Green Has a Shelf Life

From the first spoonful, you know: this is either quality — or just dry powder.

Matcha is no longer exotic. But most people still don’t realize it’s a living product — and that it fades. In color, in taste, in effect.

When you first open fresh matcha, the color hits you. Not mint. Not pistachio. But bright, almost glowing green. The aroma is grassy, slightly nutty, never stale. And when you make it — it’s smooth, never harsh. Nothing needs to be added.

But that vibrancy doesn’t last forever. Matcha has a shelf life. And more than that — it has a sense of time.

Fresh Matcha = Better Matcha

Ceremonial matcha is made from the very first hand-picked leaves, stone-milled into a fine powder. But if that powder sits for months in a warehouse or on a store shelf — it loses its essence.

The color fades. The aroma flattens. The taste turns bitter or fishy.

Quality doesn’t start at harvest. It starts with how fast it reaches you. And how you treat it once it’s yours.

Why Matcha Needs the Cold

Matcha contains natural compounds that are sensitive to:

— light → breaks down chlorophyll
— heat → dulls aroma
— air → oxidation
— moisture → clumps, musty smell

And because matcha is not an extract but the entire leaf in powdered form, it’s especially delicate.

That’s why at MIMA we recommend always storing it in the fridge. Not because it’s trendy. But because otherwise, it simply stops being what it’s meant to be.

How to Store Matcha Properly

A few simple rules:

— keep it in an airtight container
— always store in the fridge (even unopened)
— use a dry spoon
— don’t leave it open on the counter

If you drink it daily, you can leave a small portion outside. But most of it should always rest in the cold.

Pro tip: When ordering online, check if it was stored correctly before shipping.

A Mini Lab Story

When we tested fresh matcha against the same batch kept at room temperature for 2 months, the difference was clear. Fresh: bright green, delicate aroma.
Aged: grey-green.

Even though they came from the same harvest, the flavor no longer told the same story.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does opened matcha last?
We recommend using it within 4–6 weeks if stored in the fridge.

Can I freeze it?
Yes — unopened bags can be frozen. Once opened, no — condensation can ruin the powder.

How do I know it’s not fresh anymore?
The color turns olive instead of vibrant green, the taste gets more bitter, and the aroma fades or becomes dull.

In the End: It’s Not a Rule — It’s a Choice

It’s not about following rules. It’s about choosing to drink something alive — not just something green.

So: fridge. Sealed tight. No drama.
That’s how you get the best version of something that’s more than a trend. It’s a ritual. For a reason.