Best Matcha

January 11, 2016 2:16 PM

I want to buy more tasty matcha tea. I normally buy Maeda-En universal quality 1oz(28gr) for $12. Do you have a suggestion for a tastier matcha at a similar price/quantity or maybe a similar tastiness at a better price/quantity? Is "ceremonial grade" worth it taste wise?

I'm not interested in comparing health benefits of different grades, if it's organic, or whatever else. I really just want to drink tasty matcha.

posted by gregr to Food & Drink (6 answers total)

I get mine from www.nuts.com - it's awesome - smooth, flavorful, and is $18.99 per pound. Good quality.
posted by floweredfish at 2:53 PM on January 11, 2016

Unfortunately "ceremonial" doesn't mean that much.

The blog Matcha Enthusiast has a good number of reviews, as well as detailed descriptions of what the author looks for in quality.
posted by zennie at 4:55 PM on January 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

I usually order mine from Japan, specifically from Ippodo-en, which knows a thing or two about matcha. However, I have heard that Horaido-en, also based out of Kyoto, is less expensive and just as high quality. Next time I run out, I will order from Horaido but do not have a data point for you yet.

It's only good for about three weeks after opening, FYI.
posted by Atrahasis at 5:40 PM on January 11, 2016

In answer "is it worth it" ... higher price for a higher quality (and reputable) tea ... yes, in my opinion it is absolutely worth it. My introduction to matcha was through tea that was smooth, had a satisfying umami reminiscent of seaweed, and had a long, sweetly herbaceous finish. Night and day compared to the bitterish or insipid stuff available at lesser prices.
posted by zennie at 5:51 PM on January 11, 2016

It might be worth to check out the offerings at breakaway matcha. It's much more expensive, but I think worth the price if you are serious about tasting true matcha flavor. I would also recommend ther original coldbrew matcha. It's also more affordable and an extremely delicious frothy cold drink.
posted by xtine at 5:55 PM on January 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

There is only so good it can get at twelve bucks an ounce. If you want great tea, there is a cost attached. My experience, however, is that even the medium-high priced stuff is a pretty good deal once you see how much tea you can make with what you bought. I have had great results with everything from th carefully-curated tea seller In Pursuit of Tea. They have a couple of very good matcha offerings on the green tea page.
posted by slkinsey at 6:11 AM on January 12, 2016