How to Choose Your Matcha Tea?

Choosing the Right Matcha Tea

The matcha is a powdered green tea from Japan, used for centuries in the tea ceremony and appreciated for its numerous health benefits. With the craze for this drink, the market today offers a multitude of products of differing qualities and prices. How to find your way and choose the right matcha? We help you decipher the important criteria to consider when you’re searching for the matcha that will suit you best.

Matcha quality: The different grades

The quality of the matcha largely depends on the grade assigned to the product. There are three main grades: ceremonial matcha, premium matcha, and culinary matcha. Each of these grades has specific characteristics in terms of color, taste, and texture.

Ceremonial Matcha

Ceremonial matcha, also known as ceremonial grade, is the highest quality grade. It is used in Japanese tea ceremonies and is made from the finest harvested green tea leaves. The resulting powder is very fine, with a vivid green color, and a flavor that's intense and slightly sweet.

Premium Matcha

Premium matcha, or premium grade, is an intermediate grade, suitable for daily consumption. It also is manufactured from quality tea leaves, but these are not as rigorously selected as those for the ceremonial grade. The color of the powder is slightly less vibrant, but the taste is pleasant and not as bitter as the lower grade.

Culinary Matcha

Culinary matcha, or culinary grade, is the lowest grade. As its name suggests, it’s meant to be used in the preparation of culinary recipes, such as pastries or smoothies. The powder is a dark green color and has a more bitter taste than the other grades, due to the inclusion of stems and veins in the blend.

Is The Price of Matcha a Quality Indicator?

The price of matcha is often seen as a quality indicator. Indeed, a high-end product, made from the best leaves and with a rigorous manufacturing process, will logically be more expensive than a lower quality matcha. However, it's important to compare prices while considering other quality criteria, such as origin, harvest method, and organic certification.

Origin and Harvest Method

Matcha originates from Japan, where it is cultivated using traditional methods. The regions of Uji, Nishio, and Kagoshima are renowned for the quality of their production. It is recommended to prefer matcha from these regions, as this generally guarantees a superior product.

The method of harvesting also influences the quality of the matcha. The best tea leaves are those harvested in spring, during the first harvest of the year. These leaves, softer and richer in nutrients, yield better quality powder, with a brighter color and a mellower taste.

Organic Certification and Quality Labels

Choosing an organic matcha is a quality guarantee, as it ensures there are no pesticides or other chemicals used in the tea cultivation. Additionally, organic producers generally give particular attention to the quality of the final product, which is felt in the taste and properties of the matcha.

There are also quality labels, such as the Kumikolabel, which certifies a superior quality matcha, produced using traditional, environmentally respectful methods. Looking out for these labels when purchasing matcha can help you make the right choice.

How To Prepare Matcha?

Preparing matcha is an art and takes a bit of practice to create a delicate and tasteful drink. Here are some tips for preparing your matcha well:

• Use qualitywater , ideally filtered, and heated to a temperature between 70°C and 80°C (158°F and 176°F). Water that is too hot will make the matcha bitter.
• Sift the matcha powder using a chinois or a fine sieve to avoid lumps.
• Mix one teaspoon of matcha with about 60ml of hot water, vigorously whisking with a bamboo whisk or an electric whisk until a light and creamy froth is obtained.
• Then add the rest of the hot water and mix gently.

Where To Buy Good Matcha?

You can find quality matcha in specialist stores, fine grocery stores, or online shops. However, beware of products sold on sites like Amazon, which often offer inferior quality matchas at very attractive prices. It’s better to favor specialized producers and distributors, who can advise you and guarantee a quality product.

In summary, to choose the right matcha, it is essential to consider the grade, origin, harvest method, organic certification, and quality labels. Don't hesitate to compare prices, but keep in mind that a cheap matcha is not necessarily a good matcha. Finally, learn to prepare your matcha properly to appreciate all its gustatory potential and benefit from its many health benefits.

Health Benefits of Matcha

The matcha is known for its many health benefits, mainly coming from its antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral content. These nutrients give it protective and preventive properties against various ailments.

Rich in antioxidants

Matcha is particularly rich in catechins, powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and prevent cell damage. Among the catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most studied for its beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, weight loss, and cancer prevention.

Boosts energy and concentration

Matcha contains theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and concentration, as well as caffeine which stimulates energy and alertness. Unlike coffee, caffeine release into the body is slower with matcha, which avoids energy spikes and declines.

Strengthens the immune system

Thanks to its richness in vitamins and minerals, matcha contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system. It is particularly rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, and potassium, which are essential for maintaining good health.

Assists in weight loss

Matcha is also renowned for its effects on weight loss, notably due to the presence of EGCG and caffeine. These compounds help increase metabolism and burn fat while reducing appetite.

Different uses of matcha

If matcha is traditionally used for preparing tea, there are many other ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Matcha latte

Matcha latte matcha latte is a warm and comforting drink made from matcha, hot milk, and sugar. To prepare this drink, mix a teaspoon of matcha powder with a little hot water, then add hot milk (animal or plant-based) and sugar to taste. Mix well and enjoy!

Smoothies and juices

Matcha can be added to your smoothies and juices to enjoy its benefits and add a unique flavor. Simply add one teaspoon of matcha powder to your regular recipe and blend well.

Sweet recipes

Matcha is also an excellent ingredient for pastries and desserts, such as cookies, muffins, pancakes, or ice cream. Its unique flavor and green color will bring an original touch to your creations.

Savory recipes

Finally, don't hesitate to incorporate matcha into your savory dishes, like sauces, marinades or salad dressings. It will bring a subtle and refined note to your preparations.

Conclusion

Matcha is a powdered Japanese green tea with multiple health benefits and numerous culinary uses. To choose the right matcha, it's important to consider the grade, origin, harvest method, organic certification, and quality labels. Don't hesitate to compare prices, but keep in mind that a cheap matcha is not necessarily a good matcha. Lastly, learn to properly prepare your matcha to fully appreciate its taste potential and benefit from its healthful properties.

FAQ

Which matcha tea variety to choose?

There are several varieties of matcha tea, ranging from raw matcha tea to flavored matcha tea. To choose the variety that best suits you, consider your personal taste and the flavors you're seeking.

What are the health benefits of matcha tea?

Matcha tea is rich in antioxidants, caffeine, and catechins. It's considered a potent antioxidant and contains high levels of the amino acid L-theanine, which aids in reducing stress and enhancing concentration. It can also help increase your metabolism and assist in weight loss.

How to prepare matcha tea?

To prepare a good matcha tea, you'll need a bowl and a "chasen" spoon specifically designed for preparing tea. You'll also need to grind the matcha tea into fine powder with a millstone. Once the powder is finely ground, you can add it to a bowl of hot water (176°F). Then use the chasen spoon to stir vigorously until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy froth.

How to store matcha tea?

To store matcha tea, it's recommended to keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid as much as possible direct exposure to sunlight or sources of heat. Matcha tea can also be stored in the refrigerator or frozen if necessary.

What is the difference between green tea and matcha tea?

The main differences between green tea and matcha tea is that matcha tea is a concentrated form of green tea; it is ground into a fine powder that can be consumed directly, while green tea is brewed in hot water before consumption. Moreover, the leaves of matcha tea are richer in nutrients than those of green tea because they are grown without direct light to maximize the antioxidants they contain.