matcha, hojicha

random notes from youtube videos

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyi_OxSIoT4

  • culinary vs. ceremonial matcha grade
    • culinary → smoothie, baking, …
    • ceremonial → traditional tee form
  • taste and flavours
    • too bitter or even fishy → could be culinary
  • best matcha:
    • japan — kyoto or uji (but beware of the marketing, it’s not absolute, some from other places in japan can be good too)
    • avoid china

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5jIiUw0JXk

  • look out for matcha vs. green tea kinda flavour
  • bad: kinda gritty sensation when tasting, while it should be smooth
  • leaf colour is great!!! like a monstera leaf
  • rich flavour, smooth taste and feeling is great
  • right amount of bitterness is nice
  • grassiness is nice
  • shouldn’t taste like bold dirt
  • “daily” on the packaging usually means a lower grade

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cMV94EwR2U

  • flavour:
    • grassy, earthy, deep green tea, can be subtly (or deeply) umami i.e. savoury-ish
    • high quality → delicious sweetness (can be honey like)
  • scent:
    • ceremonial → for drinking:
      • very aromatic
      • green tea heavy
      • base earthiness
    • culinary → darker / less vibrant