How to choose the right matcha for you?

With the wide range of matcha available, it can sometimes be quite challenging to choose the best quality for your needs. In this blog, we discuss the different types of matcha and give tips on how to make the right choice.

What is matcha?

Matcha is a special type of green tea produced by grinding the young leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant into a fine, bright green powder. Unlike ordinary green tea, where you only drink the extract of the leaves, with matcha you drink - or eat - the whole leaf. This provides a higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Traditionally used for tea ceremonies in Japan, matcha is now popular worldwide as an ingredient in lattes, smoothies, baked goods and even savoury dishes. Still, not all matcha is the same, and its quality can vary greatly depending on the production process and origin.

The Different Types of Matcha

In general, we can classify matcha into three main categories: ceremonial quality, premium quality, and culinary quality. This classification is based on the quality of the leaves, the flavour and the intended uses of the matcha.

1. Ceremonial Quality Matcha

Ceremonial quality matcha is the highest quality matcha and is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. This matcha is made from the youngest and most delicate leaves of the tea plant, harvested early in spring. The leaves are carefully picked, steamed to prevent oxidation, dried and then ground into a fine powder.

This matcha has a vibrant, bright green colour and a smooth, soft texture. The flavour is complex and rich, with a perfect balance between sweetness and a subtle bitterness. The tea is often creamy with an umami flavour. Ceremonial-grade matcha is meant to be drunk pure, with no additives such as milk or sweeteners. It is prepared by mixing the powder with hot water and whipping into a frothy drink.

Ceremonial-grade matcha from matcha.nl are Ceremonial Matcha, Ceremonial Premium Matcha, Superior Matcha, Superior Premium Matcha and Superior Exceptional Matcha.

2. Premium Quality Matcha

Premium quality matcha is slightly less refined than ceremonial quality, but still of very high quality. This matcha is usually made from leaves harvested slightly later in the season. Although the leaves are still processed with care, the flavour may be slightly stronger or more bitter compared to ceremonial grade.

The colour is slightly less bright green than ceremonial grade, but still bright. The flavour is fuller and slightly less sweet, with a more intense bitterness. The powder is still fine and easily soluble in water. Premium quality matcha can be drunk pure or used in matcha lattes or smoothies. It offers a balance between high quality and versatility, making it a good choice for people who want to experiment with matcha in different forms.

The premium quality matchas from matcha.nl are the Beginner Matcha, Everyday Matcha and Everyday Premium Matcha.

3. Culinary Quality Matcha

Culinary grade matcha is the most affordable and versatile option, often used in recipes such as cakes, ice cream, and other dishes. This matcha is made from the leaves harvested later in the season, and processing is less intensive than with the higher grades.

Culinary matcha has a dark green or even yellowish colour and a stronger, more bitter taste. The powder is slightly coarser than the higher grades and can have a grainy texture when mixed with liquids. This matcha is ideal for cooking and baking. It is often used in matcha lattes, desserts, and savoury dishes where the bitterness and earthy flavour of matcha come into their own. While culinary matcha is not so suitable for drinking pure, it is perfect for recipes that could use some extra colour and flavour.

The Culinary matcha from matcha.nl is the Cooking Matcha.

How to Choose the Best Matcha?

When choosing the best matcha, there are several factors to consider. Below are some tips to help you select the right matcha for your needs.

• Colour: One of the most direct indicators of the quality of matcha is its colour. High-quality matcha has a vibrant, bright green colour. If the matcha is dull or yellow-green, this usually indicates lower quality. This could mean that the tea was made from older leaves or that the production process was less careful.
  Texture: Good matcha has a super fine, silky texture. The powder should feel light and airy. If the matcha feels grainy or sandy, this may indicate lower quality or poor processing.
  Flavour: Ceremonial and premium matcha have a delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness, with a rich umami flavour. If the matcha tastes extremely bitter or tart, this could be a sign of lower quality. Culinary matcha may have a more intense flavour as it is often mixed with other products, but should still be pleasant when mixed with other ingredients.
  Origin: Japan is home to the world's best matcha, especially the regions of Uji (near Kyoto) and Nishio (near Aichi) which are known for their high quality. When buying matcha, pay attention to its origin and avoid matcha from questionable sources. All matcha from matcha.co.uk comes from reputable Japanese tea plantations.
  Price: As with many products, you often get value for money. Ceremonial and premium quality matcha will be more expensive than culinary quality, but the price often reflects the care and attention put into the production process. Be careful with extremely cheap matcha, however, as it is often of inferior quality. Our cheapest matcha is the Cooking Matcha, as it is specifically for use in baking and dishes.

Matcha is a versatile tea that comes in different qualities, each with their own unique uses. Ceremonial grade is perfect for matcha lovers who want to experience the pure flavour of matcha, while premium grade offers a good balance of flavour and versatility. Culinary matcha is ideal for those who want to experiment in the kitchen and add the unique flavour of matcha to their favourite dishes.

By paying attention to colour, texture, flavour, origin and price, you can choose the best matcha to suit your personal preferences and goals. Whether you are a novice matcha drinker or a seasoned aficionado, there is always a matcha that suits you perfectly.