1️⃣ ORIGIN:

 If you are looking for authentic, good-tasting matcha green tea, look for a matcha that is grown in Nishio and Kyoto - Japan. The Uji region of Kyoto is has a rich history in green tea and is well known in Japan as the mecca of matcha 

2️⃣ FEEL:

This may sound odd, but when rubbed between your fingers, a good quality matcha green tea has a fine and smooth feel to it. Its consistency should be similar to that of a baby powder or an eyeshadow.

3️⃣ COLOR:

The easiest way to tell quality matcha is by the color! The brighter the green, the better! Low-quality matcha in comparison, are often yellowish/brownish in color.

4️⃣ SMELL:

High-grade matcha will draw you in with its sweet smell due to its high amino acid content.

5️⃣ TASTE:

The taste should have a sweet, earthy flavor brought on by the amino acid L-theanine produced from the shade-growing process of matcha. 

Some even describe premium matcha as having a distinct umami taste compared to lower matcha grades that have a bitter, astringent taste.

6️⃣ FROTH:

When whisking high-grade matcha, a creamy, frothy foamy layer should be present on the top and not just a thin layer with a large air bubble. This is the ultimate characteristic from which you can tell which matcha is good and which is bad.

🍵Matcha Kari (aka matcha.com) independently vets ALL of their matcha offerings on a regular basis. Possessing some of the most rigorous international food-safety certifications, Matcha.com is the ONLY matcha brand to test for:

🔑Microbes, nutrient/antioxidant levels, radioactivity, pesticides, heavy metals, and brain boosters (they have high levels of this 😜). 

On top of that, it boosts metabolism, calms the mind, relaxes the nervous system, (something coffee can’t brag to), enhances concentration, balances blood sugar, and gives a sustained hit of energy without the tumultuous crash.

You guys know I like specifics so let’s get into it topic by topic…

PREVENTATIVE BENEFITS:

Matcha contains catechins, a family of polyphenols known to assist in our bodies’ antioxidant activities which also contains the well-known epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). 

EGCG is suggested to reduce inflammation and protect the heart and brain from disease and is potentially promising in studies against cancer. EGCG is also instrumental in protecting your body from the damaging effects of air pollution, harmful UV radiation, and chemicals used in our daily environment.

HEART HEALTH:

Naturally lowers cholesterol levels via the catechins!

STRESS REDUCER:

Matcha's high concentration of the amino acid L-theanine produces a calming effect (without drowsiness) giving you a clear and alert mind with greater focus…can’t say that about coffee. 

METABOLISM BOOSTER: 

The daily dose of concentrated vitamins and minerals is exactly what your enzymes need to burn fat. 

DETOXIFIER:

Matcha green tea has high levels of chlorophyll, which may not directly flush toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals from your body, but it’s one of nature’s best indicators for the high concentrations of the key compounds that do.

NATURAL PRE-WORKOUT:

When consumed before a workout, it increases blood flow to muscles, protects the heart (without the palpitations), and increases the availability of the critical muscle fuel called glycogen. 

HEALTHY SKIN & TEETH:

The antibacterial properties help cleanse the gums and teeth, while also suppressing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that causes cavities and gingivitis. 

Even better, matcha has skin glowing benefits! It protects skin from free radicals and damaged cells. Hello glow up!!

BRAIN HEALTH:

The concentration of physiologically active amino acids like L-theanine and EGCG have positive influences on our neurochemistry. These compounds in matcha green tea are known to act on our serotonin and dopamine systems - aka increase our sense of wellbeing! 

FERTILITY:

A healthy body means healthier cell production, including that of egg and sperm. Well-researched antioxidants like EGCG found in matcha function to directly reduce dangerous damage to the DNA in our cells which consequently improves fertility!

If this doesn’t convince you matcha is an absolutely legendary health “food”, I don’t know what will!! 

Check out matcha.com for my favorite assortment of high-quality teas. 

Stay tuned for my favorite matcha recipe (s)!! Now tell me, do you like your matcha hot or cold?