When purchasing matcha, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you are getting a good quality product. These include:
Color: Good quality matcha should have a bright, vibrant green color. Avoid matcha that has a dull or yellowish color, as this can indicate that the leaves were old or not grown in the shade.
Taste: Good quality matcha should have a smooth, full-bodied flavor with a subtle sweetness. Avoid matcha that tastes bitter, as this can indicate that the leaves were over-processed or not grown in the shade.
Aroma: Good quality matcha should have a fresh, grassy aroma. Avoid matcha that has a musty or moldy smell, as this can indicate that the leaves were not stored properly.
Grading: Matcha is graded based on its quality, with ceremonial grade being the highest quality, followed by premium and culinary grades. Ceremonial grade matcha is considered the best quality and is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
Origin: Matcha grown in Japan is considered to be of the highest quality.
Price: Good quality matcha can be expensive, so if you find a very cheap matcha, it may not be of good quality.
It is important to note that even high-quality matcha can taste different based on how it's grown and processed. Some people might prefer a sweeter matcha, while others might prefer a more vegetal one. So it is best to try different brands and types to find the one you like the most.
In summary, good quality matcha should have a bright, vibrant green color, smooth, full-bodied flavor with a subtle sweetness, fresh, grassy aroma, and is usually considered to be of the highest quality if it is grown in Japan and is higher in price.