Matcha is more than just a popular green drink. It’s an ancient beverage steeped in tradition, craftsmanship, and incredible health benefits. But not all matcha is created equal.
The Importance of Quality in Matcha
There are distinct differences between matcha grades, and these affect everything from how it tastes, to what your body and mind actually get from it. Here are some key things to understand:
1. First Harvest vs. Later Harvests
Ceremonial-grade matcha is harvested during the first flush, or first harvest, which typically happens in the early spring. This is when the tea leaves are the youngest and most tender, resulting in a more vibrant colour, richer flavour and smoother texture. These leaves contain a higher concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll, and amino acids such as L-theanine, which contribute to the subtle sweetness and lack of bitterness in premium matcha.
In contrast, lower-grade matcha is typically made from later harvests or more mature leaves. These leaves are more fibrous and contain higher levels of catechins (tannins), which give the matcha a more bitter taste and astringent finish. Lower-grade matcha is typically duller in colour, often taking on an almost yellowish green.
2. Single Origin & Single Cultivar vs. Blended Matcha
When choosing matcha, look for single origin varieties. These come from a specific region or even a single tea farm, which ensures the consistency and quality of the product. The terroir, or environment where the matcha is grown, has a significant impact on its taste and nutritional profile. Premium matcha from a single origin often boasts a refined and distinctive flavour.
As well as single origin, matcha can also be single cultivar. This refers specifically to using one single variety of the Camellia sinensis plant. Single cultivar matcha highlights the unique traits of the plant, This ensures that the tea inherits the unique characteristics of that cultivar, such as its flavour, aroma, and nutritional profile.
Blended matcha, on the other hand, can come from various regions and from different plant types, with differing qualities mixed together. While blends can be cheaper, they often lack the depth of flavour and consistency found in premium, single origin, single cultivar options.
3. The Grinding Process
Premium matcha is ground using traditional stone mills, a slow process that prevents overheating and preserves the delicate nutrients and flavour compounds. This results in a fine, silky texture. In contrast, lower-grade matcha may be ground using larger scale industrial methods, which can affect its taste and degrade its nutritional content.
4. Vibrant Green vs. Dull Green
One of the easiest ways to spot the difference between high and low-grade matcha is by examining its colour. The best matcha is a vibrant, jade green, indicating a high level of chlorophyll and the careful shade-growing process that the tea plants undergo. Lower-grade matcha tends to be dull, yellowish-green, which is a sign of poor quality leaves or improper production methods.
What to Look For When Choosing Matcha
- Grade: Ceremonial-grade matcha is the best of the best. The best leaves, shade grown, and from the first harvest in early Spring. Whether we are drinking our matcha straight, or as a drink with plant milk, we always choose ceremonial. The colour is incredible, the flavour is unmatched, and the nutritional benefits are at their maximum. If it doesn't mention ceremonial grade, then it isn't.
- Color: Opt for vibrant, bright green matcha for the highest quality.
- Origin: Single-origin matcha from reputable farms guarantees better flavour and consistency.
- Price: With matcha, the saying is true. You really do get what you pay for. If the price of matcha seems surprisingly low, make sure you know what it is you're getting.
- Texture: Premium matcha should be fine and silky, not coarse or gritty.
- Harvest: First harvest leaves offer the most nutrients and best flavor.
Health Benefits of Premium Matcha
Matcha is celebrated for its antioxidant content, specifically catechins like EGCG, which help fight free radicals, support heart health, and boost metabolism. Ceremonial-grade matcha, being richer in nutrients, can offer a higher concentration of these antioxidants. The amino acid L-theanine in premium matcha also promotes relaxation without drowsiness, enhancing focus and mental clarity—a key reason monks historically used it during meditation.
Lower-grade matcha, while still containing some of these beneficial compounds, may not deliver the same level of nutrients due to its lower-quality leaves and faster production process.
