Can Matcha Powder Expire?
Can Matcha Powder Expire?
Posted on October 06, 2021 | by Steve O'Dell
Does Matcha Expire?
Yes and no. Matcha has a certain period where its freshness and taste are at their peak, however matcha doesn’t expire the way that milk or cheese might. But, its healthy shelf life can be affected by many things such as the quality of the matcha and storage method. So, if you want to make the most out of your matcha, learning how to properly store it will work wonders. Hang around and we’ll let you in on everything you need to know about matcha’s expiration date and how to extend the life of your matcha.
Matcha’s Expiration Date
Before we jump into how to keep your matcha at peak freshness for the maximum amount of time, let’s talk about matcha’s expiration date. Generally, matcha has a shelf life of about two years. But, as we mentioned earlier, how you store your matcha can greatly affect this. On the back of each and every Tenzo matcha pouch, you’ll find a “best before” date. This doesn’t mean that your matcha will be “expired” after this date, but you will likely experience changes in taste and overall quality.
How to Tell If Matcha Is Fresh
So, how can you tell whether or not your matcha is fresh? There are a few telltale signs that will let you know, your matcha is in prime condition. The most prominent of these is its color. Fresh matcha will have a bright, vibrant green hue. Any gray or brown tones in your matcha, and you’re not getting the best experience. Side note, if you open up a fresh batch of matcha that appears dull or discolored, it’s likely a quality issue rather than a freshness one.
Another way to determine the quality of your matcha is its texture. Fresh matcha will have a fluffy,airy texture that is easily whiskable with no hard lumps. Lumps indicate the presence of moisture, which means that the bag or pouch your matcha was shipped in has let in air as well. Last, but not least, when you open the container where you store your matcha, you should be greeted by a bright, grassy smell. Anything else, and you can be sure that your matcha is not fresh.
How to Store Matcha Powder
Matcha is best consumed in the month after opening. But, there are several steps you can take before and after opening to ensure that your matcha stays bright, beautiful, and tasty. First, always store your matcha in a cool, dark place. Whether you’ve already opened it or not, heat and sunlight can and will negatively affect the quality of your matcha. Second, you’ll want to make sure that you store your matcha in an airtight container.
Tenzo matcha ships in pouches, accompanied by a tin. This airtight tin does two things. One- it protects your matcha from exposure to sunlight. Never store your matcha in a glass, plastic, or otherwise transparent container. The darker, the better. The second thing the tin does is prevent outside air and humidity from coming into contact with the matcha powder. Of course, every time you open the container, this outside seal is interrupted. This is why matcha is best consumed a month after opening.
How Long Does Matcha Last After Opening?
As soon as you transfer your matcha from pouch to tin, you begin exposing it to the elements. With the correct storage method, as outlined above, you can ensure that you have delicious and healthy matcha ready for consumption whenever you need it. But, eventually, even with proper storage method, your matcha will begin to lose quality. However, unless contaminated with mold or bacteria, due to improper storage, matcha will never “go bad” in the traditional sense. It will simply lose taste and health benefits.
For all of our daily drinkers out there, as long as you keep your matcha in a its Tenzo tin, in a cool dry place, you won’t have to worry about it. But, for those who like to treat themself to a matcha or occasionally bake up a matcha confectionary, keep an eye out for that best buy date on your pouch.
