Pure Matcha, Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha

The benefits of green tea are well known, but in doing a little research stumbled across references to Matcha, which I'd never heard of. Using and consuming the entire leaf of tea, as opposed to just the essence that leaches into hot water during brewing, seemed both intriguing and more complete nutritionally. I chose this product based on the high ratings and comments of reviewers, having no other frame of reference. My first reaction on receiving my order was surprise that the container/quantity seemed smaller than I had imagined. The metal container measures 2 1/4" high by 2 1/4" across and contains about 1.1 oz. or 30 grams. The instructions say to use 1 tsp per 4 to 6 ounces of hot water which translates into about 16 cups per container, or about $2 per cup factoring in cost and shipping. (Don't mean to sound Cretin regarding a pure, quality product's unit price! Just trying to give a complete review.) If you're new to macha as I was, know that the water is advised to be heated to about 180 degrees. Water is put into the cup/vessel first, then the matcha added. To mix thoroughly, traditionally a bamboo whisk is used. Not having one, I opted for a small metal whisk that I did have and it worked fine, depending on your sensibilities and desire for authenticity. If you are new to this, in order to use a whisk, the container you mix your matcha in logically needs to have an opening large enough to accommodate that agitation. The powder dissolved easily and the water became a lush green. Some references advised drinking with a slurping action, which seemed a little un-ceremonial, but I supposed that, like wine tasting, this aerates the tea and allows the mouth to detect greater nuances of flavor. As for flavor, I found it to be smooth, without bitterness, lush, a little like baby spinach. Veteran users would probably be horrified at even the suggestion that any sweetener be used. New users, be assured, this product has a pure, clean taste and needs nothing added. Evidently, as in all things, there are more expensive offerings as well as some more economically priced; but this first foray seems to strike a satisfying balance.Update. 24Feb15: The therapeutic benefits of green tea keeps making the news with special attention given to its amazing cancer fighting properties, due mostly to a compound called EGCG. It's notable that a research paper just yesterday calculated that one cup of Match has the equivalent quantity of EGCG as 10 cups of brewed green tea. Just as an added benefit worth noting!

Good quality matcha powder. When I received the powder it was sealed nicely in the container as it has a pull ring top to open. This will allow you to store the product for a good period of time before it is ready for use. I use this tea with a frother, a bamboo whisk, and bamboo spoon. It has a nice taste and is a relaxing tea.I just wish it was not so expensive :).

I'm still fairly new to matcha - I think this is about the third brand I have tried for making matcha at home. I'm still trying to shop around to find what brand works best for me and as such, I was very excited when my Pure Matcha tin arrived! It did not disappoint! Compared to other brands I've tried, Pure Matcha seems to be a lot higher quality. I tried drinking it plain (with just hot water added) and it has almost no bitterness to it. The flavor is rich, earthy, and a bit vegetal. It turns a really beautiful emerald color when whisking with water. I also tried this matcha as a latte with soy milk and sweetener and it was absolutely delicious! I am also pleased to report that this matcha dissolves really nicely. Of course you get a little bit of powder settling at the bottom of your cup, but no clumps like I have experienced with other matcha brands.

I've been ordering from these guys for almost a year now, and I have to say that they are the best. I've tried other, so-called "ceremonial grades", but the color and frothing is unmatched with these guys. The price turned out to be a great deal, considering its organic. I've seen crappier matchas that go for the same price, and they weren't even organic, which means pesticides and higher fluoride toxicity levels. As far as taste goes, it tastes great to me, but I'll admit I'm not a tea connoisseur. In fact, it taste completely different than regular green tea bags. No bitterness at all, and light enough that I can infuse peppermint or cinnamon with it. I really drink matcha for it's fat burning ECGC antioxidants. It has helped me greatly at the gym, and my body is relying on fat for fuel more so than ever, and it enables me to go extended durations at the gym before I run out of stored glycogen.I also use their rooibos red matcha at nightime, since it doesn't have any caffeine, and it tastes great as well. I look forward to any new matchas they start selling as I wish all teas came in matcha format.

UPDATE:I now only drink Encha Matcha. I find it superior to this brand and is my new favorite. Read my review: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3Q593JV83JXT/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B06XXQF4DBBest matcha! I have tried MANY brands and always come back to this one and will not buy any other brands now. It mixes the best of all the brands I have tried and it has zero bitterness or strange flavor. Don't forget that matcha also has medicinal values! I am not overweight at all, but yet, my triglycerides have been very high for years. This is the first year my triglycerides have been in the normal range at my checkup, and the only thing I can think to attribute it to is my recent daily intake of matcha -- just one cup in the morning. I wish I could afford to drink it twice a day :) I also notice that it has helped me lose a bit of fat around my midsection! And the antioxidant benefits alone are a reason to start drinking it. Be sure to get the organic version also!