Storing Fresh Matcha In The Fridge Requires A Few Extra Steps
While this vibrant green drink has been widely consumed in Japan for centuries, it seems like within the last decade, matcha has well and truly hit the global market and been thriving. According to Mordor Intelligence, matcha has amassed popularity outside of the Asia Pacific due to its unique flavor, and health benefits. MasterClass describes the drink as a green tea powder. Matcha is specifically made from the steamed and ground leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrub, which grows prolifically in Japan. Matcha is not just for drinking though, you can also find matcha tea, lattes, and more in coffee shops worldwide. And the bright powder can be used to flavor and color ice cream, mochi, cookies, fondant, and cakes (via Food & Wine).
Matcha is one of those items that's fantastic to have on hand at home. But unfortunately, matcha can go stale rather quickly if you don't store it properly or tend to buy low-quality products. The Matcha Connection says some of their favorite matcha producers are Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha, Tenzo Organic Ceremonial Matcha, Pique Matcha, and Kenko Matcha. It is easiest to buy matcha products online unless you live in a well-stocked international city. And when it comes to storing your product, you should take care.
Matcha needs to be kept from heat, air, and light
There is a lot that can go wrong with your matcha if you don't learn how to take care of it properly. According to Break Away Matcha, this kind of tea can't handle any kind of heat, air exposure, or persistent light. Your main goal once you get your matcha should be to keep it fresh for the best quality color, flavor, and health benefits. The tea goes bad the longer it oxidizes, per Well + Good, and the best way to slow that down is by storing the matcha in the fridge and sealing it in a dry, airtight container, explains Break Away Matcha.
Once you open the matcha and begin to keep it in the refrigerator for easier, daily use, the Japanese Greenteain warns that matcha becomes particularly susceptible to absorbing strong smells (think about open hot sauce, garlic, anything with a kick). So not only should you use multiple layers of airtight protection to keep any outside forces from training the product, but you should also be careful to keep all the other food and condiments in your fridge well contained. Always keep air, light, and heat exposure to a minimum and close the seal of the container and the airtight bag you keep it in immediately after removing the matcha you plan on using.
Matcha can also be stored in the freezer if you don't plan on using it for a while, says Break Away Matcha.