Find the right matcha powder to suit your taste!

How can you spot high-quality matcha powder?
Good matcha can usually be recognised by three key features:

• Colour: High-quality matcha has a bright, vivid jade-green colour. If the powder looks yellowish or brownish, the leaves may be older or contain a higher proportion of bitter stems.
• Texture: Premium matcha is ground extremely finely, almost like silk or icing sugar. When rubbed between the fingers, it should feel smooth rather than grainy.
• Aroma: Good matcha smells fresh, grassy, gently sweet and clearly of green tea, without any musty notes.

Which matcha powder is best for matcha latte?
For matcha latte, a high-quality culinary grade or special barista blend is usually the best choice. These powders are often made from slightly more mature tea leaves, giving them a stronger, gently tart character. This intensity helps the green tea flavour come through when combined with milk or plant-based drinks. A very mild, expensive ceremonial grade can taste too subtle once mixed with milk.

Why do matcha powders vary so much in price?
The price of matcha is largely shaped by the time and care involved in production. Shading the tea fields before harvest, carefully sorting the leaves and slowly grinding them on traditional granite stone mills all require considerable effort. Premium matcha is milled particularly slowly to avoid heat build-up and protect its fine aroma. More affordable powders are often made from later harvests and processed more quickly, which is reflected in their stronger, more bitter taste.

How should matcha powder be stored?
Matcha powder is highly sensitive to oxygen, light, heat and moisture. Once opened, it begins to oxidise, causing the colour and aroma to fade. To keep it fresh, close the tin or pouch tightly after every use and store it away from light. The fridge is ideal. Before preparing matcha, take the container out a few minutes in advance so condensation does not form inside when it is opened. This helps preserve the vivid green colour for longer.