What does matcha taste like? It’s a good question. When you read about it, words like grassy and intense might scare you off from trying it.
But matcha is nothing to be afraid of. It’s delicious and may become your new favorite tea when prepared well with high-quality ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll do our best to demystify the experience of drinking matcha so you feel confident to try it out for yourself.
What Influences Matcha’s Flavor?
What does matcha taste like? And why?
Well, like any type of tea, not all cups of matcha will taste the same. Taste differs depending on production and preparation. Matcha powder is unique in its processing methods. These methodologies create the nuanced flavor profile of every grade of matcha.
Let’s look at them in detail.
Amount of Shade
Shade is essential to growing matcha. Without it, the ground leaves are far too bitter for pleasant drinking.
Growers use black plastic or bamboo mats to protect the tea leaves from direct sunlight and create and maintain the right shade levels. This shading process begins 2-6 weeks before harvest and is responsible for giving matcha its smooth, umami flavor.
Shading increases chlorophyll production and forces antioxidants to the outermost parts of the leaves. The excess chlorophyll is what gives matcha its signature vibrant green color.
Additionally, according to a 2021 study published in the National Library of Medicine, matcha has a score of health benefits summarized in the picture below. Among them are stress relievers, insulin regulation, and inflammation reduction.
The same study showed that matcha exceeds the caffeine content of coffee and regular teas, so it is a significant morning boost if you do not like coffee or want to try something different.
Matcha has numerous benefits and is a superfood worth trying.
Harvesting Method
High-quality matcha is always harvested by hand. If you are paying a premium for your matcha powder, it is likely due to this labor-intensive harvesting method.
However, large tea farms often use machine harvesting out of necessity, and casual matcha drinkers usually cannot tell the difference.
So, if your budget is tight, go for the more affordable, machine-harvested option.
Grinding Method
Stone mills are the traditional grinding method for matcha. This process is very deliberate and slow, grinding the tender young leaves (called tencha) between two large granite stones.
The process is slow to avoid friction heating the leaves and causing them to lose the delicate nuances in their flavor.
Like harvesting, this is a very labor-intensive process, but it does produce the most light, powdery, and high-quality matcha.
Jet milling is the more modern industrial method. Jet mills use a high-speed jet of compressed air or gas to grind the tea leaves. The air stream propels the leaves at high speeds, causing them to collide, resulting in a fine powder.
Matcha is unique in that makers grind the whole leaf, regardless of method, resulting in a stronger and more concentrated “green tea” flavor.
What Does Matcha Taste Like?
All right, we know some of the technicalities now, but we still need to get right down to what does matcha taste like?
Matcha has three prominent flavors. We will do our best to describe them here.
Umami
Umami is often called the fifth flavor. We all know the other four – sweet, salty, sour, bitter – but umami is unique.
Matcha’s umami flavor profile is evident in its rich, savory flavor. Some drinkers describe it as “creamy” or “buttery” with hints of the sea.
The shading process we discussed above is essential in creating this taste. The increase in chlorophyll and amino acids (particularly L-theanine) cultivated in the matcha-making process all contribute to this distinctive drink.
You’ll find the same umami taste in other foods high in amino acids. Foods like seaweed, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese.
High-quality matcha features pronounced umami notes. It is a unique taste, and honestly, words will only get you so far. You’ll know it when you taste it!
(If you’re new to matcha, we recommend Matcha 1111: our highest ceremonial grade matcha powder, to get started.)
Vegetal
Another very common word used to describe matcha is “grassy.”
What in the world does that mean? I doubt you’ve gone to graze on your lawn recently, so how are you supposed to learn what matcha tastes like from that description?
The grassy notes drinkers pick up have more to do with aroma than taste.
This prominent earthy green smell results from the tea leaves steaming process.
Steaming stops the oxidation process and locks in the young tea leaves’ vibrant color and amino acid profile.
This process is different from that used for different Chinese teas, which are pan-fired. This gives Chinese green teas a nuttier, more mild taste.
Bittersweet
High-quality ceremonial-grade matcha will be only slightly bitter. Generally speaking, the higher the grade of matcha, the less astringent.
However, matcha is very sensitive to preparation methods. Even very high-grade matcha can become bitter if it’s made with too hot water, oxidized powder, or any other variables.
A good cup of matcha will strike a delicate balance of sweet earthiness and mildly astringent undertones.
The flavor is complex, which is one of the beauties of matcha!
Preparation Methods and How They Affect Texture
At its heart, matcha is simply powder and water. However, the preparation makes a huge difference in taste. Below are two methods of making matcha.
Traditional Whisking
The practice of whisking matcha originated with Zen monks who consumed matcha regularly as part of their meditative practices.
In the 16th century, tea master Sen no Rikyū formalized the Japanese tea ceremony, in which whisking matcha to a perfectly smooth consistency became a central part.
In Japanese, the word for whisk is chasen. Depending on the texture you want, there are several different whisks to choose from in matcha preparation.
Balloon whisk: A balloon whisk has over 100 tines. Whisking vigorously in an “M” or “W” shape creates a rich, creamy froth on top of your matcha.
Flat whisk: A flat whisk has 80-100 tines. It’s best suited for creating a smooth, silky texture for a “thinner” matcha. This is the best whisking method for culinary-grade matcha used in cooking.
Spiral whisk: The spiral whisk has the fewest tines, usually between 50 and 80, designed in a spiral. This shape is ideal for thoroughly dissolving matcha clumps. This whisking method gives your matcha a denser texture and is ideal for recipes where concentrated matcha is best, such as chocolates or dense desserts.
(Our handmade bamboo matcha whisk is versatile for all matcha types. You can find it in the Magic Hour Shop.)
Lattes
Matcha lattes are a popular way to consume matcha. If you’re wondering, “What does matcha taste like when combined with milk and sweetener?” a matcha latte may be exactly what you’re looking for.
To make a matcha latte, prepare the matcha powder as usual. Dissolve in hot water and whisk. You don’t have to whisk as vigorously for a matcha latte. You are not trying to make a robust froth but only trying to dissolve the matcha powder.
Next, steam your desired milk with a milk frother or steam wand. Add sweeteners at this stage to mix with the milk.
Pour the steamed milk over the dissolved matcha powder, and enjoy!
Your matcha latte should have a smooth, velvety finish with a balanced taste of bitter and sweet.
Learning to Love Matcha
For some, matcha is an acquired taste. You may not like it the first time you try it, and that’s okay! Keep in mind that the quality of your matcha really matters when it comes to taste and overall experience. How it’s made is equally important. If you don’t knock it out of the park the first time you set out to make matcha, don’t be afraid to try again.
If you primarily wonder, “What does matcha taste like in other foods and beverages?” culinary matcha may be more to your taste. You can also try adding increasingly more matcha to smoothies and fruit juices over time to build an appreciation for its unique qualities.
Wherever you are in your exploration of matcha, we are here for you every step of the way. Browse the high-grade ceremonial matcha we have in the Magic Hour Shop, or try some of the delicious recipes we have stored for you in our tea journal.
