MMU05 / Material Matcha Uji

MMU05, organic matcha blend. Currently this product is still waiting to be certified by the JAS/JONA, USDA, and EU. However, if you know anything about organic certification in Japan it is no simple task. It is appreciated though; that is the extra effort put in to get the certification and that which makes it so. Being that it is only in the prototype stage still I can’t guarantee that my review will be the same as anyone after me but if it’s anything like the original three blends I know each batch will be amazing. Upon opening the bag the aroma is reminiscent of MMU03, chocolaty and smooth. It is easy to sift and incorporate with ones desired liquid. Thus far I have tried almond milk and regular water. Both have turned out wonderful. It has an umami and sweetness like MMU03 but the grassy tones are a bit stronger. Luckily for those of you who aren’t interested in grassy tones they do dissolve nicely when mixed for a latte.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: Material Matcha Uji
Description:

MMU05 is Material Matcha’s first ever try at Organic Matcha: we selected leaves from strictly organic batches of land and tried to achieve flavor as good as our conventional blends!

(Note: This prototype is currently pending official JAS/JONA Organic certification, to be followed by USDA Organic & EU Organic certifications)

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Matsu / Matchaeologist

Finally decided to kick my MMU obsession and try another company. Matchaeologist has a gorgeous website all designed around matcha (obviously). They have four different blends and three different types. Ceremonial, Premium, and culinary, the usual matcha grades. With a coupon on my right clicker I decided to go for the ceremonial grades. On a whim I decided to go for Matsu first. Something about roasty notes just sounds good on winter days. The color of the powder is somewhat unimpressive after the incredible green from MMU but I keep my hopes up. Never had a roasty matcha before. It’s quite nice. Slight chocolatey aroma with interesting roasted notes. Smooth and silky in smell, taste, and feel. Though I didn’t actually feel it, the sensation of softness was given while sifting it into the bowl. The mouth feel is incredibly sleek. No astringency or weird after bite.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: Matchaeologist
Description:

Our signature ceremonial-grade matcha is artisan roasted to produce a rich, creamy body and smooth mouthfeel not unlike a perfectly brewed espresso

Boasting the deepest shade of green reminiscent of Japanese pine trees, Matsu™is characterized by its captivating roasted aromas brought to the fore by our artisanal roasting technique handed down through generations of matcha sommeliers. The result is a deeply rich and complex symphony of flavors, with notes of ‘umami’ and savory-sweet undertones that round out the intensity of the roast, culminating in an exquisite blend with a full body and long, creamy finish.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

MMU04 / Material Matcha Uji

Culinary matcha. Generally these two words elicit thoughts of low grade matcha with shades closer to olives and bitter in flavor. That is not the case with MMU04. While the color doesn’t stand out quite as much as the other MMU varieties it is still shades better than many other culinary matcha. Nay I would say it even looks more delightful than some premium matchas. The aroma isn’t on the same level as the others either, no surprise there. It is a bit grassy and comes off your nose quicker. The same with the taste. It doesn’t really linger in your mouth and there really is not much umami but it is not bitter like other culinary matcha that I have tried. Yes it is slightly astringent on it’s own which makes it prime for lattes and cooking. To be honest I wasn’t very keen of the flavor on it’s own so I have added a bit of almond milk. Much less astringent. Somewhat grassy and slightly creamy. This one is still in the prototype stage so it’s possible it may change.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: Material Matcha Uji
Description: MMU04 is Material Matcha’s take on Culinary Matcha, ideal for Matcha Lattes & baking Cakes, Cookies, etc.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

MMU03 from Material Matcha. . . .

This is quite possibly the most beautiful matcha I’ve beheld. Makes drinking some of the other brands harder. (Kinda like turning ketchup purple). It is a green of dynamic proportions. A chocolaty aroma emanates from the bag. The soup is a dark green color that looks like it could engulf your soul. Too deep? Let us chat about the flavor. Very sweet in umami is the main descriptor. Somewhat misleading in my opinion as umami (from what I understand) is more savory? I’m no food expert though so who am I to say. Regardless, smooth and grassy. But not grassy like a green tea. It’s so good and yet so hard to explain.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Matcha
Where to Buy:  Material Matcha
Description

MMU03 is a full bodied blend of Samidori and Gokou.

 

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

DoMatcha-Ceremonial Grade

Today has been an incredibly fall like day and I’m loving it. Working from home, while listening to some classic horror movies, and listening to the rain-doesn’t get much better than this, especially since at the beginning of the week I was dealing with strep, ear infections, and a sinus infection all at once.

So today I decided I was going to treat myself to a delicious matcha latte after lunch. I was so excited! Especially since I’ve been dying to try Do Matcha for such a long time.

Per the instructions on the container, I scooped out 1/2 tsp into my bowl and added in 3 oz of 175F water.  Using my bamboo whisk, I went to town briskly whisking in the recommended W motion until there was froth.  I then added in more water- about 3 more ounces, and gave the beverage a few more whisks, because, whisking is fun.

Took a sip and I was in heaven. I love matcha and do drink a lot of it, but unless I’m drinking one of my favorite matchas from Wendigo Tea Co, you just never know what you are in for.  With Do Matcha’s Ceremonial Grade, you are in for quality.  This matcha is delicious. It hits every note perfectly and doesn’t have that awkward weird too vegetal flavor that sometimes you can get from other matchas I have had in the past.

Smooth is just the word I keep hearing in my head. Not too sweet, not too vegetal, just the right amount creating this delicious delight that I can see becoming super addicting.

I frothed up a bit of french vanilla creamer and added to the top of this delicious afternoon treat and was set for my afternoon.  I love how the sweet vanilla tones mingled with the bright matcha flavor.  Really delicious and I am already thinking about making this a thing with the weather getting cooler.

Sometimes your spirits just want something different and today they wanted matcha and I’m all to happy to oblige.  This matcha is delicious! And now I have my sights set on a few other varities DoMatcha has to offer. . . .


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: DoMatcha
Description

With DōMatcha® Ceremonial grade only the finest leaves are selected to guarantee the highest nutritional value, as well as sweet and pleasant flavor. Can be used to make thick or thin Matcha.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!