How to Recognise High-Quality Matcha Powder?

 Matcha is the most potent and well-known organic product available. This powdered tea has been an essential part of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies since the 1200s. Lately, this priceless Japanese import has entered the mainstream of Western society. Matcha tea may be all the rage, but not everyone knows where to find it or how to shop for it.

As a luxury good, the manufacturing and supplying of matcha calls for outstanding care, matcha has become increasingly popular beyond Japan for several reasons. Many people enjoy drinking matcha because it is aesthetically pleasing and tastes excellent. Much research has also pointed to its many positive health effects.

Is there a foolproof method for determining if the matcha you're purchasing lives up to its claims? Let's look at some factors you should think about before buying matcha tea.

1. Origin

Matcha sourced from Japan reflects Japan's centuries-long expertise in the tea industry and the specialised knowledge and equipment needed to cultivate high-quality tea leaves.

While matcha's Chinese origins are attested to by its seed origin, the cultivation and perfecting of high-quality Matcha powder have been an integral part of Japanese culture since at least the 12th century. The "covering method," in which shade cloths are used to block the sun during crop growth, was also pioneered in Japan.

Uji, in particular, has a climate that is perfect for growing matcha tea because of its abundant pure water supply, large diurnal temperature swings, and abundant fog (containing magnesium).

2. Colour

Bright Green (as the term suggests) is the ideal colour for matcha tea. Poor quality matcha powder will have a dull, yellowish colour, and this may be an indication that it was stored improperly.

The tea leaves' vibrant green colour comes from the increased chlorophyll content caused by being covered with shade cloth prior to harvest.

When the youngest, freshest leaves are harvested (during the first tea production in late Spring), the chlorophyll content is highest, and the resulting powder is a vibrant green colour.

The first harvest of the year yields far more L-theanine (Amino Acid) as well as the best flavour, with significantly less bitterness than later harvests.

3. Taste

If the only flavour you're getting is bitterness, you're not drinking high-quality matcha. An aftertaste of sweetness is indicative of high-quality matcha powder. An excellent cup of matcha tea can strike a harmony between bitter and sweet flavours. Umami, or "Oishii" as the Japanese say it, is a flavourful and satisfying experience.

Matcha's lingering sweetness originates in the amino acid residues that accumulate in green tea leaves under a dark canopy. It's not going to be your cup of tea if it has a bitter flavour.

4. Storage

To what extent does the matcha's storage history involve refrigeration? If not kept in an airtight, nontransparent container or pack, matcha powder will quickly lose its quality as it is damaged by air, light, and heat.

For the same reason, keeping matcha in the fridge is a must. To keep the tea from getting dirty from the air, it can be kept in an airtight container, a high-barrier pouch, or a tea canister.

When you order matcha from Naked Syrups, they'll refrigerate it before sending it to the customers.

If someone buys matcha off the shelf, they never know how long it has been sitting on the shelf, negatively affecting the elements. It's a great sign if it's kept cold in the store.

5. Smell

It ought to have a slightly vegetal aroma with notes of fresh grass. The clean, sugary aroma of premium matcha powder is irresistible. If we may say so ourselves, the sense of smell can become quite fascinating. There shouldn't be any smell of fish or seaweed because that would mean the quality is low.

The intense, alluring scent of premium matcha tea is enough to entice anyone. You need to taste the antioxidants' bitter taste, but the amino acids' sweetness should really shine through. So, sniff around for something with an intense and sugary scent.

6. Frothy

Most people have seen pictures of luscious, foamy matcha and have drooled a little. You want that in your high-quality matcha tea. Once whisked, the best matcha powder will produce a thick, frothy layer of foam rather than a thin layer full of large air bubbles. Superior matcha will produce more foam.

It can be a fascinating adventure for the uninitiated to track down and prepare premium matcha. Your newfound knowledge and appreciation for this unique beverage await you. Keep in mind everything we've discussed to ensure you don't make a costly mistake when purchasing matcha powder.

Naked Syrups takes great care in providing premium tea and takes into account the criteria above when selecting the finest and quality matcha tea produce.