Brewing guide

Storing matcha properly

Matcha is fragile, so airtight, cold, and dark are non-negotiable.

Once a tin is open

Plan to finish a 30 to 40 gram tin within 60 to 90 days of opening. After that the color dulls and the aroma flattens even if the seal is good. Marukyu Koyamaen and Ippodo both print best by dates that assume the tin stays unopened.

Where to keep it

Keep matcha airtight, away from light, heat, moisture, and strong odors. A sealed tin inside a cabinet works well. Refrigeration is acceptable if the container is fully airtight, but bring it back to room temperature before opening so condensation does not form on the powder.

Buying habits that help

Buy smaller tins more often rather than one large tin. Note the open date on the lid so you can track the freshness window. If you only drink lattes, you can stretch the timeline a little, but plain usucha will reveal an aging powder very quickly.

Terms used here

Matcha (抹茶)
Stone-ground powder of shade-grown Japanese green tea leaves consumed whole in water.
Tencha (碾茶)
Shade-grown, steamed, and dried leaf that is stone-milled into matcha.

Put it in the journal

Log the bowl you just made

The brew journal keeps your ratios, grades, and notes on this device so the next bowl starts from what actually worked.