As with almost everything, there is a big difference in quality when it comes to matcha powder. With the right quality, it is fairly easy to make a healthy and tasty cup of matcha tea, but if you are not careful, you run the risk of ending up with a tasteless, thick, mud-coloured sludge. And nobody wants that! So it is quite important to pay close attention before you buy. But to recognise these differences, you need to know what to look for. That's why we'd like to give you a quick lesson in the quality characteristics of good matcha.

The origin

Since matcha has become increasingly popular worldwide, it is also being produced in more and more places. However, the best matcha can still be found in Japan. This is not surprising, as it has been used there for centuries for ritual tea ceremonies and people have known for centuries how matcha should be planted, harvested and processed. Therefore, check the packaging to see which country the powder has been imported from!

The colour

To obtain good matcha, the tea plants are placed under shade cloths two weeks before harvest. This causes the plants to produce chlorophyll, which gives them a bright green colour. If the leaves are picked at the right time, they retain this colour even when dried and ground into powder. Too much sun or harvesting too late causes the leaves to turn slightly yellow/brownish. This detracts from the taste and quality. Good matcha is therefore always bright green! Be careful that no colourings have been added to the tea.

The texture

You can recognise good matcha immediately by its texture. Take a small amount of powder and rub it between your fingertips. If the powder feels silky soft, you have definitely found good matcha. If it feels coarse or even grainy, it is better to keep looking.

The packaging

Even the best matcha will not last long if it is poorly packaged. Matcha must be stored in a moisture-proof, cool and dark place. Glass jars or bags may look nice, but they will ultimately result in you having to throw the matcha in the bin. What a waste! It is therefore best to choose matcha that is packaged in a tin or, if possible, in a resealable aluminium bag.

The price

Cheap is expensive, and that certainly applies to matcha. Although in many cases you can buy a decent pack of matcha powder for a few pounds, you can assume that you will pay around £35 per 30 grams for good matcha.