Another Spoiled Tea Question

[netbug009]

How do you tell if matcha tea is still good? I've had some lying around for... I dunno, a bit under a year? I know most teats can deal 2 if stored properly, but matcha is strange as you are well aware.

Comments

[gargoylekitty]

That long it's probably bad(unless you just plan on using it for baking). The color would be the best tell without tasting, how green is it? Though I'd just taste it, personally. Worse comes to worse, it tastes bad then toss it.

[netbug009]

I'm actually planning to do some baking. Why would that effect it?

[ladyelleth]

Well, if you use it for baking, that means it's thoroughly heated, which should kill most of the potentially bad microorganisms that may have settled in your matcha.

[netbug009]

yeeeeeesh, I think I'll hold it to the same standard as drinking. "Most" is not enough for my little germaphobic self. D:

[joeyclaren]

If the tea is sealed, then it will be good for approximately 6 to 8 months after you open it.

This is the general guideline I give to new tea people about green tea. I would add the caveat that matcha should probably be drunk closer to the 6 than to the 8, but I wouldn't see a problem with it if it's stored properly.

Also: What happens after 8 months? Nothing harmful. Your tea just won't be as fresh and flavorful as it once was. For matcha, this is a serious loss, as it is usually quite expensive. For baking purposes, however, this is not as large of a concern.

What were the storage conditions? (Container, location, heat, humidity, exposure to light/air, etc).

Speaking as someone who has a two-year old container of matcha on his desk which is whisked and drunk about once a month, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[netbug009]

Thank you. :D