Buy Matcha Green Tea Powder Online with Bonsai Cha
Matcha Buyer's Guide: How to Buy The Best Matcha Green Tea Powder
Where to Buy Matcha Green Tea Powder
You can buy matcha tea in some supermarkets, specialty tea shops and online in Canada and the US. However, the matcha you will find at the grocery store will not be the same quality as what you’ll get from a specialty tea store or an online store like Bonsai Cha.
What is a high quality matcha powder?
High quality matcha powder has an smooth, umami taste and balanced or low astringency. High quality matcha is not bitter. Authentic Japanese matcha is the highest quality matcha you will find. Look for matcha that is a product of Japan and is sourced directly. Otherwise, you may just be buying green tea powder or a lower quality matcha from China.
What to Look for When Buying Matcha
- Color: The matcha should be fresh and bright green. Dull or yellowish-green matcha indicates lower quality, or matcha powder that has been oxidized.
- Scent: High-quality matcha has a sweet, vegetal smell. If it smells musty or overly earthy, it might be stale, oxidized or poor quality.
- Taste: Good matcha should have a balanced flavor with a smooth, creamy texture and an umami taste. It should not be overly bitter or astringent.
- Texture: Good matcha powder should have a fine texture, similar to eyeshadow and should be smooth when rubbed between your fingers.
- Froth: When prepared correctly, high-quality matcha should produce an even layer of froth on the top. This indicates proper grinding and freshness.
How much does high quality matcha cost?
It costs about to $30-$35 for 30 grams. Any matcha powder priced lower is likely to be of much lower quality and will be bitter, which requires sweetener or additives to enhance the taste. Any matcha priced higher is a superior quality matcha and is likely produced in limited quantities. A 30g package of matcha will typically last 15-30 days.
Matcha is expensive because its production is a labor-intensive process. The tea bushes undergo a meticulous process that includes shading, harvesting, steaming, drying and de-veining. This cultivation and production process ensures a high quality matcha, which is reflected in its price.
Buy Matcha Tea Online
Buy your matcha powder from Bonsai Cha to get some of the best matcha direct from family farms in Japan.
If you're new to matcha, we recommend our Mindful Matcha Kit to get started.
Already a matcha afficionado? Try our Bonsai Cha Double Matcha Set to get a taste of our ceremonial grade matcha and premium Japanese matcha, crafted by one of the top tea appraisers in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
High quality matcha green tea powder has a rich umami flavor, natural sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture with a fresh, grassy undertone. It should be balanced with balanced astringency and earthy notes. Lower quality matcha, however, tends to be more bitter.
Ceremonial Grade: Made from the finest, youngest first harvest tea leaves, ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality and is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It has a smooth, creamy texture with a rich umami flavor and balanced astringency or none at all. Best enjoyed on its own, mixed with hot water so you can fully appreciate its delicate taste and quality.
Premium (or Barista) Grade: A slightly lower grade than ceremonial, premium or barista grade matcha is still high quality and ideal for daily drinking. It has a balanced flavor with a mild sweetness but is not as bitter as culinary grade. Perfect for making matcha lattes, smoothies, and other beverages where a high-quality matcha is desired but not as delicate as ceremonial grade.
Culinary Grade: Made from second or third harvest tea leaves, culinary grade matcha is more robust and slightly more bitter. It has a stronger, more astringent flavor that can stand up to other ingredients. This makes it perfect for cooking, baking and adding to recipes where the matcha flavor needs to be stronger.
1 tsp. of matcha contains approximately 70mg of caffeine, which is about one-third the caffeine content of a cup of coffee. This makes matcha a great option for those seeking a more balanced energy boost without the jitters or crash often experienced when you drink coffee or energy drinks.
Once opened, matcha should ideally be consumed within 1-2 months to enjoy its full flavor and benefits. Store your matcha in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or your fridge and keep it away from heat, light, and moisture.
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown tea leaves, whisked with hot water and consumed whole. This provides a high concentration of nutrients and antioxidants compared to green tea, which is typically steeped in hot water and then discarded.
The Bonsai Cha Chasen Matcha Maker makes it easy to craete a perfect cup of matcha. Simply add water to your Bonsai Cha Chasen, add 1 scoop of matcha, press a button and enjoy.
The best way to prepare a matcha latte is with the Bonsai Cha Chasen Matcha Maker. Simply prepare your milk with the Chasen, then prepare your matcha and pour over top.
Matcha makes you feel a calm alertness and sustained energy that keeps you balanced throughout the day. The combination of L-Theanine and caffeine provides a focused state without the jitters or crash often associated with coffee. Matcha also has mood-enhancing properties which promote overall well-being.