How to store matcha so it stays green and full of flavour
You bought a beautiful, bright green matcha, and a few weeks later it's dull and bitter? Quality isn't necessarily to blame: matcha is a delicate powder that oxidises quickly when it isn't stored properly. The good news is that keeping it fresh only takes a few simple habits.
Matcha's four enemies
Matcha is green tea ground into a very fine powder, so its exposed surface area is huge, which makes it far more sensitive than whole leaves. Four factors age it before its time.
- •Air (oxygen): it oxidises the powder, which loses its colour and aroma.
- •Light: it breaks down the chlorophyll behind that vivid green.
- •Heat: it speeds up all of these reactions.
- •Moisture and odours: matcha soaks up humidity and strong smells from the cupboard or fridge.
Where to keep it, and in what
Ideally: an airtight, opaque container, closed tightly after each use, in a cool cupboard away from light. The original resealable pouch or an opaque metal tin does the job perfectly.
The fridge can extend the freshness of a matcha you don't use often, as long as the container is truly airtight; otherwise the powder picks up moisture and odours. Above all, take it out ahead of time: opening a cold tin in a steamy kitchen creates condensation on the powder.
How long does it keep?
Unopened and well stored, matcha keeps for several months. But the countdown really starts once it's opened: exposed to air, it's best enjoyed within the following few weeks.
The smart move: buy quantities you'll get through in a reasonable time rather than a big stash that will fade before you finish it. A fresh, vibrant matcha always beats a large, tired supply.
How to tell if your matcha has turned
- •Colour: green shifting to khaki, yellow or brown is a sign of oxidation.
- •Smell: good matcha smells of freshly cut grass; a hay-like or musty smell gives away a tired powder.
- •Taste: bitterness and flatness replace the sweetness and fresh, grassy notes.
And when you buy it?
Storage starts before you even open the pack: a powder that's already dull on the shelf won't turn green again at home. Our guide to spotting a good matcha helps you start with a fresh base; after that, it's simply a matter of storing it well.
Frequently asked questions
Should matcha be kept in the fridge?+
It isn't essential. An airtight, opaque container in a cool cupboard away from light is enough. The fridge can help for a matcha you rarely use, but only if the container is perfectly airtight and you take it out ahead of time to avoid condensation.
How long does matcha keep once opened?+
Once opened and exposed to air, matcha is best enjoyed within a few weeks. Unopened and well stored, it keeps for several months. It's better to buy quantities you'll use quickly than a large stock that will fade.
How do I know if my matcha has gone off?+
Three signs: the colour shifts from bright green to khaki or brown, it smells of hay or mustiness instead of fresh grass, and it tastes flat and bitter. Stale matcha isn't dangerous, but it will have lost most of what makes it worthwhile.