How to Choose the Right Matcha as a Beginner
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Choosing matcha can feel confusing when you’re just starting out. The colors, labels, grades, prices — everything looks the same, yet the taste and quality can be completely different.
This simple guide breaks it down so beginners can confidently choose the right matcha from day one.
1. First, Know What “Good Matcha” Should Look & Taste Like
Before choosing the right matcha, you need to know what “right” even means.
High-quality beginner-friendly matcha should be:
✔ Bright, vibrant green (never dull or yellow)
✔ Smooth and naturally sweet
✔ Not bitter
✔ Fine and silky like baby powder
✔ Fresh-smelling — not earthy or dusty
If matcha is bitter, brownish, or grainy, it’s not good quality — and beginners usually quit because of that.
2. Understand the 3 Matcha Grades (Simple Explanation)
A. Ceremonial Grade
Bright green, smooth, sweet
Best for drinking on its own
Ideal for beginners who want a clean taste
B. Café Grade
Slightly stronger taste
Used for lattes
Beginner-friendly if comfort and creaminess matter
C. Culinary Grade
Strong, earthy, more bitter
Best for smoothies + baking
NOT ideal for first-timers
For beginners, the best choice is either ceremonial or café style depending on preference.
3. Organic or Non-Organic?
If you're new to matcha, organic is your safest choice.
Why?
✔ fewer chemicals
✔ cleaner taste
✔ no bitterness from pesticides
✔ better for long-term daily drinking
Not all organic matcha tastes good, but all good matcha tastes pure.
4. Look for Shade-Grown & First Harvest
These two things matter more than anything else:
Shade-grown (for sweetness)
Proper shading increases L-theanine — the amino acid that gives matcha its calm, smooth, slightly sweet taste.
No shading = more bitterness.
First harvest (for freshness)
Young leaves = softer, creamier flavor
Older leaves = stronger, harsher, grassy taste
For beginners, first-harvest = best experience.
5. Check the Color Before You Buy
Color tells you almost everything.
✔ Bright green = fresh, high quality
✔ Dull olive = old matcha
✔ Yellowish = low-grade, bitter
If the product photos are edited to hide the real color, avoid it.
6. Avoid These Beginner Mistakes When Choosing Matcha
❌ Don’t buy the cheapest option — cheap matcha tastes bitter
❌ Don’t buy “ceremonial” labels on Amazon without reviews
❌ Don’t buy matcha with sugar or flavors mixed in
❌ Don’t buy from brands that don’t show the inside powder
7. Why Jiyu Is Designed for Beginners
Jiyu matcha checks the boxes that matter most for first-time drinkers:
✔ Organic
✔ First-harvest
✔ Shade-grown
✔ Smooth & not bitter
✔ Small-batch fresh
✔ Beginner-friendly taste
✔ Clear preparation guides included
You get the clean, calm flavor beginners actually enjoy.
Conclusion: Choosing Matcha Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Start simple.
Choose matcha that is:
🎯 Organic
🎯 First harvest
🎯 Bright green
🎯 Smooth, not bitter
🎯 Designed for beginners
This guarantees a calm, pleasant experience — not a harsh, grassy one.
For beginners who want smooth, easy matcha, Jiyu is made exactly for you.