only use the fridge for longer term storage if you don't intend to consume it in the near future.

If you'd like to store it in the refrigerator, keep the tea powder in airtight containers, in its original sealed packaging or vacuum packs, as it can absorb odors and moisture in your refrigerator, altering the taste. After taking it out from the refrigerator, allowing the tea to reach ambient temperature before opening the packaging will minimize condensation, prolonging its shelf-life.

4. Vacuum Sealing: If you have a vacuum sealer, this can be an excellent option to remove all the air and keep your matcha as fresh as possible.

Shelf Life under Various Climates and Temperatures:

1. Hot and Humid Climates: If you live in a hot and humid environment like Singapore, store your matcha in an airtight container in the coolest part of your home and consider using a dehumidifier. The shelf life may be shorter, around 3-6 months, so you might want to consider getting smaller packs of tea to maximize the shelf-life and freshness of each individual packs.

2. Room Temperature (15-25°C or 60-70°F): When stored properly in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, matcha can last up to 6-12 months without significant degradation in quality.

3. Cold Climates or Refrigerated Matcha: Cold temperatures can lead to moisture absorption when bringing matcha back to room temperature. Be cautious and allow it to adjust gradually to ambient temperature before opening the sealed packaging or air-tight container. Shelf life remains around 6-12 months.

4. Vacuum Sealed Matcha: When vacuum-sealed, matcha's shelf life can be extended by an additional 6-12 months compared to regular storage.

5. Freezing Matcha: Generally, we do not recommend freezing your matcha, as it may lose its taste and nutrients. If you really have to, do take extra care to prevent condensation by allowing it to adjust gradually (for around 24 hours) to ambient temperature before opening the sealed packaging or air-tight container. 

In summary, proper storage of matcha powder is crucial to maintain its flavor and quality. Use airtight containers, keep it cool, and shield it from light and humidity. While the shelf life varies with different climates and temperatures, these tips will help you enjoy fresh and delicious matcha for an extended period. Remember, the fresher the matcha, the more delicious and delightful your matcha-infused drinks and dishes will be. Try our beverages at KYŌ Kohee to taste the delicious fresh matcha and tea leaves!