home / blog / Traditions / What does Matcha Taste Like + How to Use?

explore

What does Matcha Taste Like + How to Use?

Featured Image

Organic Matcha Tea delivers an energizing boost of antioxidants with many health benefits BUT what does matcha taste like? In this article we are to discuss what matcha (Japanese Green Tea) really is, the different flavor notes of matcha, how to prepare it, use it and store it.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder made from green tea leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant. This is the same plant that green tea is from. However, matcha is grown and processed different than regular green tea. To make matcha, farmers cover and grow the plants in shade for 3 to 4 weeks before harvesting, steaming, drying and then finally stone grinding whole leaves to a fine powder.

Why is this important? Growing tea leaves in the shade increases the amount of chlorophyll which makes the leaves bright green, adds nutrients, and changes the FLAVOR notes of the tea.

Organic Matcha

What Does Matcha Taste Like?

Ceremonial Matcha Organic Green Tea has a complex flavor profile with mellow vegetal grassy notes, natural sweet nuttiness, a touch of bitterness with a pleasant savory ending.

The pleasant savory taste is called umami which makes drinking matcha irresistible.  Umami is a Japanese term used to describe the 5th flavor to follow sweet, bitter, sour, and salty. It’s a savory deliciousness that deepens and intensifies the flavor. 

Have you ever tried matcha? Everyone will have their own unique way of describing the taste of matcha. Some may call it earthy tasting or have a hard time describing it because it is so unique.

If you have heard that matcha is too bitter, that is because there are many factors that go into making it. Today, we will be covering the best hacks for making the best matcha to make a smooth and delicious tea beverage.

Texture and Consistency

Prepared matcha tea has a frothy and smooth mouth feel. Whereas plain organic green tea is light and clear. The difference is because when you drink matcha you are consuming 100% of the stone ground tea leaf suspended in a liquid. Plain green tea is steeped in water and then you drink the tea but discard the leaves.

Factors that Affect Taste

  1. Type of Water – Fresh spring water is preferred as it brings out the subtle flavors of matcha because of the pH level (measure of acidity) and minerals in the water. Second best is filtered water. Do not use well water or hard water as this can leave a strong after taste.
  2. Temperature of Water - Keep the temperature at a maximum of 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). If you do not have a temperature setting tea kettle, boil the water and then leave it sit for a bit to drop in temperature. You want to avoid using boiling water as this can make the matcha taste bitter.
  3. Matcha to Water Ratio

 There are two ways to make a plain Japanese tea: Usucha and Koicha. 

    • Usucha is the process to make a thinner matcha tea for everyday drinking. 1 teaspoon organic matcha powder to 70 milliliters (¼ cup + 2 teaspoons) water. Light, flavorful, and smooth. If you like your tea even lighter tasting, add more water to taste.
    • Koicha (thicker full bodied matcha) is generally used for Japanese tea ceremonies. 2 teaspoons (4 grams) matcha to 40 milliliters (2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons) of hot water. Flavor notes include an intense matcha taste and creamy mouth feel.

4. Origin - Our organic matcha tea collection is from Shizuoka prefecture in      Japan. If you want to be able to answer DELICIOUS to the question,            “What does Matcha Taste Like?” only use premium matcha from Japan.

5. Matcha Grades -

 6. Organic vs. Non-Organic– The choice is easy as Fraser Tea only sells organic products. As we have discussed in our article, “What is Organic Tea?”, taste could be altered if you drink tea that has been sprayed with pesticides, etc. All our teas are certified organic. Drinking 100% organic is even more important because you are consuming the whole stone ground tea leaf, when drinking matcha.

 7. Sweeteners – Yes, or No? If you are new to matcha, adding a tiny bit of sugar or sweetener alternative of choice can take the edge off the bitterness. We love it straight up but of course we have been drinking matcha for decades.

Organic Matcha

When to Use Each Type

You may be quite surprised how many ways you can use matcha. However, before we get started let’s review what grade of matcha can be used for all the different preparation methods.

If you want to make a delicious plain brewed matcha tea, then our Ceremonial Matcha Organic Green Tea is just what you are looking for. Either hot or iced, this ceremonial matcha is sure to please. It is also perfect for a Japanese Matcha Tea Ceremony. You may also use this ceremonial grade for smoothies and lattes.

However, if you are looking for a budget friendly convenience, our culinary grade premixed Matcha’s like our Blueberry Matcha Organic Green Tea is the perfect addition to smoothies, baked goods, desserts and much more. All our Flavored Matcha’s are Fair Trade Certified too. The culinary grade blends have a bolder matcha taste that can stand up to the other flavors in the recipe.

Blends for Every Occasion

Did you know we have many different Organic Matcha Tea blends to choose from? Try these fun flavors.

  • Raspberry
  • Organic Matcha Latte
  • Ceremonial
  • Blueberry
  • Mango
  • Vanilla
  • Mango Peach
  • Emperor’s Finest Berry
  • Cinnamon Swirl
  • Genmaicha
  • Culinary Grade

How to Use?

This is only the tip of the iceberg. Try these delicious recipes at home.

How to make Matcha Latte

How to Make a Matcha Latte?

Did you know that the green tea powder is just suspended in liquid but not dissolved? Therefore, it is best to be drank right away. If you want speed and convenience, be sure to try our Organic Matcha Latte Green Tea. It has everything you need already in the mix. All you need to do is add hot water.

If you would like to try the traditional method, follow the recipe below and adjust the ingredients as desired.

Ingredients:

  • Water – 1 tablespoon
  • Matcha – 1 teaspoon (or about 1.5 heaping scoops using a bamboo tea scoop)
  • ¾ cup Milk or dairy free alternative (soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk)
  • Sugar or sugar alternative – optional (liquid sweeteners like agave, maple syrup and honey)

Equipment:

Our Matcha Set is great for tea lovers. It contains the following items…

  • Bamboo tea scoop (chashaku)
  • Tea Bowl (chawan)
  • Tea Whisk (chasen)

Our matcha whisk holder is a handy device to store and protect your bamboo whisk when it is not in use.

In addition, a milk frother or handheld milk frother works well to froth the milk.

You can make a delicious calming matcha latte either hot or iced.

Instructions Hot Latte:

  • Heat water to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). If you do not have a temperature regulated tea kettle, boil your water. Allow water to sit out for a few minutes to lower the temperature.
  • Place 1 teaspoon of matcha (or about 1.5 heaping scoops using a bamboo tea scoop) into the tea bowl/cup. If you like your latte sweetened, add your sweetener of choice to the bowl as well.
  • Add approximately 1 tablespoon of hot water to the matcha powder and sugar, if using.
  • Use the tea whisk to mix the matcha powder into the liquid, removing any lumps. If you need to remove any stubborn lumps, add a little more water to the mixture and whisk away. Do not add the milk to the matcha until all the lumps are removed.
  • Next, froth your milk or milk alternative. If you have a handheld frother, steam your milk first on the stovetop. Do not boil milk unless you enjoy cleaning up a mess. Then, use the handheld frother to froth the milk.
  • Add the warmed frothed milk or non-dairy milk to the matcha mixture.
  • Enjoy the warming creamy taste!

Instructions Iced Latte

  • Heat water to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). If you do not have a temperature regulated tea kettle, boil your water. Allow water to sit out for a few minutes to lower the temperature.
  • Place 1 teaspoon of matcha (or about 1.5 heaping scoops using a bamboo tea scoop) into the tea bowl/cup. If you like your latte sweetened, add your sweetener of choice to the bowl as well.
  • Add approximately 1 tablespoon of hot water to the matcha powder and sugar, if using.
  • Use the tea whisk to mix the matcha powder into the liquid, removing any lumps. If you need to remove any stubborn lumps, add a little more water to the mixture and whisk away. Do not add the milk to the matcha until all the lumps are removed.
  • Fill a tall glass with ice and add cold milk.
  • Pour the matcha mixture on top and stir.
  • Enjoy the cool refreshing grassy notes of matcha!

Ice Matcha Latte

How to store?

Fraser Tea’ organic matcha is sold in airtight tea storage tins which are the perfect storage containers. Once opened, it is best to use matcha as soon as possible.  If unopened and stored away from light and heat, it can last for several months.

Now that you know what matcha tastes like and how to use it in different recipes, we hope you give it a try soon. Due to the increased levels of an important antioxidant called theanine, this makes Matcha one of the healthiest superfoods.

Want to learn more? Be sure to Explore our website and learn more about tea basics, wellness, origins of tea, tea traditions and new recipes using tea.

Fraser Tea is a family owned and operated “Made in Michigan” business. 

Stay in Touch? Join us on Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, Twitter, and Pinterest.