How to Store Matcha for Prolonged Freshness

There's nothing quite like opening a fresh pouch of Encha matcha – whether it's our ceremonial or latte grade – for the very first time. The rich, earthy aroma wafts through your space as you dive in for the initial scoop. But how do you maintain that freshness for weeks to come? Keep reading to find out. 

There are three things you need to remember when storing matcha powder:

• Exposure to oxygen lessens matcha's vitamins and catechins.
• If matcha gets hot, it will start to taste funny.
• Matcha does not last forever.

Do you need to refrigerate matcha?

Short answer? No. However, if you do live in a warmer climate, refrigerating your matcha after opening could be helpful to maintain an optimal temperature. When matcha gets hot, it starts to taste stale (and thus, wouldn't be enjoyable). 

Keep in mind if you do decide to store your matcha in the fridge, it may absorb the odors of surrounding items so steer away from placing next to any meat or strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.  

When preparing your refrigerated matcha, leave out for a couple of minutes to allow the matcha powder to come to room temperature. That way, when it mixes with hot water, it doesn't produce any condensation and you'll end up with a smooth, tasty matcha beverage.

Where is the best place to store matcha?

Your cabinet space or a spice drawer is going to be the best spot for matcha. The darkness prevents the matcha from tasting metallic, but the key is making sure your matcha is stored in an airtight container. Luckily, Encha's resealable pouches ensure your matcha remains fresh for weeks (or even months if you haven't finished it before then!). Just make sure when you're closing the pouch after use that all of the air is pushed out. 

How long does matcha last?

Typically matcha has a shelf life of one year. If you look on the back of your Encha pouch, you will see an expiration date. It's recommended that you consume the matcha before then. However, not properly storing the matcha will result in a shorter shelf life. 

Rotation and Consumption

If you're an avid matcha drinker, consider a rotation system for your matcha stash. Label your matcha packages with purchase or opening dates and consume them in order. This ensures that you enjoy your matcha while it's at its freshest. Additionally, this practice prevents older matcha from languishing in your pantry, risking diminished flavor and quality.

Preserving the Essence: Mastering Matcha Storage Techniques

To guarantee your matcha remains fresh and full of flavor, meticulous storage is paramount. Invest in an airtight container, specially designed for matcha storage, or repurpose airtight matcha pouches that often come with your purchase. Unlike loose-leaf tea, matcha is a delicate, fine powder, susceptible to the influences of air, light, and moisture.

Therefore, choosing an opaque container shields it from light exposure, maintaining the vibrant green hue and preventing oxidation. Proper tea storage ensures your matcha's shelf life is maximized, allowing you to indulge in a delicious matcha experience with every scoop. Whether you opt for dedicated matcha containers or a repurposed matcha tins, airtight and opaque storage guarantees your matcha remains a finely preserved powder, ready to elevate your tea rituals whenever you prepare matcha tea.