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Article: Best Ways to Store Matcha for Optimal Freshness & Flavour

Best Ways to Store Matcha for Optimal Freshness & Flavour | Tavalon Tea Australia

Best Ways to Store Matcha for Optimal Freshness & Flavour

Matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea leaves, is a delicate ingredient that requires proper storage to maintain its vibrant colour, rich flavour, and nutritional value. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about storing matcha, ensuring it stays as fresh and flavourful as the day you bought it.

To learn all about Matcha, its history, health benefits, and more, read our article "Matcha Tea: All You Need to Know."

Why Proper Storage Is Crucial 

Matcha is highly sensitive to light, air, and moisture. Improper storage can lead to oxidation, which dulls the colour, degrades the flavour, and reduces the nutritional benefits.

To ensure your matcha powder remains fresh and vibrant – and full of antioxidants and health benefits you originally bought it for – it's crucial to understand its enemies and implement effective storage practices.

Top Tips to Store Matcha

Matcha Powder | Tavalon Tea Australia

Choose the Right (Airtight) Container 

The most critical aspect of matcha storage is to keep it away from air and thus prevent oxidation. Exposure to oxygen will ruin the catechins and vitamins in the green tea powder, leaving you with lower health benefits than you were expecting when you bought your matcha.

Here’s the ideal way to protect your tea from oxygen, matcha’s number one enemy!

Airtight and Opaque

The best way to store matcha is in an airtight, opaque container. Exposure to air can cause oxidation, while light can degrade the quality. An opaque, airtight container minimises these risks.

Check out Tavalon's Tea Canister (Stainless Steel) by tapping here

Double Sealing

For extra protection, consider double-sealing your matcha. This involves storing it in a small, airtight bag – like a Ziploc bag – squeezing out the air and then placing that bag inside a secondary airtight container. This double layer of protection ensures minimal exposure to air and light.

Optimal Matcha Storage Location

Store matcha in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ideal temperature is around 25°C (77°F) or cooler. Avoid storing matcha near stoves, ovens, or other heat-producing appliances.

Matcha gets its stunning green colour from chlorophyll, the same substance that gives plants their green hue. Interestingly, the more chlorophyll in matcha, the higher its quality. To produce this vibrant green colour, matcha plants are shaded from direct sunlight during their final weeks of growth. This unique process results in higher chlorophyll levels compared to regular green tea.

While sunlight is essential for chlorophyll production in plants, it can actually break down chlorophyll in processed matcha. Storing matcha in a dark, airtight container helps preserve its beautiful green colour and prevents that metallic taste that can develop from light exposure.

Matcha Tea | Tavalon Tea Australia

Refrigeration vs Freezer

For long-term storage and increasing your matcha shelf life, refrigeration is a good option. However, be cautious about condensation.

Always ensure the matcha is in an airtight container to prevent moisture from entering. (Please refer to the first tip discussed above about storing matcha in airtight containers.) 

When taking matcha out of the fridge, let it reach room temperature before opening it to avoid condensation forming inside the container.

While refrigeration is generally recommended, freezing matcha is also a good strategy for long-term storage, only if you make sure to keep the moisture away. Keep reading as this will be covered in the next sections.  

However, if you wish to keep your matcha from being freezer-burned or tasting and smelling like your leftovers, don’t forget to use airtight containers! 

When you take out your matcha from the refrigerator or freezer, do not leave the whole for too long at room temperature. Otherwise, the warmer air will result in condensation and ruin the freshness of your tea.

So, it’s best to only take a couple of scoops you need for the serving and put back the rest in the refrigerator or freeze

Protecting Your Matcha from Moisture

Moisture is one of the primary culprits behind matcha deterioration. Excess moisture can lead to clumping, loss of flavour, and the growth of unwanted microorganisms. To properly store your matcha and combat humidity, consider these approaches:

  • Airtight Sealing: Ensure your matcha container is airtight to prevent moisture from entering. Look for containers with rubber gaskets or secure lids.
  • Desiccants: Including a desiccant packet in your matcha container can help absorb any excess moisture. These packets are often found in packaged goods and can be purchased online or at specialty stores.
  • Refrigeration (if necessary): In extremely humid environments, storing your matcha in the refrigerator can provide an extra layer of protection. However, ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption from the refrigerator.

Important Note: Open the container only when necessary and use a clean, dry scoop to avoid introducing moisture or contaminants.

Check out Tavalon's Measuring Spoon (Stainless Steel) which fits nicely in containers of most sizes and allows you to scoop your matcha without worrying about spills. 

Portion Control

To minimise exposure to air and moisture, consider dividing your matcha into smaller quantities. Use a smaller container for daily use and keep the larger, main supply sealed until needed. This way, you’re only exposing a small portion of matcha to air each time you open it.

Understanding Matcha Shelf Life

Make sure to consume your green teas, including matcha, within a few months of opening. While properly stored matcha can last up to a year, its flavour and nutritional benefits are at their peak when consumed within the first three months of opening the package. Always check the expiration date and aim to use it before then.

Signs of Degradation (Matcha Gone Bad or Expired)

To ensure you're enjoying matcha at its peak, keep an eye out for these signs:

Colour Change

Fresh matcha is a vibrant, bright green. A dull, yellowish-green hue indicates potential degradation. However, it's important to note that different grades of matcha – ceremonial, premium, and culinary – usually come in slightly varying shades of green.

Matcha Ranges | Tavalon Tea Australia

So, make sure to compare the colour against the one you first saw upon opening your package.

Remember: Always prioritise aroma, taste, and overall quality over colour alone when assessing matcha freshness.

Clumping

Matcha should be fine and powdery. Clumps may suggest exposure to moisture. But not all clumps are the same! It might surprise you, but finding clumps in your matcha might actually be a good sign!

It means your matcha is finely ground, which is a characteristic of high-quality matcha. Those clumps are tiny particles sticking together due to static electricity. So, you just need to be worried if there are too many clumps showing signs of moisture. 

To enjoy a smooth cup of matcha, simply sift your matcha before whisking it. This will break up the clumps and ensure a consistent texture in your tea.

Aroma Loss

Fresh matcha has a grassy, slightly sweet aroma. A stale or musty smell is a sign of deterioration.

Taste Alteration

Fresh matcha offers a rich, umami flavour with a hint of sweetness. A too-much bitter or dull taste signals that the matcha has lost its quality. However, keep in mind that different grades of matcha feature different levels of bitterness/sweetness and are not equally bold. 

Additional Tips for Storing Matcha

  • Using clear containers exposes matcha to light, accelerating degradation. Always opt for opaque containers to shield your matcha from harmful light exposure.
  • Regularly check your matcha for signs of moisture or clumping. If you notice any issues, transfer the matcha to a fresh, dry container.
  • Not all matcha is created equal. High-quality ceremonial matcha requires more meticulous storage compared to culinary-grade matcha. Always store them accordingly to preserve their unique characteristics.
  • Avoid spoons and use a sifter to remove clumps. Whisk your matcha to perfection with a bamboo whisk (chasen), an electric milk frother, or a self stirring mug for a frothy, smooth texture.

Final Words on Storing Matcha

Proper storage of matcha is essential for maintaining its vibrant colour, rich flavour, and health benefits. By following these simple yet effective storage tips using airtight, opaque containers, keeping matcha in a cool, dark place, and protecting it from moisture – you can ensure your matcha stays fresh and enjoyable for months. 

Remember, high-quality matcha deserves the best care, so treat your green tea powder with the respect it deserves. 

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