Matcha has captured the hearts of tea lovers around the world. But with so many options available, how can you tell if matcha is good? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key signs of high-quality matcha, from matcha colour to aroma and texture, helping you choose a vibrant, flavourful matcha for your daily ritual.
1. Look at the Matcha Colour
One of the easiest ways to tell if matcha is good is by its colour.
High-quality matcha should have a vibrant, bright green hue, like fresh spring leaves. A rich, vivid matcha colour often indicates that the tea is made from young, shade-grown leaves packed with nutrients and chlorophyll.If the powder looks dull, yellowish, or brownish, it may suggest poor storage, low-grade leaves, or oxidation.Tip: Premium matcha, especially ceremonial grade, is known for its intense green shade.
This comparison shows how matcha colour and texture reveal quality differences.
Toss & Brew Premium Matcha (left) offers a vibrant green hue and fine, silky texture, reflecting careful selection and traditional stone-grinding.
The other brand's premium matcha (centre) appears slightly duller, suggesting less freshness or lower-grade leaves.
Japan's top ceremonial grade matcha (right) displays an even brighter, luminous green, representing the pinnacle of matcha craftsmanship.
2. Smell the Matcha Aroma
Good matcha offers a fresh, sweet, grassy aroma with a subtle hint of umami.
The matcha aroma should feel clean and inviting, almost like walking through a lush garden.If the scent is faint, musty, or overly bitter, it’s a warning sign that the matcha may be stale or of lower quality.
3. Feel the Matcha Texture
The texture of the powder is another important clue. High-quality matcha should be ultra-fine and silky, almost like talcum powder.
This smoothness often comes from stone-ground matcha processing, a traditional method that preserves the integrity of the leaves.If the powder feels coarse, gritty, or sandy, it’s likely not a premium product and may not whisk properly.
Why We Care About Matcha Quality at Toss & Brew
At Toss & Brew, we believe that good matcha is more than just a pretty green powder — it’s a daily connection to nature, tradition, and a slower way of living.
That’s why we choose young, shade-grown leaves and traditional stone-grinding methods, ensuring that every scoop of our matcha carries the vibrant colour, fine texture, and gentle sweetness that true quality brings.For us, great matcha isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about crafting a quiet, nourishing ritual you can return to, day after day.
4. Taste the Matcha Flavour
A sip of good matcha reveals the balance between natural sweetness, soft umami, and just a hint of bitterness.
The matcha taste should be smooth and full-bodied, without harshness or an overly astringent edge.Fresh, organic matcha tea typically offers a purer, cleaner taste compared to mass-produced alternatives filled with additives.
5. What Is Premium Matcha?
Premium matcha comes from carefully selected, shade-grown tea leaves, hand-harvested and stone-ground to preserve their nutrients and flavour.
It often bears the label of “ceremonial grade” and is typically made using only the youngest, most tender leaves.Choosing organic matcha tea ensures you’re enjoying a product free from pesticides and artificial additives, staying true to the natural spirit of matcha.
6. Watch How It Whisks
When properly whisked, good matcha forms a rich, smooth microfoam on the surface.
The fine texture of quality matcha allows it to blend seamlessly with water, creating a creamy and velvety mouthfeel.If your matcha struggles to whisk into a foam or shows lots of large bubbles, it could be a sign of lower-grade leaves or improper grinding.
Conclusion
Choosing good matcha doesn’t have to be complicated.
By observing the matcha colour, aroma, texture, taste, and how it whisks, you can easily tell if your matcha is truly high-quality — fresh, vibrant, and full of life.Taking a moment to choose better matcha is also choosing a better daily ritual: one that connects you to nature, care, and quiet joy.
If you're looking for matcha crafted with this spirit, we invite you to explore our collection at Toss & Brew — where every leaf is chosen with purpose, and every cup is a return to something simple and true.
