Storage of Matcha

Factors Affecting Tea Quality

Oxygen: Exposure to air accelerates oxidation, leading to a decline in flavor and a darker brew color (suishoku). This diminishes the tea’s vibrant hue.

Humidity: When tea leaves absorb moisture from the air, it deteriorates their taste and aroma.

Temperature: High temperatures speed up oxidation, causing the tea leaves and brew to turn brown (shikitaku and suishoku), which accelerates degradation.

Light: Tea is sensitive to light. Prolonged exposure can negatively affect its quality.

Storage Tips

Purchase in Small Quantities: To maintain freshness, buy tea in small amounts and use it within 2 weeks during summer or 1 month during winter after opening.

After Opening: Store tea in an airtight container, such as a can or zip-lock bag, in a cool, dark place. Avoid the refrigerator or freezer as they can cause moisture absorption and odor contamination.

Before Opening: Unopened tea can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. However, to prevent condensation due to temperature fluctuations, let it reach room temperature
before opening. Avoid frequent temperature changes to prevent quality degradation.

Expiration Dates

Unopened Products: The expiration date indicates when the tea will be at its best. Although the tea may not spoil immediately after this date, its flavor and appearance might deteriorate. Consume the tea within the indicated period for optimal quality.

Opened Products: Use the tea within 2 weeks in summer and 1 month in winter for the best taste and freshness. Quality may decline faster in hot and humid conditions, even if the tea is unopened.

If Tea Becomes Stale

You can make a homemade Hojicha. Revive old tea by roasting it in a frying pan over very low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning, and roast until the tea turns golden brown. Ensure proper ventilation as this process produces smoke.

Best-before Date vs. Use-by Date

Use-by Date

This is the date after which the product should not be consumed. It indicates the time frame during which the product is safe to consume if stored properly. Consuming it after this date may pose health risks due to spoilage or deterioration.

Best-before Date

This date signifies when the product will maintain its best flavor and quality. It is not a safety indicator, so the product can still be consumed after this date, although its taste and texture may not be optimal. It reflects the period during which the product is expected to be at its best quality, assuming proper storage. After this date, the product may still be safe to consume but may have diminished in quality.