You've heard about all the buzz around Matcha and you're ready to jump in. But hold on! How do you know you're getting the real thing? All manner of people and companies are trying to cash in on the Matcha phenomenon and you may end up in a powdery blur. Here are some simple guidelines to ensure you are getting the real thing:
First - origin: It should be Japan. Although China and Taiwan do produce matcha, the original Japanese Matcha should be in your cup. Not only are the origin tea leaves perfectly suited to the manufacture of Matcha, green tea from this region was tested in labs and produced results that were consistently clean compared to other parts of the world. ConsumerLab found lead above acceptable levels in lower quality knock-off matcha from China. Caveat Emptor!
Second - color: This is the most obvious tell-tale sign of good vs. bad. Good Matcha will always be a vibrant spring-green. If it's yellowish or brownish or dull in look, it is old, of a lower grade or, worse, adulterated. Stay away from these. Matcha is manufactured in a very specific way that requires leaves to be shaded for 3 weeks before harvest to generate chlorophyll. This is what gives Matcha its characteristic bright green color. If the leaves have not been shaded properly or they are from an older harvest or perhaps from the lower part of the plant rather than the top leaves, the result will not be a bright green. The color is evident in the dry powder and after you whisk it. The vibrancy of the green is your guide.
Next - price: There is no cheap Matcha. Period. 1-2 ounces should be $25 - $35 for a premium grade. Lower prices are a sure-fire indicator of poor quality. A limited lower price for product on Sale is acceptable but beware those who consistently offer Matcha at rock-bottom prices. Matcha is one ingredient that should not be shopped around for price. The tea is bitter, powdery, off in taste and to be avoided at all costs (pun intended).
Finally - texture: High-quality Matcha should have a silky feel and is as fine as talcum powder. It is not gritty, has no coarseness and the particle size should be powdery.
Choose your Matcha carefully following these essential guidelines and you will have a sweet, fresh vegetal aroma and a Matcha with a clean green tea taste. Our Matcha is from Shizuoka prefecture in Japan, ceremonial grade and packed for you in a convenient 2 ounce canister. We guarantee it!
