There are so many matcha brands out there, from the cheap local grocery store matcha to the high end expensive organic store matcha and the various online shop brands. It can be overwhelming to try and figure out which one is the best for you.
That’s why we created this easy guide to help you choose the best matcha for your needs.
What to look for in matcha:
Origin
Matcha tea is the most valuable green tea in Japan and the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony. However, the green matcha powder originally came from China.
In Japan, matcha is typically grown in the Kyushu, Uji, Saitama, Nishio, Mie, Kagoshima, Nara, and Shizuoka regions. Make sure the Matcha you buy is 100% Japanese and from one of these regions.
Purity
Matcha is full of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals with many health benefits. Low quality or impure matcha can have chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides
Color
Color is one of the biggest indicators of good quality matcha. Look for a bright electric green and avoid grey, yellowish and muted coloured matcha.
Texture
Good quality matcha should be finely ground and dissolve completely when you whisk it in water. If you see lumps or a coarse grind it means that it is a low quality matcha
Ingredients
Make sure that the matcha you are buying is 100% matcha and doesn’t contain any fillers or sugar.
Cultivation method
Matcha tea needs to be grown in shade for at least 21 days. This is important as it increases the antioxidant potency of the tea and deepens its green color.
Taste and Aroma
Low quality matcha can taste bitter, grassy and even fishy. Look for matcha that tastes smooth, sweet and earthy. You can even recognise if from its aroma. It should be mild, earthy and floral.
Packaging
For the optimum preservation of matcha, look for airtight and opaque packaging this ensures that it will not be exposed to oxygen or sunlight which can compromise its quality.
Price
As with any product, if you see matcha that has a very low price that means that the quality is quite low.
Certification
Make sure that the matcha you are buying is certified 100% organic. Commercially grown matcha can have dangerous chemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers
Grade
There different grades of matcha, each one is suitable for a specific use. Ceremonial and premium grade matcha are suitable for drinking and culinary grade matcha is suitable for cooking.
Ready to try the best matcha on the market?
Check out our articles with more details on matcha grades here and the health benefits of matcha here.
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