Preserving the Quality of Matcha Powder - Best Storage Practices

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that has been enjoyed for centuries in Japanese tea ceremonies. It is a delicate tea that is known for its vibrant green color, rich umami flavor, and numerous health benefits. When it comes to storing matcha powder, it is important to take proper precautions to ensure its quality and freshness. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to store your matcha powder, why clear plastic or glass vessels should be avoided, and why exposing matcha powder to sunlight will bring down its quality and lifespan.

The Proper Way to Store Matcha Powder
One of the most important things to keep in mind when storing matcha powder is that it is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture. Exposure to these elements can cause the powder to lose its flavor and aroma, and can also reduce its nutritional value. Therefore, it is important to store matcha powder in a cool, dark, and dry place.

One way to keep your matcha tea fresher for longer is to store your matcha powder in an airtight container, in the fridge. Your refrigerator will prevent heat and moisture from deteriorating the quality of the powder. This is a particularly good option if you live in a warm or humid climate such as Malaysia. The airtight container will also prevent the powder from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.

If you do not have space in your fridge, you can also store your matcha powder in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard. Make sure that the container you use is airtight and opaque (nontransparent), to prevent exposure to light and moisture.

Why Clear Plastic or Glass Vessels Should Be Avoided
Clear plastic or glass vessels should be avoided when storing matcha powder because they allow light to penetrate through to the powder. Light exposure can cause matcha powder to lose its color, flavor, and aroma. Over time, these containers may also produce and release other particles and the powder may also become stale and lose its nutritional value. 

Therefore, it is recommended that you use opaque containers to store your matcha powder. Opaque containers will block out light and help to maintain the quality and freshness of the powder.

Why Exposing Matcha Powder to Sunlight Will Bring Down Its Quality and Lifespan
Exposing matcha powder to sunlight can cause it to lose its vibrant green color, rich umami flavor, and numerous health benefits. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can break down the antioxidants in matcha powder and reduce its nutritional value.

In addition, sunlight can cause the powder to become stale and lose its freshness. This is because sunlight can also cause the powder to oxidize, which can cause it to develop a bitter taste and lose its aroma.

Therefore, it is important to store matcha powder in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from sunlight. If you must expose your matcha powder to light, do so for as short a time as possible, and store it in an opaque container.

Other Tips for Storing Matcha Powder
In addition to storing matcha powder in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dark, and dry place, there are a few other tips to keep in mind to ensure its quality and freshness.

First, it is important to buy matcha powder in small quantities. Matcha powder is best consumed within a few months of being opened, so buying it in bulk can lead to waste and a decline in quality over time.

Second, make sure to use a clean, dry spoon or scoop to measure out your matcha powder. Any moisture or impurities can affect the quality and taste of the powder.

Third, it is important to keep matcha powder away from strong-smelling foods or spices. Matcha powder can easily absorb odors from other foods, which can affect its flavor and aroma.

Lastly, it is important to be mindful of the temperature and humidity levels in your storage space. High humidity can cause the powder to clump together, which can affect its texture and make it difficult to use. Similarly, high temperatures can cause the powder to lose its flavor and aroma.

If you live in a particularly humid climate, you may want to consider using a desiccant packet or silica gel packet in your matcha powder container. These packets can help to absorb any excess moisture in the container, keeping the powder fresh and dry.

Endnote
In conclusion, matcha powder is a delicate tea that requires proper storage to maintain its quality and freshness. By following these tips, you can ensure that your matcha powder retains its vibrant green color, rich umami flavor, and numerous health benefits for as long as possible.