Matcha tea has become quite popular in recent years. because of its flavor and the health benefits it brings. This type of tea is originally from Japan and stands out for its large amount of antioxidants and for its culinary versatility. You can find different types or classes of matcha tea on the market, which is why it is important to know which is the best type of matcha tea in order to fully enjoy it.
In the following article we talk about the aspects or factors to consider when choosing the best matcha tea possible.
The degrees of matcha tea
There are different degrees When it comes to matcha tea, you should keep in mind when choosing the best matcha tea possible:
- The ceremonial degree This is the highest quality matcha tea. It is usually made from the most tender leaves and stands out for its sweet taste without any bitterness. It is the matcha used in the tea ceremony in Japan.
- The premium grade It has a little less quality than the ceremonial one and is ideal for daily use.
- The culinary degree It has a slightly more bitter taste than the two previous grades. It is often used when making milkshakes or desserts.
color and appearance
A good matcha tea must have a deep green colorThis indicates that it has enough chlorophyll and that it has been grown properly. If the matcha tea has a yellowish or somewhat dark color, it means that it is not of good quality.
Aroma and flavor
Quality matcha tea has a fresh aroma. As for the taste, it should be smooth and not bitter at all. If the tea is too bitter and its flavor is too intense, it means that it is not of good quality.
Texture
Quality matcha should be very fine and have a fairly similar texture to that of talcum powder.
Matcha tea cultivation process
The cultivation process will directly affect the quality of matcha tea. That is why it is important to take into account a number of factors:
- the shading of tea plants is key when it comes to increasing chlorophyll levels and thus improving both the flavor and color of the tea itself.
- In the harvest phaseThe best leaves are usually picked by hand to obtain those that are more tender.
- The grinding phase This is quite important, as high-quality tea is usually ground slowly to achieve greater flavor.
Matcha tea price
It should be noted that quality matcha tea It's not cheap at all and will vary depending on the degree of the same:
- About 30 grams of ceremonial grade tea usually costs between 25 and 50 euros.
- About 30g of premium grade tea can cost from 15 to 30 euros.
- In the case of culinary grade, about 30 gr of tea oscillates between 10 and 20 euros.
Packaging and storage
Matcha tea is quite sensitive to external factors, as is the case with light or humidity, hence the best tea is found:
- In airtight cans as they better help protect matcha tea from dust.
- In opaque containers as they help much better to preserve the flavor and texture of matcha tea.
In short, when choosing the best matcha tea, you have to take into account certain factors such as: origin, grade, color, aroma or texture. It is best to choose a matcha that is from Japan and ceremonial grade to have the highest possible quality. If you follow all these tips, you will be able to enjoy a wonderful matcha tea with numerous health benefits and a unique and unmistakable flavor.