How to Tell If Your Matcha Is Actually High Quality

22 Jul

Written By Eze

Your premium guide for genuine ceremonial-grade matcha

Not all matcha is created equal—especially here in New Zealand, where many products are mass-produced or blended. At Matcha Mura, we’re dedicated to offering a single ceremonial-grade matcha sourced straight from Uji, Japan. But how can you tell if the matcha you're drinking is truly high quality? Here’s your expert checklist:

1. Vibrant Green Colour

High-grade matcha should be bright, emerald-green—not dull, yellowish, or brown. Google’s guide from Uji Matcha Tea confirms that lively green powder indicates proper shading and harvesting among top-tier leaves.

Reference: Uji Matcha Tea

2. Silky, Talc-Like Texture

Premium matcha feels impossibly fine—like talcum powder. This softness is the result of slow stone-grinding, which protects flavour and nutrients. In contrast, machine-ground matcha often feels gritty and harsh.

Reference: Soar Organics

3. Delicate Umami Without Bitterness

Top-quality matcha tastes smooth, sweet, and umami-rich—not harsh or astringent. That depth comes from first-flush leaves, shaded to boost amino acids like L-theanine—the rich “umami” compound.

Reference: Haru Matcha

4. True Origin: Uji, Japan

Like Champagne or Burgundy in wine, Uji is matcha’s crown jewel. With over 800 years of heritage and ideal growing conditions, it continually delivers unmatched flavour and quality—for a reason.

Reference: Uji Matcha Tea - Matcha Making

5. Traditional Stone-Ground in Temperature-Controlled Conditions

Authentic Uji matcha is ground slowly—usually around 48 rpm—in cool environments (~10°C). This preserves the delicate properties of the tea. For example, Uji farms produce just ~30 g per hour, per stone mill.

Reference: Uji Matcha Tea - Matcha Making

6. Fresh Aroma & Proper Packaging

Premium matcha first hits you with a vegetal, slightly sweet aroma. Dull or stale smells indicate oxidation. Great producers vacuum-seal and cold-store matcha immediately after milling to keep that fresh scent and colour.

Reference: Soar Organics

7. Premium Price—But Worth It

Quality matcha requires time, skill, and care. Expect to pay $20–40+ per 30 g. If it’s too cheap, it likely wasn’t harvested or processed properly.

Reference: Crafti Singapore

Summary Checklist

Feature What Premium Matcha Shows Colour Bright emerald green Texture Fine, silky, talc-like Aroma Fresh, vegetal, sweet Taste Smooth, umami, no sharp bitterness Origin Specifically Uji, Japan Processing Slow stone-milled at low temp Package Sealed airtight, fresh Price Reflects craftsmanship & care

Why This Matters for New Zealand Matcha Lovers

When you choose a matcha backed by this craftsmanship, you're not just choosing flavour—you’re tapping into centuries of tradition, care, and terroir. It's why at Matcha Mura, we focus on one matcha powder—because once you taste it, everything else pales in comparison.