How to Store Tea Powder for Lasting Freshness
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Matcha and hojicha are treasures of Japanese tea culture — vibrant, aromatic, and deeply tied to ritual. However, these delicate powders require proper care to preserve their flavor, color, and aroma. At Ryoki Matcha, we want every bowl you whisk to taste as fresh as the day the leaves were stone-ground. Here’s how to store your tea powders like a pro.
Why Storage Matters
Unlike loose-leaf teas, both matcha and hojicha are already ground to a fine powder. This means they have a greater surface area and are more sensitive to their environment. Exposure to air, light, heat, and moisture can cause:
- Dull color (especially in matcha, which should stay a brilliant green)
- Loss of aroma and flavor
- Clumping or even spoilage
By storing your tea properly, you’re protecting not just the powder itself, but the craftsmanship and tradition behind it.
The Essentials of Proper Storage
1. Use the Right Container
Matcha and hojicha should always be sealed tightly — but not all “airtight” containers are equal. Most airtight containers still trap oxygen inside, which slowly degrades tea.
Instead, we recommend an airless storage container like the Planetary Design Airscape® Stainless Steel Canister (Small, Matte Black). Its patented inner plunger lid actually removes excess oxygen, keeping your matcha and hojicha fresher for longer
2. Keep Away from Light
Direct light accelerates oxidation. Opaque containers are best. If you’re using the Airscape canister, the matte black finish provides excellent protection against UV light.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Temperature control is simple: just keep your tea away from heat sources like ovens, stoves, and windows. A cupboard or pantry shelf works perfectly.
4. Avoid Moisture at All Costs
Moisture is matcha and hojicha’s worst enemy. Always use a clean, dry spoon when scooping. Even a small drop of water can ruin the powder.
Matcha vs. Hojicha: A Subtle Difference
- Matcha is especially delicate. Its bright green color and umami flavor fade quickly if exposed to air and light. Once opened, we recommend finishing it within 30–60 days.
- Hojicha is more forgiving thanks to its roasting process, but it too deserves careful storage to keep its toasty aroma intact.
Ryoki’s Freshness Tip
Our pouches are designed to help you protect your tea: resealable, light-blocking, and easy to store. For the best flavor, enjoy your matcha and hojicha within two months of opening.
On every Ryoki Matcha pouch, you’ll find this simple guidance:
“Keep in a cool, dry place. Reseal after opening. Best enjoyed within 1–2 months.”
For tea lovers who want to go the extra mile, pairing our pouches with a Planetary Design Airscape® Canister will give you the ultimate protection against oxygen, light, and flavor loss.
Honor the Ritual
When you store your tea with care, you’re not just protecting a product — you’re preserving centuries of Japanese tea tradition. Each scoop of matcha or hojicha becomes a moment of calm, focus, and connection.
At Ryoki Matcha, we believe that freshness is part of the ritual. With the right storage — and the right tools — every sip can be as vibrant as the first.
✨ Browse our collection of matcha and hojicha powders and bring the essence of Japanese tea into your daily life.