Not all matcha is created equal. There are a few key indicators that separate the highest quality matcha from the rest. Here’s what to look out for when buying matcha tea powder:
1. Colour- bright, vibrant green
When assessing matcha quality, colour is one of the first things to check. The best way to do this is by placing a small amount of matcha on a piece of white paper, so you can see its true tone.
High-grade matcha should be a vivid, bright green, a result of the leaves being shade-grown before harvest. This process boosts the plant’s chlorophyll and L-theanine levels, giving matcha its signature rich colour- and smooth, umami flavour.
Lower quality matcha often appears dull, yellowish, or brownish-green, which suggests it’s made from older leaves or ones that weren’t properly shaded.
2. Feel- fine and silky texture
The texture of matcha powder is another clear indicator of its quality. High-grade matcha should feel as smooth as baby powder, with a particle size of just 5–10 microns.
You can test this at home with the matcha finger test- simply rub a small amount between your fingers or drag your fingertip across the powder on paper. Premium matcha will feel soft, fine, and silky, while lower quality matcha tends to feel gritty or coarse due to larger particle sizes.
3. Smell- fresh and vegetal
A good matcha doesn’t just look beautiful- it smells fresh and slightly sweet. This aroma reflects the presence of L-theanine and healthy chlorophyll levels in the tea leaves.
If your matcha smells musty, fishy, or overly bitter, it’s a sign that it’s either low quality or past its best-before date. Always store your matcha refrigerated once opened to preserve its delicate fragrance.
4. Taste- smooth and umami-rich
The taste of matcha should be balanced, with a pleasant sweetness and creamy umami finish. High-quality matcha has a natural smoothness, without the harsh bitterness you might find in lower grades.
When whisked, it should produce a rich, frothy layer of foam — another indication of a fine grind and good freshness.
5. Origin- know where it comes from
Finally, origin matters. Authentic matcha comes from Japan, where centuries of craftsmanship and careful cultivation have perfected the process.
Regions like Uji, Nishio and Kagoshima are renowned for producing the highest quality leaves. Always check the label to confirm where your matcha was grown, and opt for brands that are transparent about their sourcing and grading.
The bottom line
Choosing quality matcha isn’t just about aesthetics- it’s about cultivation and tradition.
You can even try the matcha finger test at home to compare for yourself- and see why colour, texture, and freshness make all the difference.
At OMGTea, our matcha is 100% organic and is sourced from Kagoshima in Japan. Its vibrant green colour and fresh smell are telling of the quality we pride ourselves in. Try it for yourself- shop our full matcha range here.
