At Chajin we are often asked, "how do I know that what I am drinking is high-quality Matcha?"
Although the response can be somewhat subjective, there are certain techniques one can use to decipher whether what they are drinking is high-quality Matcha or not so high-quality. Even though we have listed steps in figuring out high-quality Matcha, before getting to these steps you should make sure that where you are buying from should have information such as (but not limited to):
- region of where the Tencha (leaves used for Matcha) was produced
- whether the Matcha is single cultivar or a blend
- who the farmer is
- whether the Matcha is First Harvest or not
- is the Matcha 'farmer direct' ?
These steps alone will help you ween out a lot of low-quality Matcha. Because Match has become a high commodity, there are many companies that only look at this as a profit driven "item" instead of a deep ancestral/cultural part of life. Much of the Matcha in the market today is pumped out by China and Africa as they see the consumers buying habits leaning more towards Matcha over coffee.
Even though the list above will help direct you towards high-quality Matcha, please follow the following steps as a fun way to examine if what you've bought lives up to the test!
1. Color is a huge indicator if what you're drinking is quality or not. High-quality Matcha has a bright (almost luminescent), vibrant color. On the other hand, low-quality Matcha has a a dull brownish/grey color without any pop.
2. After seeing the color, try smelling the bag that the Matcha came in. If it doesn't evoke a Spring freshly cut grass smell and has a dull/musty smell then it is low quality. High-quality Matcha has a fresh, clean, Earthy smell.
3. Another visual indicator of high-quality Matcha is texture. Is the Matcha smooth and incredibly fine like baby powder (high-quality)? Or is it grainy and rugged (low-quality Matcha)? Run a small amount through your fingers and see if it feels smooth (high quality). You can also do the finger test if you have some time. Put a small amount of the Matcha on a sheet of paper as shown above, and with your pointy finger push down into the paper and make a line as you apply pressure. Does the trail have minimal breaks and look smooth (high-quality Matcha)? Or does the trail break apart and have an un-even trail (low-quality Matcha)?
4. Lastly, the taste test! High-quality Matcha should have a rich/balanced flavor leaving your moth feeling refreshed and wanting more. Although all green tea's have a small amount of bitterness, high-quality Matcha has close to none with strong sweetness and umami. Low-quality Matcha will tend to be very bitter, lacking depth and umami. Sometimes the low-quality Matcha can taste a bit fishy and leave a not so pleasant aftertaste.
We hope you enjoyed and learned a little bit more on how to spot high-quality Matcha. Because Matcha can now be found anywhere with ease, it is more important than ever to not fall for the quick supermarket find and try to support farmers/companies focused on high-quality Matcha so that Matcha has a bright future.
Thank you for reading and let us know if you have any questions!
With love and respect,
Adrian
