Owing to our long-lasting relationship with the matcha tea industry, we have visited nearly every tea field in Japan. Our search for the best quality matcha began in 1933, and as per our experience, one of the most important indicators of the quality of matcha is its color.
The fact is: matcha is one of the most specialized agricultural products in the world. Every year, it is produced in a limited supply in Japan.
When it comes to this fine tea, the greatest effort may only make an incremental difference in taste and color.
Each color of deeper, more vibrant emerald green is a reflection of the love and dedication that went into producing it. From yellow to green to brown - matcha varies in different colors - and each of them has its unique properties and uses.
Let’s dig deep into matcha and understand the reason why people are obsessed with its green color - and what exactly it means.
You can order matcha green tea wholesale from Aki Matcha and enjoy the finest quality, hand-picked matcha leaves (grounded) delivered straight to your home from the lush tea fields of Shizuoka.
What Color Is Real Matcha?
Real matcha is a bright, vibrant, green color. Depending on the quality of the leaves and the way they were processed - the color ranges from a light yellow-green to deep emerald green.
Also, the color of the matcha varies when you’re looking for different grades of matcha powder, like ceremonial or culinary grade matcha powder. The higher the quality, the brighter green the color.
The color of matcha powder can also be affected depending on how old the matcha is. Old matcha tends to develop a more yellowish-green color, while fresher matcha will be more vibrant green.
Why Is Color Important?
Color psychology tells us why even just looking at matcha can be good for us.
According to studies, the color green invokes a feel and image of nature, pristine landscapes, and lush plants - all associated with tranquility and feeling refreshed.
The American Psychology Association reveals that the color green can positively impact our thinking, our well- being and our relationships. It is believed to relieve stress and impart a healing sensation.
The green color of matcha powder is not just for psychological reasons. It is also a strong indication of the quality of the tea. The greener and more vibrant the matcha, the more chlorophyll and antioxidants are in the powder.
Different Shades of Matcha
Culinary grade matcha is slightly darker and less vibrant compared to premium ceremonial grade matcha. Since this matcha powder is mostly used in cooking and baking, it doesn’t need to be of that high quality.
Unlike culinary matcha, the ceremonial grade is used for both cooking and drinking. This matcha is the highest quality matcha and, therefore, more vibrant and perfect for Japanese ceremonies.
Other Different Colors of Matcha
In the last few years, a couple of new matcha colors have been cropping up and gaining popularity.
Here are some of the popular colors that we have witnessed recently:
- Blue Matcha: This matcha is made from butterfly pea flowers. It is mostly a caffeine-free herbal tea with a mildly sweet flavor and floral notes, just like chamomile.
- Red Matcha: This is a less common matcha color and is harder to find. This type of matcha is made from a red floral plant such as rooibos or hibiscus - where the leaves are ground into fine powder.
- Pink Matcha: Another less common type of matcha which is made from dragon fruit powder.
What Is The Ideal Color of A Matcha Tea?
Matcha is ideally green - which means the leaves are grown very well. This concentration of chlorophyll in matcha is an indication of other healthy components found in the matcha.
The greener the color, the higher the content of antioxidants and special amino acids (like L-theanine).
Jade Matcha
The rich green color of matcha emanates from chlorophyll. Every plant uses chlorophyll to convert to sunlight - but traditional matcha cultivation maximizes this process. The tea plants produce more chlorophyll with pre-harvest shading and other controls.
This gives the matcha its jade color. Thus, the connection between the green color and the health benefits of matcha is clear. The more chlorophyll, the greener the matcha - which means that the matcha leaves got that extra care to produce more good stuff.
Is Chlorophyll Good For Us?
Though it may sound unreasonable, the green color of matcha isn’t necessarily driving the health benefits of matcha. It’s a fact that chlorophyll is an indication of the nutrients present in matcha but is more of a good visual indicator of other nutritional benefits.
It reveals that the leaves have been grown healthy and rich in nutrients, and the concentration of antioxidants and brain-boosting compounds is high.
There is a misconception about color that drives people to look for the greenest color available. Also, it is good to know that the green color actually means something.
What Should You Look For When Purchasing Matcha?
When you are purchasing organic Japanese matcha green tea, you want to look for a vibrant green color. Any dull, yellowish hue is an indication that the powder has been exposed to oxygen or is made of lower-quality raw materials.
Also, a change in color means that the matcha is losing its freshness. Therefore, we always recommend storing matcha in a sealed container in a dry, cool, dark place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my matcha powder yellow?
If your matcha powder is yellow, it means that the plant it was made from produced less chlorophyll when it was grown. This means that the plant was more likely to grow under the sun.
On the other hand, the highest quality matcha is grown in shade, which encourages the production of chlorophyll, which gives the leaves a green color.
Why does matcha turn brown?
Matcha often turns brown because of the oxidation process - which is normal. If you want to keep your matcha fresh, store it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place.
Choose A Matcha You Love!
Now that you know what to look for in a matcha powder, the next step is to determine its usage and flavor preference. At Aki Matcha, you get matcha directly imported from the lush green tea farms of Japan. Order high-quality matcha green tea wholesale from Aki Matcha and enjoy the health and mood benefits it brings to your life.
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