Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Matcha Tea
Like all teas, including green teas, matcha is harvested from the Camellia sinesis plant. Plants for matcha tea are covered 20 to 30 days before their harvest to restrict sunlight. This allows chlorophyll production and amino acid content to increase and gives the leaves their rich and vibrant green color.
After harvest, the stems and veins are removed, and the remainder of the leaves ground with granite stones into matcha or powdered tea. Matcha is a fine powder which feels smooth and velvety to the touch unlike its companion green tea which feels more like crushed up leaves and gritty.
Although tea-powdering is thought to have originated in China around 800 years ago, the agricultural techniques for producing matcha were refined in Japan over the following centuries.
Japanese matcha is grown in different soils which can impact upon the flavor of the tea and this also contributes to the often higher price tag for Japanese matcha. Tea plants for Chinese matcha are not always grown in the shade and are often pan-fried to stop their oxidation. This means the texture of Chinese matcha can be sandier and will not froth as much.
Average quality matcha will be more yellow and grainy to the touch as it has been made from tougher leaves. A higher quality matcha should be bright green and smooth with a slightly sweet taste.
Oriental Organic Tea Matcha
Oriental Organic Tea Matcha is grown in Japan and stone ground. Its organically certified, too, meaning you dont need to worry about pesticides or herbicides contaminating the product.
Its specifically designed for cooking, so its a good fit for mixing into smoothies and shakes. However, the taste isnt quite what youd get with the higher-grade matcha teas designed for drinking.
Still, its a high-purity choice and a good option if youll mostly be mixing matcha with other supplements.
Akira Matcha Organic Ceremonial Matcha
Brand – Akira Matcha from Matcha Konomi
Akira Matcha is the Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha available from the Matcha Konomi Company. All of their matcha is from first harvest green tea leaves from farms in Uji, Kyoto, Japan. Matcha Konomi ensures the freshness of its matcha by only making enough for a 4 month supply, so they will sometimes be out of stock. We were very impressed with the bright green color and ultra fine ground of this matcha. The taste was not as bold as we prefer, but is sure to please a lot of matcha lovers. The only thing we didn’t like about this matcha was the packaging. The pull tab on the lid could be difficult to open for those with less agile hands, but besides that we highly recommend Akira Matcha.
Origin -Uji, Kyoto, Japan
You May Like: Teas Test Is For What
Zen Spirit Matcha Green Tea
Zen spirit matcha green tea is produced by stone grinding the shade-grown leaves from the Japanese farms in Kyoto and Nishio. This culinary grade matcha is 100% organic, vegan certified, JONA, and USDA organic certified.
Its packed in resealable, easy to use plastic pouches,however, the packing is not satisfactory for longterm use, and you may want toempty the bag in a tin to preserve the freshness.
It is100% natural with no sugar, cholesterol, or gluten. It comes in smallerpackaging, therefore, convenient for the first-timers to try. Available inonline shops.
Texture: Stone ground fine powderColor: Dull greyish greenTaste: Slightly bland for some drinkers, adding some sweetener may cater to the taste buds
What Happens If You Drink Matcha Every Day
The catechins in matcha are a type of polyphenol. Polyphenols are antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of some diseases. So, drinking matcha every day is a good way to get these healthy antioxidants.
Matcha has been enjoyed by Japanese tea ceremony masters for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from young tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. The powder is then whisked with hot water to create a frothy drink.
You May Like: What Is The Best Tea To Drink For Health
How Do You Know If Matcha Is Good Quality
If you can see stems and leaf veins, it’s not very fresh. Matcha powder should be made from tea leaves ground very finely. If the matcha is lumpy or gritty, it is dusty from sitting on a shelf too long.
Repeatedly whisking it will make dust settle to the bottom, but if there’s still a little left in suspension after several whisks, its probably not the best quality. High-grade matcha has a bright green froth that settles quickly after whisking. If you see any brown liquid during preparation or notice an earthy smell, reevaluate your choice.
Key Factors To Consider Before Buying Matcha Online
Ifyou are among the unsure ones confused between different brands, hovering yourcursor over the checkout tab or if you are standing in a corner with a grocerycart full of different brands of matcha tea deciding which pack to keep thenyou are reading the right article.
Inorder to be able to sip a high-quality matcha tea, you should be aware of thefollowing determinants of quality:
Read Also: Does Walmart Have Boba Tea
Encha Matcha Organic Matcha From Farm To Cup
Image Source: Encha.com
Let me start by saying, Lis, Encha Founder, passion is so incredibly valuable and inspiring.I first became in touch with Li before Encha even started.
I remember he messaged me about a Japan trip he was planning and asked me if there was anything I wanted to know about Japanese matcha and organic farming so he could search for the answers for me.
Not long after his trip, Encha was born and it is one of my favourite matcha brands to support and indulge in. While Encha is superior quality matcha, I know that my matcha knowledge has expanded thanks to Li.
Thanks to him, I realized earlier years I was being overcharged for what I thought was high quality matcha.
All Enchas organic matcha has no pesticide, no synthetic fertilizer, no preservatives and is non-GMO.
When I first tried Enchas Latte Grade organic matcha I was impressed with how smooth it was. It had little to no astringency when prepared with just hot water. It is, however, not as delicate as their ceremonial grade.
If youre new to matcha, I would say you could even purchase the latte grade, over the ceremonial grade first to give it a try and save some money.
Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha
Brand – Encha Matcha
Encha Matcha was founded by Dr. Li Gong and is focused on the process of bringing Japanese Organic Matcha from the farm to cup. This process has resulted in complete control over the matcha and possibly the best brands of matcha powder that we have tried yet! Encha is grown in Uji Japan and is routinely tested for both heavy metals and radiation. It is quickly replacing some of the other matchas in our office as a favorite. This brand of matcha should definitely be on your list! Encha offers a subscribe & save feature that will save you up to 18%!
Origin – Japan
You May Like: Is Ginger Tea Good For Kidneys
How Is Matcha Tea Made
Matcha tea is made from high-quality green tea leaves that are ground down to a fine powder. The powder is then mixed with hot water to create a frothy beverage.
If you’re new to matcha, we recommend trying a ceremonial grade tea. Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality and it has a more delicate flavor. It is also the most expensive.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, we recommend culinary grade matcha. Culinary grade matcha is still high quality, but it has a bolder flavor that some people prefer.
Matcha tea can be enjoyed in many different ways. The most popular way is to simply mix it with hot water and enjoy it as is.
You can also add matcha to smoothies, baking recipes, or even ice cream. If you’re feeling creative, try making a matcha latte by adding milk and sweetener.
There are many different sweeteners that you can use in matcha tea. We recommend using honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. You can also use stevia if you prefer a no-sugar option.
Health Benefits Of Matcha
Research suggests that green tea supports brain health and has anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory effects. And weve already established that matcha is even more potent than green tea!
Plus, matcha is a gentler source of caffeine than coffee . And its rich in vitamin C, the calming amino acid L-theanine, and a flurry of antioxidants .
Don’t Miss: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Anti Thinning Shampoo
Best Organic Matcha Powder
- Hand-picked from organic farm in Uji, Japan
- First Harvest Matcha – Vibrant green color
- Highest quality matcha, never bitter
- Our Rating: 4.9 of 5 stars
- Tenzo Organic Ceremonial Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Authentic Japanese Matcha
- Rich in antioxidants, helps boost metabolism
- Ceremonial Grade – Vibrant Green Color
- Our Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars
- Pique Matcha – Organic Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Harvested from a family-owned organic tea farm in Japan
- Increases energy and focus
- Kenko Matcha Organic Ceremonial Matcha
- Gold Class Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- Country of Origin: Japan
- First Harvest Matcha – Vibrant Green in Color
- Our Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars
Matcha Green Tea Benefits
Recommended Read: Is Coffee Beneficial To A Vegan Diet?
Matcha, like other greens tea, contains a class of antioxidants called catechins, and matcha is particularly high in EGCG , which researchers believe to have anti-cancer effects.
There are also numerous studies that associate green tea consumption with a variety of health benefits, including the prevention of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, the enhancement of brains function and mood, and it may also play a role in weight loss, as it may accelerate metabolism and cause you to lose more calories.
However, it is important to note that these studies are not clinical trials that define a cause and effect.
Most are largely population-based studies, where researchers look at groups of people that consume green tea and compare their health outcomes to groups of people that dont drink it. There is an association, but its not possible to prove causality with these studies because there are other variables in play.
Nevertheless, the findings are promising, and a relationship between tea-consumption and positive health outcomes does seem to exist on some level.
Also Check: Turmeric Cinnamon Ginger Tea For Weight Loss
Where To Store Matcha Powder
Matcha should be stored in a cool, dark place. The important thing to remember is to keep your matcha away from light, heat and especially moisture. I have seen some websites recommend storing your matcha in the refrigerator, but I don’t recommend this. Putting a metal container into a cold refrigerator can cause condensation and the last thing you want is moisture in your matcha.
I also make sure that I consume my matcha powder within one month of opening. I always use ceremonial grade matcha, which comes in small metal tins, so it is easy to consume it all within one month.
The Best Matcha Tea For Those With A Sweet Tooth
Some might like their drink sweet and flavorful, which is exactly what Rishi Sweet Matcha Tea can provide. This product contains a mixture of organic and non-GMO Japanese matcha and cane sugar, ideal if you plan to enjoy a gratifying matcha latte or matcha lemonade drink for your first time.
Proceed with caution as this is an acquired taste, and unless you really love sweet drinks, you might want to go for the other options on this list.
Also Check: Where Can I Buy Harney And Sons Tea
What Is The Genesis Of Purest Matcha Green Tea
There is a unique association between people and tea. It is not just any drink for us but a ritual, a celebration, a way to divert from the daily mundane affairs, a staple to bond over, and that inalienable part of our lives that most of us cant be without. Being innately Indian is synonymous with commencing the day with a steaming cup of chai, it is our fondness for tea that secures us unequivocally as a nation, no matter what our dissimilarities may be. And with the stress of daily lives, high cholesterol, heart problems, there was always a need for a healthy tea which could be called the elixir of life. This is where green tea came into being and eventually prospered until buying matcha green tea online became popular.
Also Check: Twisted Tea Drinks
How To Choose The Best Matcha Green Tea
Choosing the best matcha teas involves understanding what a high-quality matcha tea should look and taste like. Here, we’ll go over the key things you should be on the lookout for when selecting a matcha powder. Alter, we’ll go over the different grades of tea so you can pick the best one for your taste and budget.
Don’t Miss: Does Chai Latte Have Caffeine
Matcha Konomi Akira Ceremonial Grade Matcha
Color vibrancy: 4.5 Deep green apple color. Slightly more green than yellow.Aroma: 5 Very sweet on the nose, almost has a rose scent, subtle vanilla note, and cacao undertone. Probably the sweetest Ive smelled. Intoxicatingly sweet in a good way.Texture: 4.25 Easy to whisk, but it does leave a little graininess on the edges of the bowl.Flavor: 4.5 Well-rounded bitterness. Very subtle sweetness detectable. Peppery and really pleasant.Overall thoughts: 4.5 Exceptional color and aroma. Wish it was a slightly smoother texture, but really enjoyed the flavor.Approximate cost per ounce: $25.00Grade: CeremonialLocation of origin: Uji, JapanAdditional claims/perks: Premium quality, stone ground.
Overall score: 22.75/25
Color vibrancy: 4.75 Quite a vibrant green, maybe slightly less than Kyoto Dew.Aroma: 4.75 More peppery aroma. Quite a bit of sweetness. Texture: 4.75 Very silky. No visible bits. Very slight coating on sides of bowl with slight graininess.Flavor: 4.25 Subtle bitterness that drops off. Classic green tea flavor. Pleasant, with more intensity on the front that drops off toward the end.Overall thoughts: 4.25 Noticeably high quality. Would do very well as a daily matcha as its easy to blend. Pleasant flavor. Not the best, but very good.Approximate cost per ounce: $24.95Grade: CeremonialLocation of origin: Uji, JapanAdditional claims/perks: Shade grown, stone ground, small batch, family-owned farm.
Overall score: 22.75/25
Overall score: 22/25
Fgo Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
FGOs organic matcha powder is another Culinary Grade option for baking and mixing into other drinks like matcha lattes. Like Jade Leaf, FGOs powder is a rare certified organic product consisting exclusively of shade-grown green tea powder. Even the 4-ounce bag provides enough green tea powder for over 100 servings of tea, though its best to use your tea sooner instead of later.
Beyond its organic qualities, FGOs matcha powder is certified non-GMO and uses GMP techniques to ensure consistent quality. Although not a Ceremonial Grade powder, this option works well if you prepare it with the Koicha style and add the result to about six ounces of milk for a green tea matcha latte.
Unfortunately, FGO doesnt list where in Japan they get their leaves. They may source from across the country and mix the matcha to create a consistent flavor, similar to how bulk coffee companies may mix beans from dozens of sources before roasting them.
Recommended Reading: What Is Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail
Epic Matcha Culinary Grade
Color vibrancy: 2 Muted brownish-green.Aroma: 1 Super bitter, peppery, and almost chemically. Smells like a mix between wasabi and paint. Its bad.Texture: 3 There werent large bits intact, but it looked sandy on the sides. There were little specks that looked like they wouldnt dissolve.Flavor: 1.5 Super bitter, peppery in a bad way. Quite unpleasant, plus sandy texture.Overall thoughts: 1.75 Clearly low quality based on color, texture, and flavor. I wouldnt recommend it at all.Approximate cost per ounce: $6.99Grade: Culinary
Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha
Amazon
There are two main grades of matcha: culinary and ceremonial. The former is best for cooking purposes, the latter for general drinking purposes. You can whisk ceremonial matcha with hot water for traditional tea or mix it with milk for a matcha latte.
“Ceremonial grade is picked by hand and tends to yield a sweeter-tasting tea,” says Puyane. Tencha, the name of the tea leaves that become matcha, is ideally stone ground to reduce heat and friction, which prevents bitterness. As a result of this care and craftsmanship, ceremonial matcha is more expensive than culinary grade, but also more flavorful.
We considered several factors in selecting our top ceremonial matcha. Taste weighs heavily, of course, but price, variety of sizes, and sourcing region are components as well, which is why Matcha Konomis Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha is a terrific all-around option, suitable for newbies to longtime fanatics. Just keep in mind that this is not the flat-out tastiest matcha powder you can buy for that, look at higher-priced products .
The Matcha Konomi powder is organic, stone-ground, and harvested from the heralded Uji region of Japan. It has glowing online reviews, with the majority of customers giving it five stars. The taste is typically described as light and sweet with a mild earthiness. Units are available in sizes of 1 ounce, 3.5 ounces, and 1 pound.
Price at time of publish: $24 for 30 grams
Read Also: How To Order Milk Tea
Tea Mind Bodys Organic Matcha Green Tea
This deceptively simple-sounding Chinese matcha is a flavorful stone-ground option available in 4 oz. and 1 lb. options . Organic Matcha Tea Grade A is particularly suitable for daily drinking with the Usucha preparation method, as well as matcha lattes and other milk-based variations of the drink.
Tea Mind Bodys Organic Matcha Green Tea is a high quality matcha that has an excellent balance of price, quality, and overall availability. This organic matcha powder is slightly bitter, so you may want to add just a touch of sweetener to balance it out.