Tips For Choosing The Best Matcha

By prioritizing these factors, you can select matcha that delivers exceptional taste and health benefits:

Color

A vibrant green hue reflects high-quality matcha and freshness. Vibrant green means it is rich in chlorophyll and nutrients from shade-grown tea plants. Dull or yellowish tones indicate poor quality or improper storage.

Harvest Date

Ideally, matcha should be consumed within a few months of harvest. Fresh matcha from a recent harvest ensures vibrant color, optimal flavor, and superior nutritional value.

Texture

High-quality matcha is ultra-fine and silky, dissolving easily for a smooth finish. It has a consistency similar to baby powder. When you rub it between your fingers, it should feel soft and delicate.

The fine powder texture is also important when using matcha in lattes, smoothies, or baked goods, as it blends seamlessly without leaving any grainy residue or uneven flavor.

Aroma and Taste

A research analyzed high quality matcha's aromatic profile, identifying fresh, sweet, grassy, slightly nutty and flowery odors with fruity undertones. Also, the taste should be umami, slightly sweet and mildly bitter. Overly bitter flavors point to lower grades.

Ingredients

Opt for 100% pure, organic matcha without additives or fillers for maximum health benefits and natural flavor. Additionally, it’s important to look for matcha that is certified organic. Organic certification guarantees that the tea plants were grown without harmful pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers.

Source: Comprehensive assessment of matcha qualities and visualization of constituents using hyperspectral imaging technology. Food Research International, 2024.