How to Store Matcha Powder: Fridge or Freezer?

Matcha powder is a delicate product, and the way it is stored can affect its flavor and color.

Freshly purchased matcha is known for its vibrant green color and rich aroma.

However, exposure to air, light, heat, and moisture can gradually reduce its quality.

However, opening the container immediately after removing it from the refrigerator can cause condensation.

To prevent this, allow the sealed container to reach room temperature before opening it.

In this page, we'll cover how to store matcha powder, whether to refrigerate or freeze it, its shelf life, and signs of spoilage.

4 Factors That Cause Matcha Powder to Lose Quality

Matcha is made from finely ground tea leaves, making it particularly sensitive to air, light, heat, and moisture.

Because matcha is ground into a fine powder, it has a larger surface area than whole tea leaves, making it more susceptible to exposure to oxygen and moisture.

To preserve matcha's vibrant green color and rich aroma, it's helpful to understand the following four factors that cause its quality to deteriorate.

1. Air (Oxygen)

When matcha is exposed to air, compounds such as catechins, other polyphenols, and lipids begin to oxidize, gradually affecting its flavor and color.

Oxidation can cause matcha to lose its rich aroma and its vibrant green color to become dull.

Unopened matcha is protected by packaging designed to limit oxygen exposure. However, once opened, oxidation occurs more readily, so we recommend storing matcha in an airtight container.

This prevents unnecessary exposure to air and moisture during distribution.

2. Light (UV Rays)

Matcha's vibrant green color comes from chlorophyll, the natural green pigment found in tea leaves.

Chlorophyll is sensitive to light, and prolonged exposure to strong light can cause it to break down or degrade.

In particular, ultraviolet (UV) rays from direct sunlight can accelerate changes in chlorophyll and other compounds.

As a result, matcha can lose its vibrant green color and gradually turn yellowish-green or brown.

Light can also affect the compounds responsible for matcha's distinctive aroma and flavor.

When matcha is stored in transparent glass jars, light can pass through the container. Therefore, avoid placing them near windows or bright lighting.

To protect matcha from light exposure, we recommend using an airtight, lightproof container, such as an aluminum pouch or an opaque metal tin.

3. Heat

When matcha is stored at high temperatures, chemical reactions such as oxidation and the breakdown of certain compounds occur more rapidly, accelerating quality deterioration.

Chlorophyll and the compounds responsible for matcha's aroma are particularly sensitive to storage temperature.

Prolonged exposure to heat can cause matcha's vibrant green color to fade and its distinctive aroma to weaken.

For example, hot rooms during summer, shelves exposed to direct sunlight, and areas near stoves or ovens are unsuitable places to store matcha.

For long-term storage, we recommend keeping matcha in an airtight, lightproof container in a cool environment, such as a refrigerator.

4. Moisture

Matcha is an extremely fine powder that readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding air.

When matcha absorbs moisture, the powder particles stick together, forming clumps and losing their smooth, powdery texture.

Moisture can also make matcha more difficult to disperse evenly in hot water or milk, resulting in lumps when preparing matcha lattes and other drinks.

Furthermore, if excessive moisture enters the container, it can create conditions that allow mold and other microorganisms to grow.

One particular concern is condensation when removing matcha from the refrigerator or freezer.

If you open a cold container immediately, water vapor from the warmer surrounding air can condense, forming droplets inside the container or on the surface of the matcha powder.

To prevent condensation, always allow refrigerated or frozen matcha to reach room temperature while keeping the container sealed before opening it.

How to Store Matcha Powder Properly

The key to storing matcha powder is protecting it from air, light, heat, and moisture.

However, the best storage method depends on whether the package has been opened.

Unopened Matcha Powder

Unopened matcha powder should be stored according to the instructions on the product packaging.

In general, matcha packaged in airtight, lightproof containers should be kept away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity.

For long-term storage, use a refrigerator or freezer.

However, opening cold matcha packaging immediately can cause condensation to form inside due to the temperature difference.

To prevent this, allow the sealed package to reach room temperature before opening it.

Opened Matcha Powder

Once opened, matcha powder should be stored in a way that minimizes exposure to air.

Follow these storage tips:

• Remove as much air as possible from the package after each use.
• Seal the package tightly using a zip closure or an airtight container.
• Keep matcha away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
• Always use a clean, dry spoon when scooping matcha.
• Record the opening date and use the matcha as soon as possible.

If you plan to store opened matcha for an extended period, consider dividing it into smaller portions based on how frequently you use it.

Should I Store Matcha in the Refrigerator?

Refrigerating matcha powder helps keep it at a low temperature, but it's important to be careful about condensation and moisture.

If you open cold matcha immediately after taking it out of the refrigerator, moisture from the warmer surrounding air can condense on the powder or inside the container.

This condensation can cause matcha to clump and lose quality.

When storing matcha in the refrigerator, follow these tips:

• Store matcha in an airtight container or sealed bag.
• Keep it away from foods with strong odors.
• Allow the sealed container to reach room temperature before opening it.
• After opening, take out only the amount you need and reseal the container promptly.

Frequently taking matcha in and out of the refrigerator exposes it to repeated temperature changes.

Therefore, we recommend keeping the matcha you use daily at room temperature, in a cool, dry place, and storing any matcha you plan to keep for a longer period in the refrigerator.

Can I Store Matcha in the Freezer?

Yes, matcha powder can be stored in the freezer.

Low temperatures help slow down changes in quality. However, freezing does not preserve matcha's flavor and color indefinitely.

To freeze matcha properly, follow these steps:

1. Store matcha in an airtight bag or container.
2. Remove as much air as possible before sealing it.
3. When you're ready to use it, allow the sealed container to reach room temperature before opening it.

Even when storing matcha in the freezer, follow the best-before date printed on the product packaging.

Does Matcha Powder Expire?

The shelf life of matcha powder depends on how it is packaged and stored.

Therefore, there is no single best-before period that applies to all matcha products.

Unopened Matcha Powder

For unopened matcha, check the best-before date printed on the packaging.

This date indicates how long the product is expected to maintain its quality and flavor when stored unopened under the recommended conditions.

Opened Matcha Powder

Once opened, matcha should be used as soon as possible, regardless of the best-before date printed on the packaging.

After opening, matcha becomes more susceptible to oxidation and moisture exposure.

For the best flavor, we recommend using matcha within a few weeks of opening. However, this timeframe does not guarantee its quality or safety. 

Signs That Matcha Powder Has Deteriorated

Matcha that has been stored improperly can undergo changes in color, aroma, and flavor.

The following signs indicate that your matcha may have already lost some of its quality.

1. Dull or Faded Green Color

Fresh matcha generally has a vibrant green color.

As its quality deteriorates, the green color can become dull, gradually turning yellowish-green or brown.

However, matcha's color also depends on factors such as the tea cultivar, cultivation methods, and processing techniques.

Therefore, color alone is not enough to determine its freshness.

2. Weakened Aroma

One of matcha's distinctive characteristics is its rich, natural tea aroma.

If the aroma becomes weaker during storage or the matcha develops a smell that differs from when it was first purchased, its quality has changed.

In particular, avoid using matcha if you notice a musty, moldy, or otherwise unusual odor.

3. Changes in Flavor

Matcha is known for its balance of umami, pleasant bitterness, and astringency.

Improper storage can weaken its aroma and umami, making bitterness and astringency more noticeable.

However, if your matcha shows signs of an unusual odor, mold, or moisture damage, discard it without tasting it.

4. Clumping Caused by Moisture

Matcha powder can sometimes form small, loose clumps due to vibrations during transportation.

However, if large clumps have formed or the powder feels damp, moisture may have entered the packaging.

Excess moisture can encourage mold growth, so avoid using matcha if you notice signs of moisture damage or other unusual changes.

Questions About Matcha Powder Storage

Q1. Can Matcha Be Stored at Room Temperature?

Yes, matcha can be stored at room temperature if the product's storage instructions allow it.

Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.

However, once opened, matcha becomes more susceptible to oxidation and moisture exposure. We recommend storing it in an airtight container and using it as soon as possible.

Q2. Can I Store Matcha in a Glass Jar?

Yes, you can store matcha in an airtight glass jar.

However, transparent glass allows light to pass through, so be sure to keep the jar in a dark place.

Also, make sure the inside of the jar is completely dry before adding matcha powder.

Q3. Does Refrigerating Matcha Cause It to Deteriorate?

No. Proper refrigeration helps slow down quality deterioration compared to storing matcha at room temperature.

However, opening the container immediately after removing it from the refrigerator can cause condensation due to the temperature difference, allowing the matcha to absorb moisture.

When refrigerating matcha, use an airtight container and allow it to reach room temperature before opening it.

Q4. Does Freezing Matcha Cause It to Deteriorate?

No. Proper freezing helps slow down oxidation and other processes that cause matcha to lose quality.

However, freezing does not completely prevent changes in quality over time.

Opening the container immediately after removing it from the freezer can cause condensation, allowing the matcha to absorb moisture.

To prevent this, store matcha in an airtight container or sealed bag and allow it to reach room temperature before opening it.

Q5. Does Matcha Have an Expiration Date?

Yes, matcha has a best-before date. The exact shelf life depends on the product's packaging and storage conditions.

For unopened matcha, check the best-before date printed on the packaging.

Once opened, we recommend using matcha as soon as possible, regardless of the printed best-before date.

Conclusion: Store Matcha in an Airtight, Lightproof Container in the Refrigerator

To keep matcha fresh, it's essential to protect it from air, light, heat, and moisture.

For long-term storage, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.

However, when storing matcha in the refrigerator or freezer, be careful of condensation.

Don't open the container immediately after taking it out. Instead, allow it to reach room temperature while still sealed before opening.

By following these proper storage practices, you can preserve matcha's rich aroma and distinctive flavor for longer.

   

   

Related Article

 

How Much Matcha Powder Per Cup? Usucha, Koicha & Lattes

Read more →