Do you like matcha green tea? If your answer is No, are you having FIRST FLUSH MATCHA?
I have met many people that have said “I hate matcha” or “green tea is disgusting”. Well, I don’t blame them because there are many bad quality matcha and green tea in the market that tasted horrible and bitter.
However, if you choose the right matcha and make it in the right way, I think most people would enjoy it!
Why first flush tea leaves?
First flush tea leaves contain more nutrients especially amino acids (theanine), which are a component for the umami/sweetness, and a contributor in reducing stress. The tea tree stores nutrients in winter and grows young leaves that contain lots of nutrients in spring. This is why the first flush, which means “first-picked leaves” are the best in spring!
HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR MATCHA IS USING FIRST FLUSH?
Sadly, it is impossible to check unless the package says so, or until you open up the package and able to taste the matcha.
Traditional matcha is only made from the first flush tea leaves. But, because of the higher demand for matcha green tea, many companies now are using the second and third harvest leaves, which has a strong and more bitter flavour with fewer nutrients. Honest companies sells this second and third flush tea as a cooking grade matcha, but it is quite rare.
YOU MIGHT BE BUYING GROUND GREEN POWDER INSTEAD OF MATCHA
Some companies even use regular green tea, like sencha, that is grounded into powder and sold it as a green tea powder. This is very sneaky, so before you buy any matcha, make sure to check the ingredients on the package.
Tencha or matcha leaves is what you should be looking out for, not just “green tea”. And sadly, I have seen so many ground regular tea powders in health food stores, while the Asian grocery stores just sell non-organic low grade and bitter matcha. So, the best place to buy a good matcha is from the online matcha stores.
Want to buy the right matcha without these concerns?
Simply buy my matcha! I am so proud of its quality and it is not only first flush matcha, but also a premium ceremonial grade quality, organic and product of Japan!
Matcha is considered as one of the highest antioxidant foods with many health and beauty benefits. So, for those that had a bad experience, why don’t you give matcha a another try?
The key is to find QUALITY matcha.
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