What does Matcha taste like?
Matcha tea has become more popular in recent years, known for its vibrant green color, amazing health benefits and unique flavor profile. If you have never tried matcha, you may be wondering- what does it taste like? The taste of matcha is unique, with a combination of flavors and aromas that make it distinct from other types of tea. We think matcha is an amazing beverage of choice and if you are curious about the flavor, read on!
Matcha is a type of green tea that’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike other types of tea, matcha is made by grinding the whole tea leaves into a fine powder, which is then whisked into hot water to create a frothy, creamy drink. This process gives matcha a more concentrated flavor and higher caffeine content than other green teas.
Matcha has a complex flavor profile that’s often described as grassy, slightly sweet, and with a mild bitterness. It can also have notes of umami and earthy nuttiness. The taste of matcha also depends on the quality and freshness of the tea leaves used to make the powder.
Breaking it down further: What does Matcha taste like?
Here are some of the common taste notes you might taste when drinking matcha:
- Grassy: Matcha is often described as grassy or herbaceous. This is due to the high concentration of chlorophyll in the tea leaves, which gives matcha its bright green color.
- Sweet: Matcha can have a subtle sweetness, especially if it’s made from high-quality tea leaves. This sweetness is often balanced out by the other flavors in the tea.
- Bitter: Matcha can have a slight bitterness, which is caused by the tannins in the tea leaves. This bitterness is often considered a desirable quality in matcha, as it adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Umami: Matcha can have a savory, and rich flavor that’s often described as umami.
Ceremonial Matcha vs Culinary Matcha
The quality of matcha can also change the taste significantly. Ceremonial Matcha is picked earliest in the harvest cycle when green tea leaves are at their peak nutrition and flavor. Ceremonial matcha tends to have a brighter emrealad color and the antioxidant levels are much higher than lower quality culinary grade matcha.
Culinary matcha is less costly and is great for baking and ceremonial grade will make the best drinking matcha. If you’d like to dive deeper into the differences between Ceremonial matcha vs Culinary matcha – check out our other blog on this topic!
Did you know that even ceremonial matcha can vary depending on the region it was produced in, soil quality and harvesting techniques? Our matcha is cultivated in Uji city – a region known for the best flavors of matcha.
Caffeine Content of Matcha
Matcha contains caffeine, because it’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is also used to make green tea and black tea. However, the caffeine content in matcha can vary depending on several factors such as the quality of the tea leaves, the way it’s processed and prepared, and the serving size.
On average, a serving of matcha (about 2 grams of powder) contains between 25-70 mg of caffeine. For comparison, an 8 oz. cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, and a cup of green tea contains about 25-40 mg of caffeine.
It’s important to note that the caffeine in matcha is released slowly into the body over time, which can provide a sustained energy boost without causing the jitters or crashes that can be experienced with coffee. The L-theanine in matcha also helps to have a calming effect which generally means less caffeine related symptoms. 🍵⚡
Preparing Matcha Tea
To prepare matcha, you’ll need matcha powder, hot water, a bamboo whisk, and a bowl. Here are the basic steps:
- Heat water to just below boiling.
- Pour a small amount of hot water into the bowl and whisk the matcha powder into a smooth paste.
- Add the remaining hot water and continue whisking until frothy.
- Enjoy your matcha tea!
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is very high in antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Match also has gut loving prebiotic benefits which is amazing for IBD patients or anyone wanting to support their gut microbiome. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can help promote relaxation and improve cognitive function. There is so much to love about matcha – it’s no wonder it’s been loved since the 1100’s!
Our matcha is harvested in Uji city near Kyoto, Japan—a place known for its incredible matcha. It is traditionally shade-grown and harvested in a way to create both exceptional quality in both taste and nutrition which is far different than what you’ll find most places here in the US. We also go above and beyond in testing for bacteria, yeast, mold and do not use pesticides at any point in the growing process or production of our matcha.
Still wondering what does matcha taste like 🍵
Matcha has a rich history and has been used for over a thousand years. It’s been prized for it’s calm, focused energy boost and earthy, floral flavor that compliments many dishes and drinks. Honestly, the incredible health benefits alone are enough of a reason to give it a shot.
I hope this blog gave you some insights into what to expect with what matcha tastes like. However, the truth is, matcha can have a lot of different taste profiles depending on quality, how it’s grown, and what it’s paired with! If you aren’t sure where to start – try our matcha! Our quality and testing is unmatched. Whether you are a newbie to matcha or seasoned drinker like myself- it’s the perfect pick! Check it out HERE.