Whether you’re looking to sip on a frothy matcha latte or whip up a traditional bowl of this vibrant green tea, picking the right matcha can make or break your experience. But with all the different grades and varieties out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry! We’re here to break it down for you in this simple guide. Plus, we’ll show you a neat trick called “the finger test” to help you spot high-quality matcha like a pro.
What is matcha?
First off, let’s cover the basics. Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that originates from Japan. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves in water, matcha involves whisking the powdered tea leaves directly into the water. This means you’re consuming the entire leaf, which is why matcha packs a more powerful punch of antioxidants, nutrients, and—of course—caffeine.
But not all matcha is created equal. Depending on where it’s grown, how it’s processed, and the quality of the tea leaves, matcha can range from vibrant, delicious, and smooth to, well, bitter, flat, and dull. So, how do you ensure you’re getting the good stuff?
Look for vibrant green color
One of the easiest ways to spot high-quality matcha is by simply looking at the color. Good matcha should be a vibrant, bright green. This is a sign that the tea leaves were properly shaded before harvest, a process that increases chlorophyll production and enhances the color.
If the matcha you’re looking at is dull, has a tint of yellow, or is at all brownish, it’s a sign that the leaves weren’t shaded correctly or are lower quality. In other words, the brighter the green, the better the matcha. High-grade matcha will always have that rich, emerald green color.
Smell for fresh, grassy aroma
Next up—your nose knows! Quality matcha has a fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet aroma. Take a sniff of the powder. If it smells a little off, musty, or lacking in that fresh, green tea scent, it’s probably not the best matcha you can buy. On the other hand, if it smells clean, fresh, and earthy, you’re on the right track.
The aroma should evoke a sense of spring—like freshly cut grass or a field of green leaves.
Check for fine, smooth texture
Another telltale sign of high-quality matcha is its texture. Matcha powder should feel incredibly fine, like baby powder. The reason for this smooth texture? It’s ground in traditional stone mills that ensure the powder is ultra-fine and silky. The finer the matcha, the easier it dissolves into water and the creamier and frothier your tea will be.
If the matcha you’re looking at feels gritty or grainy it’s likely not the best quality. High-quality matcha that’s been sifted properly should practically melt into the water, creating a smooth and velvety consistency.
Taste for sweetness and umami
Now, the true test—taste! The flavor of matcha varies depending on its grade. Ceremonial grade matcha, the highest grade, will have a rich, sweet flavor with a strong umami (savory) taste and almost no bitterness. This is the matcha you’ll want to enjoy on its own, just whisked with water.
Culinary grade matcha, which is lower in quality but still great for cooking or blending into lattes, tends to be a bit more bitter. While culinary matcha is still delicious, especially in recipes, ceremonial grade will always be smoother and more balanced in flavor. So, if your matcha is bitter and unpleasant to drink straight, it might be better suited for baking than sipping.
The matcha quality finger test
Now, let’s get into the fun part—the finger test! This is a simple trick to help you assess the quality of matcha powder before even brewing it. It’s a great way to compare different matcha powders side by side and visually spot the higher-quality option.
Here’s how it works:
- Grab a piece of white paper: Place a small amount of matcha powder on the paper.
- Press and drag: Press your finger into the powder and drag it across the paper to draw a line.
- Examine the line: High-quality matcha will create a smooth, solid line with minimal breaks, while lower-quality matcha may produce a grainy, uneven line.
If you want to compare different matcha powders, place several small piles on the paper and repeat the test with each one. Just remember to wipe your finger between each test! Higher-quality matcha will consistently produce longer, smoother lines because it’s finely milled and has a more uniform texture.
This is a quick, easy way to spot differences in texture and quality between matcha powders—and it’s fun, too!
Pay attention to origin
Finally, when choosing matcha, always check the origin. The best matcha comes from specific regions in Japan, particularly Uji, Kyoto, and Nishio. These areas have the ideal growing conditions for matcha, including the right climate and centuries of tradition in producing high-quality tea.
Matcha grown in these regions tends to be superior because of the expertise and attention to detail in cultivation and processing. If your matcha is from one of these locations, it’s likely a good choice.
The bottom line
Choosing high-quality matcha doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Pay attention to color, smell, texture, and taste, and use the finger test to check for that smooth, solid line. Always go for matcha with a vibrant green hue, a fresh aroma, and a fine texture that feels like velvet. And don’t forget to check the origin—matcha from Japan’s top tea-growing regions is always a safe bet.
