We all know what matcha is, but do you know how to tell good matcha from good matcha?
If not, gather 'round for the thrilling saga of Good Matcha vs. Bad Matcha – a tale of green glory and murky misadventures in the world of powdered bliss.
Let the showdown commence!
Vibrant Green Colour: Picture a lush green forest, that's the colour you want! High-quality matcha boasts a vibrant, emerald green hue, indicating that it's been shade-grown and carefully processed.
Pleasant Aroma: Close your eyes and inhale. Good matcha greets you with a fresh, sweet, and slightly grassy aroma. It's like a fragrant journey to a tea paradise.
Fine Texture: When whisked, good matcha transforms into a velvety, smooth, and frothy elixir. The texture is like liquid silk, making each sip a delightful experience.
Rich, Balanced Flavour: The taste is a dance of umami and sweetness with subtle notes of bitterness. It's a harmonious blend that tingles your taste buds without overwhelming them.
Shade-grown Goodness: High-quality matcha often comes from tea plants that have been shaded for several weeks before harvest. This process enhances the chlorophyll content, contributing to the vibrant green colour and unique flavour.
Bad Matcha: The Sad Tea Tale
Dull Colour: If your matcha resembles a faded, dull green or, heaven forbid, a murky brown, it's a sign that the tea leaves might not have been shaded properly or were of lower quality.
Musty or Fishy Smell: Hold your nose! Bad matcha can have off-putting smells, such as mustiness or even a fishy aroma. It's like a warning sign that your tea might not be in its prime.
Clumpy Texture: When whisking results in stubborn clumps, you know you're dealing with bad matcha. The texture is gritty, and it refuses to blend smoothly, leaving you with a less-than-pleasant experience.
Bitterness: A sip of bad matcha might make you pucker up with bitterness. While some level of bitterness is expected, an overwhelmingly bitter taste signals lower quality.
Questionable Sourcing: Low-quality matcha may come from tea plants that were not shaded adequately or were harvested without much care. It could also contain older leaves or stems, affecting the overall taste.
Choosing good matcha is like selecting a green elixir of joy for your tea journey. It's an experience that engages your senses, from the vibrant colour to the delightful aroma and the velvety texture.
On the flip side, bad matcha can leave you with a bitter taste, both figuratively and literally. But now that you understand how to get the good stuff, you can host your own Japanese tea ceremony and make your own wonderful vegan matcha cheesecake <3