Matcha sifting and storage. Sifter cleaning

[tjkoko_off]

Just recently got some matcha, Ummon-no-mukashi and preferred use is Koicha (thick). A few questions arise:

1. Should the entire 40g be sifted at once and then stored?

2. For storage, can the sifted matcha be kept in either the container that accompanied the sifter or even the original canister that the tea came in?

3. How does one clean the sifter in between uses?

[olivierco]

1. Should the entire 40g be sifted at once and then stored?

40g are 5 to 10 koicha servings, so if you finish the can quickly you can sift all at once.

2. For storage, can the sifted matcha be kept in either the container that accompanied the sifter or even the original canister that the tea came in?

It depends on the container: some are airtight, some are not. See also my answer to the previous question.

3. How does one clean the sifter in between uses?

I clean mine with a soft cloth.

[Oni]

I saw at horaido`s site that he sells diffrent types of funels made from wood, some made from plastic, and it is used to transfer the sifted matcha into a container, but I asked around if a natsume could be used for long term storage, no it cannot, or chaire, no, than why are these containers so expencieve, and how can I store my matcha safely airtight for optimum freshness?

[Victoria]

I prefer to sift as I go, making it part of the ritual itself.
I wipe my sifter with a dry cloth after each use, I never
get it wet.

[tjkoko_off]

I prefer to sift as I go, making it part of the ritual itself.
I wipe my sifter with a dry cloth after each use, I never
get it wet.

I'll follow your advice although Yuki-cha, the supplier of my sifter, claims that it's made of stainless steel.

And thank you all for the responses to my inquiries.

[silverneedles]

dont think its good to sift entire matcha canister if you wont use it because you'll be exposing the whole collection of particles to air and back in storage would probably quicken the tea's "degradation" with time.
and even sifted if not used, it will still make clumps = you still have to sift it again for every use.