Reveal the Flavor: What Does Matcha Taste Like?

Thinking of trying matcha, but not sure what it tastes like? You’re not alone.

Many people are curious about this trendy green tea powder.

Well, matcha is an acquired taste.

If you’ve never had it before, you will likely not love it the first time you try it.

However, many people who didn’t like matcha at first eventually came to enjoy its unique taste.

So, what do you think? Will you enjoy this healthy drink? For that, you’ll first have to know what does matcha taste like exactly.

And that’s why we’re here today.

Scroll down to learn more about this superfood.

What is Matcha?

Simply put, matcha is ground green tea leaves.

It’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s the gist of it.

Matcha is made from a specific kind of green tea plant called Camellia sinensis.

The plant is shade-grown for 3-4 weeks before they’re harvested.

As a result, the plants tend to produce more caffeine and theanine.

The veins and stems are removed during processing and laid out flat to dry.

Finally, the leaves are ground into a fine powder that we now know as matcha.

Matcha has been around for centuries, originating in China and later becoming popular in Japan.

It was originally used in Buddhist monasteries as a form of meditation.

The first recorded use of matcha was in the 12th century by the Japanese Monk Eisai.

He brought back the tea plant from China and began planting it in Japan.

Fast forward to today, matcha is enjoyed worldwide, with the US, UK, and Canada as some of the key consumers.

What Does Matcha Taste Like?

As said earlier, matcha flavor is not something people usually like on the first try.

It either grows on you, or it doesn’t.

That’s because matcha has a grassy, vegetal taste that can be off-putting to some.

Think of it this way: if you’ve ever had a green smoothie made with kale or spinach, that’s what matcha kind of tastes like.

There’s also a slight bitterness, which comes from the high chlorophyll content.

In fact, 1 gram of high-quality matcha powder contains about 10mg of chlorophyll.

Back to its flavor, some people also say that matcha has an umami taste.

Umami is the fifth taste that humans perceive (the other four being sweet, sour, salt, and bitter), and it’s often described as a “savory” taste.

Perhaps that’s what makes matcha so irresistible for some.

The flavor of matcha may also slightly differ between brands.

But generally, matcha gives off a nice grassy flavor, mixed with sweet nuttiness and a bitter finish.

But more than its flavor, people swear by this green powder for its health benefits.

In fact, in traditional Chinese medicine, matcha has been used for centuries for its plethora of health-promoting properties.

Matcha comes packed with antioxidants, especially catechins.

These natural antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and cell damage.

It’s also rich in fiber, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals.

Plus, it contains a unique amino acid called L-theanine, which has calming effects on the brain.

All of these nutrients work together to boost your health in numerous ways.

How to Serve Matcha?

You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make and serve matcha.

Ready-made matcha usually comes in tea bags or loose powder.

If you have matcha powder, simply add 1-2 teaspoons of it to a cup of hot water or milk.

Whisk it well until the powder is fully dissolved, and enjoy.

You can also add matcha to your favorite recipes for an extra nutritional boost.

Add it to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods.

You can even use it as a natural food coloring for frosting and other desserts.

Just be creative.

With so many ways to enjoy matcha, there’s no excuse not to try it.

Who knows, you might even develop a taste for this unique green powder.

Here is a quick and easy matcha drink recipe you can try today.

Final Thought

The popularity of matcha has exploded in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why.

This bright green powder has taken the world by storm, with everyone from health nuts to foodies jumping on the matcha bandwagon.

And while there are plenty of legitimate reasons to love matcha (it’s packed with antioxidants and has unique health benefits), the truth is that its popularity has more to do with social media than anything else.

Matcha has been all over Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest in recent years.

Food bloggers and health gurus alike have been singing its praises, and that’s helped to make it one of the most popular trends in the food world.

So, go ahead and give matcha some space in your pantry.

It’s more than just a passing fad – it’s here to stay.