How to choose your matcha tea?

Choosing the right matcha tea

THE matcha is a powdered Japanese green tea, used for centuries in the tea ceremony and appreciated for its many health benefits. With the craze for this drink, the market today offers a multitude of products of different qualities and at different prices. How to find your way around and choose the right matcha? We help you decipher the important criteria to take into account to find the matcha that suits you best.

Matcha quality: the different grades

The quality of matcha depends largely on the grade assigned to the product. There are three main grades: ceremonial matcha, premium matcha and cooking matcha. Each of these grades has specific characteristics in terms of color, taste and texture.

Ceremonial Matcha

Ceremonial matcha, also called ceremonial grade , is the highest grade of quality. It is used in Japanese tea ceremonies and is made from the best green tea leaves harvested. The resulting powder is very fine, bright green in color and has an intense, slightly sweet taste.

Premium Matcha

Premium matcha, or premium grade , is an intermediate grade, suitable for daily consumption. It is also made from quality tea leaves, but less rigorously selected than for the ceremonial grade. The color of the powder is slightly less bright, but the taste remains pleasant and less bitter than the lower grade.

Kitchen Matcha

Cooking matcha, or Culinary grade , is the lowest grade. As its name suggests, it is intended to be used in the preparation of culinary recipes, such as pastries or smoothies. The powder is dark green in color and has a more bitter taste than other grades, due to the presence of stems and ribs in the composition.

The price of matcha: an indicator of quality?

THE price Matcha is often seen as an indicator of its quality. Indeed, a high-end product, made from the best leaves and with a rigorous manufacturing process, will logically cost more than a lower-quality matcha. However, it is important to compare prices by taking into account other quality criteria, such as origin, harvesting method and organic certification.

Origin and harvesting method

Matcha originates from the Japan , where it is grown using traditional methods. The regions of Uji, Nishio and Kagoshima are renowned for the quality of their production. It is recommended to choose a matcha from these regions, as it generally guarantees a superior quality product.

The harvesting method also influences the quality of the matcha. The best tea leaves are those that are harvested in spring, during the first harvest of the year. These leaves, more tender and rich in nutrients, give a better quality powder, with a brighter color and a milder taste.

Organic certification and quality labels

Opt for a matcha organic is a guarantee of quality, as it guarantees the absence of pesticides and other chemicals in the cultivation of tea. In addition, organic producers generally pay particular attention to the quality of the final product, which is reflected in the taste and properties of the matcha.

There are also quality labels, such as the label Kumiko , which certifies a premium matcha, made using traditional and environmentally friendly methods. Looking for these labels when purchasing matcha can help you make the right choice.

How to prepare matcha?

Preparing matcha is an art and requires a little practice to obtain a delicate and tasty drink. Here are some tips for preparing your matcha well:

• Use water quality, ideally filtered, and heated to a temperature between 70°C and 80°C. Water that is too hot will make the matcha bitter.
• Sift the matcha powder through a chinois or fine sieve to avoid lumps.
• Mix one teaspoon of matcha with about 60 ml of hot water, whisking vigorously with a bamboo whisk or electric whisk, until light and creamy.
• Then add the rest of the hot water and mix gently.

Where to buy good matcha?

You can find quality matcha in specialty stores, delicatessens or online stores. Be careful, however, with products sold on sites like Amazon , which often offer poor quality matchas at very attractive prices. It is better to favor specialized producers and distributors, who will be able to advise you and guarantee you a quality product.

In summary, to choose the right matcha, it is essential to take into account the grade, the origin, the harvesting method, the organic certification and the quality labels. Do not hesitate to compare prices, but keep in mind that a cheap matcha is not necessarily a good matcha. Finally, learn how to prepare your matcha correctly to appreciate its full taste potential and benefit from its many health benefits.

The health benefits of matcha

THE matcha is recognized for its many health benefits, which come mainly from its antioxidant, vitamin and mineral content. These nutrients give it protective and preventive properties against various ailments.

Rich in antioxidants

Matcha is particularly rich in Catechins , powerful antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and prevent cellular damage. Among the catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most studied for its beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, weight loss, and cancer prevention.

Boosts energy and focus

Matcha contains theanine , an amino acid that promotes relaxation and focus, and caffeine, which boosts energy and alertness. Unlike coffee, matcha releases caffeine into the body more slowly, helping to avoid energy spikes and crashes.

Strengthens the immune system

Thanks to its richness in vitamins and minerals, matcha contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system. It is particularly rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining good health.

Help with weight loss

Matcha is also known for its weight loss benefits, particularly due to the presence of EGCG and caffeine. These compounds help increase metabolism and burn fat, while reducing appetite.

The different uses of matcha

While matcha is traditionally used to make tea, today there are many other ways to incorporate it into your daily life.

Matcha latte

THE matcha latte is a warm and comforting drink made with matcha, hot milk and sugar. To prepare this drink, mix a teaspoon of matcha powder with a little hot water, then add hot milk (animal or vegetable) and sugar to taste. Mix well and enjoy!

Smoothies and juices

Matcha can be added to your smoothies and juices, to enjoy its benefits and a touch of original flavor. Simply add a teaspoon of matcha powder to your usual recipe and blend well.

Sweet recipes

Matcha is also an excellent ingredient for pastries and desserts, such as cookies, muffins, pancakes or ice cream. Its unique flavor and green color will bring a touch of originality to your creations.

Salty recipes

Finally, don't hesitate to add matcha to your savory dishes, such as sauces, marinades or vinaigrettes. It will bring a subtle and refined note to your preparations.

Conclusion

Matcha is a powdered Japanese green tea with multiple health benefits and many culinary uses. When choosing the right matcha, it is important to consider the grade, origin, harvesting method, organic certification and quality labels. Don't hesitate to compare prices, but keep in mind that a cheap matcha is not necessarily a good matcha. Finally, learn how to properly prepare your matcha to appreciate its full taste potential and benefit from its virtues for your health.

FAQ

Which variety of matcha tea to choose?

There are several varieties of matcha tea, ranging from raw matcha to flavored matcha. To choose the variety that is best for you, you will need to consider your personal taste and the flavors you are looking for.

What are the benefits of matcha tea?

Matcha tea is rich in antioxidants, caffeine, and catechins. It is considered a powerful antioxidant and contains high levels of the amino acid L-theanine, which helps reduce stress and improve focus. It can also help increase your metabolism and aid in weight loss.

How to prepare matcha tea?

To make a good matcha tea, you will need a bowl and a "chasen" spoon specially designed for preparing tea. You will also need to grind the matcha tea into a fine powder with a mill stone. Once the powder is finely ground, you can add it to a bowl of hot water (80°C). Then use the chasen spoon to stir vigorously until the mixture becomes a smooth and creamy cream.

How to store matcha tea?

To store matcha tea, it is recommended to keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or heat sources as much as possible. Matcha tea can also be stored in the refrigerator or frozen if necessary.

What is the difference between green tea and matcha tea?

The main differences between green tea and matcha tea are that matcha tea is a concentrated form of green tea; it is ground into a fine powder that can be consumed directly, whereas green tea is steeped in hot water before consumption. Additionally, matcha tea leaves are more nutrient-dense than green tea leaves because they are grown without direct light to maximize the antioxidants they contain.