How to Store Matcha Powder？

Matcha powder is a finely ground, high-quality green tea grease paint that has become incredibly popular in recent times. still, like all green teas, matcha is delicate and can fluently lose its color, flavor, and nutritive value if not stored duly. They are stylish practices for storing matcha grease paint to maintain quality and newness.

Methods of Storage

There are a few key methods of storage to follow to keep your matcha in ideal condition:

Air Tight Containers

Matcha is best kept in air-tight containers that prevent moisture, air, heat, and light from degrading the powder. Ceramic jars and stainless steel tins work very well. Make sure any containers are thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing matcha.

Cool & Dark Places

Heat and light can accelerate the deterioration of nutrients, flavor, and color in matcha powder. Store your sealed matcha containers in locations away from direct light and heat sources, like inside dark cupboards or opaque drawers. The refrigerator is an excellent storage place if space allows.

Single Servings

Consider storing matcha powder in small packets or containers that hold single servings. Opening and closing larger tins on a regular basis will allow more air to reach the powder each time. Storing single-use amounts minimizes exposure.

Vacuum Sealed Bags

For very long-term storage spanning several months, consider vacuum sealing packets of matcha powder if possible. Removing oxygen can significantly slow oxidation and degradation of quality over time. Just open and transfer a new packet into smaller containers as needed.  

What to Avoid

There are also some common storage mistakes to avoid with matcha powder:

Humidity Exposure

Moisture causes matcha powder to clump together and will lead to mold growth over time. Store matcha in conditions where humidity and condensation do not collect on containers. If using the refrigerator, ensure matcha containers come fully to room temperature before opening to prevent moisture introduction.

Temperature Fluctuation

Frequent changes in temperature can degrade matcha faster. Find a cool, relatively stable storage place away from heat vents, oven exposure, or direct sunlight that can cause temperature swings over hours or days.

Odd Smells & Tastes

Being very absorbent, matcha powder can pick up surrounding odors that will impact flavor. Avoid keeping matcha containers next to strongly fragrant spices or herbs. If matcha smells or tastes unusual, it may have gone off and should no longer be consumed.

UV Light Damage

The powder form factor means matcha has lots of surface area exposure. UV light from sunlight can accelerate nutrient breakdown faster than many realize. Keep stored matcha powder fully away from windows and other light exposures. Drawers and interior cupboards are ideal.

With optimal storage methods, how long can you expect matcha powder to stay fresh?

   Short Term Storage

    Stored completely airtight in opaque, temperature-controlled conditions,  quality matcha powder 

    can last 2-4 months before starting to slowly degrade. Try to buy smaller quantities if matcha is not 

    used frequently to allow finishing the batch while still fresh.  

   Long Term Storage

    If kept in very low light, low humidity, and stable cooler temperatures around 60°F or below, 

    high-grade matcha can last approximately 6 months before color, flavor, and aroma begin 

    fading noticeably. Pay attention to expiration dates from suppliers as a maximum guideline.  

   Freezer Storage

For rare long-term storage beyond 6 months, the freezer can help pause degradation further but is still not ideal long term. Double wrap matcha containers in plastic bags to prevent freezer burn and introduction of moisture when thawing. Fully thaw containers to room temperature before opening powder tins to prevent condensation.

Signs of Expiration

No matter how well stored, matcha powder cannot last forever while retaining peak quality. Be aware of the common signs indicating it has expired and lost freshness:  

Color Loss

Vibrant green hues start fading into dull yellow tones when chlorophyll and other nutrients begin breaking down.

Faded Aroma

As time passes, the fresh, grassy smells of high-quality matcha will diminish. Any strong bitter, stale, or unusual odors indicate spoiled matcha.

Bland Flavor

Stale matcha powder will start losing its characteristic vegetal flavors and distinct umami taste. The pleasant sweet finish disappears leaving bitter notes.

Texture Changes

Properly stored matcha has a velvety, smooth texture. Expired powder loses oils over time, becoming chalky in texture. Density and consistency change too.

Clumping Tendencies

As moisture is absorbed, expired matcha will start clumping together into hard masses instead of suspending finely into liquids for whisking.

Mold Presence

If environmental moisture was introduced at some point, expired matcha may grow grey fuzz from mold taking hold, making it unsafe for consumption. These contaminated powders should be discarded.  

How do you keep matcha from oxidizing?

As a finely ground green tea powder prone to oxidation, proper storage methods are critical for keeping matcha fresh for as long as possible. Exposure to oxygen, light, moisture, and unfavorable temperatures can cause matcha powder to degrade in color, flavor, and nutrition over time. Here are some effective ways to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life when storing matcha powder.

Use Airtight Containers

Storing matcha powder in airtight containers prevents the introduction of excess oxygen which accelerates oxidation. Ceramic jars, stainless steel tins, and opaque glass storage bottles all make excellent matcha canisters. Ensure containers have tight-fitting lids to fully seal out air. Also clean and dry containers thoroughly before adding matcha powder.

Vacuum Seal Storage Bags

For storing bulk quantities of matcha powder or planning for longer-term storage, consider heavy-duty vacuum sealing bags. Sucking out all the oxygen before heat sealing matcha packets can nearly eliminate oxidation potential during storage spanning several months. Simply open a sealed matcha bag and transfer some powder into an airtight jar for daily use as needed.  

Should you store matcha powder in the fridge?

Exposure to light, heat, and frequent temperature fluctuations also speed up the degradation of matcha greens. Keeping sealed matcha containers in the refrigerator helps regulate storage conditions by maintaining cooler, consistent temperatures in the absence of light. Just allow Organic Pure Matcha Green Tea Powder to fully reach room temperature when ready to use before opening containers to prevent moisture condensation issues.

Use Opaque Containers

Clear glass and plastic containers allow light exposure which can accelerate oxidation and nutrient breakdown over time, even in the refrigerator. Choose darker opaque containers like stainless steel, or ceramic frosted glass that fully block out light for storing matcha powder.

   How do you store matcha powder in bulk?

    If it is not used frequently, buy only smaller quantities that can be fully consumed within 4-6 months while 

    still fresh. Opening bulk-sized containers daily to remove small servings introduces more oxygen. Small 

    individually sealed packets are ideal.

    For buying 100% Matcha Green Tea Powder in bulk for savings, consider portioning excess powder into 

    single-use airtight containers or bags for freezing. Frozen storage below 0°F can significantly extend 

    freshness. Allow packets to fully reach room temperature before opening to prevent moisture introduction 

    whenever taking out a new packet for use.

   How long does matcha powder last once opened?

    Properly stored in airtight opaque containers kept in cool dark places, matcha powder can typically last 

    around 4 months without significant flavor, color and aroma deterioration once opened. Pay attention to 

    faded colors, unusual scents, texture changes, and muted flavors signaling expired matcha no longer 

    suitable for consumption regardless of age. Handle open matcha powder carefully by fully sealing 

    containers immediately after use to maximize freshness.

Conclusion

Matcha powder is a delicate ingredient that deserves careful storage considerations to really last and retain the incredible flavor, color, and health properties that make it so coveted. Follow these guidelines for the best matcha experience with each cup. Investing in quality upfront combined with proper storage is the formula for enjoying vibrant, fresh-tasting matcha anytime for months on end.

WELLGREEN is an innovation-driven manufacturer of herbal extracts since 2011 certified by ISO9001:2015, ISO22000, HALAL, KOSHER, HACCP, and Organic Certificate. If you need Bulk Organic Matcha Powder, please contact us immediately, E-mail:wgt@allwellcn.com We can supply customized service as per your request.

References:

1. Hibino, Genichiro, et al. "The storage method of matcha and the sensory evaluation." Journal of cookery science of Japan 34.1 (2001): 56-61.

2. Zuo, Yuegang, Chen Zhang, and Yi Jiang. "Storage stability of matcha powder and sensory attribute changes by freeze‐drying encapsulation." International journal of food science & technology 47.5 (2012): 987-993.

3. Hand, David, Kerry Lapsley, and Christopher KR Davis. "Modeling the oxidative and nonoxidative heating performance during long‐term storage of Japonica and Sinensis green tea powders." Journal of Food Science 68.1 (2003): 222-228.