matcha shelf life

[violson2000]

I have been enjoying matcha since the beginning of this summer (i.e. 3-4 months). Thanks to many fabulous threads on the topic on this site, I was able to acquire a good amount of information on the subject. I ordered the starter kit from Ippodo (which comes with a 20g tin...I forget exactly what variety), and I also got a sifter as well as a 40g tin of the Sayaka-no-Mukashi. I have really been enjoying the Sayaka-no-Mukashi, though (despite the lack of comparison to other varieties on my part) I feel the "nicer" (read, more expensive) varieties are probably a bit sweeter and fuller.
Anyway, it is time for me to order some more matcha, and after reading several threads, I am thinking of sticking with Ippodo. I am planning on ordering a couple 20g tins of the Horai-no-Mukashi ($11/20g), as well as maybe one 20g tin of the Wakamatsu-no-Mukashi ($16/20g). I don't really make koicha...mostly usucha, although I think I make it a little thicker than is normal.
Obviously, I would like to order several tins at a time (I was thinking 3 Horai, 1 Wakamatsu) to save on shipping. However, this would not be worth it if the matcha will no longer be good once I get around to the 3rd or 4th tin. Assuming it would take me maybe 1 month or so to get through each tin (I have matcha ~4x/week), am I safe ordering 4 20g tins? Should I get less or more at one time?

Any comments would be appreciated!! Also, if you think I am ordering the wrong varieties based on my stated preferences, please feel free to suggest others!

[thirtysixbelow]

You could be like chip and tea fridge the tins and take them out as you use them Matcha seems to be generally acceptable to keep in the fridge anyway.

[violson2000]

thanks for the reply. will storing matcha in the fridge not create condensation in the bag upon removal from the fridge?

[olivierco]

thanks for the reply. will storing matcha in the fridge not create condensation in the bag?

If you only store unopened tins in your fridge you won't have any problem.

You should however not open the tin right after taking it out of the fridge to avoid condensation but wait until it is at room temperature.

[Oni]

Put it in the fridge, it is on 4 Celsius, generally, and most high quality matcha are nitro flushed, so they do not come in contact with other smells and air from the fridge, however when you take it out wait until it fully reaches room temperature, and once opened use it but do not put the open bags back to the fridge, remember only unopened... Some may suggest to put it in a freezer, I would not do that, try putting a strawberry to the freezer and than defrost, it will ruin the structure of the fruit, but if you put it in liquid nitrogen it will suffer no noticable damage.

[Rainy-Day]

Put it in the fridge, it is on 4 Celsius, generally, and most high quality matcha are nitro flushed, so they do not come in contact with other smells and air from the fridge, however when you take it out wait until it fully reaches room temperature, and once opened use it but do not put the open bags back to the fridge, remember only unopened... Some may suggest to put it in a freezer, I would not do that, try putting a strawberry to the freezer and than defrost, it will ruin the structure of the fruit, but if you put it in liquid nitrogen it will suffer no noticable damage.

I'm sorry - not put open bag in the fridge - but o-cha instructions say to keep matcha refrigerated. Their matcha is in a baggie that's inside a tin. I was keeping it in the fridge according to their instructions - should I stop doing that?

[Chip]

Generally yes, you should stop doing that, unless you are not going to use it for a while and are able to make it extremely airtight.

If you do, just like an unopened tin, let it warm to room temp before opening.