Hello from ICHIZEN. If you are choosing matcha for the first time, it can be hard to know what really matters beyond price and beautiful packaging.
A good place to begin is simple: look at the origin and producer, choose a flavor that suits how you will drink it, and buy an amount you can finish while it is fresh. As you read, try picturing your own cup—thin matcha in the morning, a gentle latte in the afternoon, or perhaps matcha for baking.
What should you check first?
1. Clear origin and producer information
When choosing high-quality matcha, start with origin. A clear reference to Kyoto Uji or Uji, and ideally the producer, helps you understand the background of the tea.
ICHIZEN works with Wakimoto Jokoen, a Uji-cha producer in Kyoto Uji. Single-origin matcha from one producer can make it easier to understand the tea’s character, from aroma to umami and finish.
2. Match the tea to your way of drinking
Not every matcha needs to serve the same purpose. A matcha for usucha, or thin tea, may not be the same one you would choose for lattes or sweets.
- For thin tea: look for umami, aroma, and a gentle bitterness
- For lattes: look for aroma and enough body to balance milk
- For sweets: look for color, fragrance, and practical value
It is natural to think that the most expensive tin is always the safest choice. But if you plan to make daily matcha lattes, a tea that is easy to measure and adjust may suit you better.
3. Notice color and aroma
Fresh, well-kept matcha often has a vivid green color and a clean aroma that may remind you of young leaves or nori. If the powder looks very yellow or brown, or if the aroma feels flat, it is worth checking freshness and storage guidance.
Photos alone cannot tell you everything. A helpful product page should also explain taste, texture, and recommended use in a way that feels clear and specific.
Do not choose by price alone
Start with a practical size
Matcha is a fine powder, so it is sensitive to air, light, and moisture after opening. For a first purchase, a 20–40 g tin is often practical, especially if you can finish it within one to two months.
For thin tea, one bowl usually uses about 1.5–2 g of matcha. Someone who drinks matcha daily will need a different size from someone who enjoys it only on weekends.
Texture and preparation matter too
Matcha is powdered tencha. A fine texture helps the powder blend more smoothly with water and gives a softer mouthfeel.
If your matcha forms small clumps, it is not always a quality issue. Sifting the powder and using water around 70–80°C can make the cup smoother and help keep bitterness in balance.
A small checklist before you buy
When you feel unsure, check just a few points. The best choice is not necessarily the rarest one; it is the one that fits your everyday use.
Is the origin clear? Is the recommended use explained? Is the size small enough to finish while fresh? Are storage instructions easy to understand?
If you would like to compare ICHIZEN’s matcha, you can browse the matcha collection and read the notes on flavor and use at your own pace.
Choose a tin you can live with quietly
Learning how to choose matcha is less about memorizing technical terms and more about finding a tea that belongs naturally in your day. Do you want to whisk a quiet bowl in the morning, or make a soft latte in the afternoon?
Take your time with origin, aroma, intended use, and size. A well-chosen tin can make your daily cup feel calm, simple, and personal.
FAQ
What size of matcha should I buy first?
For a first purchase, 20–40 g is usually practical. Matcha’s aroma changes after opening, so choose an amount you can finish within about one to two months.
Does a darker matcha color mean poor quality?
Color can suggest freshness and storage condition, but photos and screens can change how it looks. Check aroma, taste, origin, and storage guidance as well.
Can I drink matcha sold for cooking?
In many cases you can, but cooking matcha may taste more bitter or astringent. If you plan to drink it as thin tea, choose a matcha made for drinking.
How should I store matcha after opening?
Keep matcha tightly sealed away from light, moisture, and air. If refrigerated, avoid condensation by letting the container return to room temperature before opening.
