Product Review: Return of The Mega Matcha Showdown! Part 1

topmatchaphotoIt’s that time once again!

I have taken the (perhaps crazy) task of reviewing even more matcha than I anticipated:  Red Leaf Tea has asked me and a handful of skilled bloggers to take on the task of testing and comparing 30 or so different matcha in a large price range. I have been lax on comparing them, with traveling and whatnot, but I need to get cracking. Without further ado, here is the basic criteria in with I will be judging the teas by: Color, Texture, and Sweetness.

Note:  All the teas were provided to me for review by Red Leaf Tea. I was not aware of which brands were which beforehand.

Sample1
Starter Matcha

Starter Matcha

  • Color: 3
  • Sweetness: 5
  • Texture: 4

The first sample I had was a light olive drab. The matcha woke up a bit with some hot water, but did not foam very well. Even though this tea was a tad gritty, it was smooth and grassy, in a good way.

sample2
Deluxe Matcha

Deluxe Matcha

  • Color: 6
  • Sweetness: 5
  • Texture: 6

I would recognize RLT’s matcha anywhere, thanks to the last taste test. This floral and sweet matcha this one was an improvement.. A muted grassy color, I got some really nice foam from it, but it may have just been through practice, heh. The mixture was surprisingly tart, but still quite smooth.

sample3
JK Tea Shop Ceremony Grade Matcha

JK Tea Shop Ceremony Grade Matcha

  • Color: 6
  • Sweetness: 5
  • Texture: 5

Third one up! This one had a bit of a wet paint smell to it. The powder was a lighter, pastel shade of spring green. Not a favorite.

Sample4
Classic Matcha

Classic Matcha

  • Color: 6
  • Sweetness: 7
  • Texture: 6

Phew. At this time I realized that I had made a grave mistake. I hadn’t eaten before starting testing these, and I sure was feeling the effects. This one was the sweetest so far, with a lemony, acidic finish. It was a happy green color, which was promising.

sample5
Kiwami Supreme Ceremonial Matcha

Kiwami Supreme Ceremonial

  • Color: 7
  • Sweetness: 7
  • Texture: 7

This one smelled and tasted just like pistachios! There was some strong marine notes as well, and a smoothness to round it out.

 

Sample6
Yunomi Excellent Kitchen Grade Matcha

Yunomi Excellent Kitchen Grade Matcha

  • Color: 7
  • Sweetness: 8
  • Texture: 7

A really good one in the bunch. It also has a good color, not as neon as #4, but what this one lacks in color, it makes up in taste.

Thanks for tuning in folks! Will it ever end? Stay tuned next time for another installment of Matcha Madness!

PRODUCT REVIEW: Raspberry Cream from GreenTeaHP/Green Tea Pros

Green Tea Based Product Review

Where To Buy: GreenTeaHP/Green Tea Pros

Product Description:

Smile at Yesterday. Fall in Love with Today. Kiss Tomorrow. Bright. Open. Giving. A Sense of Purpose. The Power to Envision and Create.

One box of RASPBERRY CREAM contains 60 pixies of RASPBERRY CREAM GreenTeaHP. For best results drink a minimum of two pixies every day, one during breakfast and the other during lunch. Mix each pixie in 12 – 16 ounces of cold water.

The ultimate Anti-Aging Antixodant Alliance
GreenTeaHP contains a proprietary formulation of complementary antioxidants designed to work together to boost bioavailability and maximize EGCG and other antioxidant absorption and benefits.

EGCG: a powerful antioxidant exclusive to green tea clinically proven to help reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve overall wellness, and promote weight loss

Açaí: Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, açaí has been prized for centuries for its healthful properties

Noni Juice: Polynesian cultures have used noni for ages for vitality, strength and general health

Pomegranate Juice: Contains potent antioxidants linked to cardiovascular health and mental clarity

Resveratrol: One of the most promising anti-aging ingredients, resveratrol is the antioxidant found in the skin of grapes

Trace Minerals: Derived from sea water, trace minerals provide key nutrition to facilitate proper cellular function

Plus: Polyphenols( flavonoids), l-theanine, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, fibers, and more

Use: GreenTeaHP comes in convenient single serving pixies that you can take on the go. Open a pixie and pour it into 12-16 ounces of water then shake it up. We recommend using one pixie with breakfast and one pixie with lunch.

Difference between GreenTeaHP and other teas? GreenTeaHP contains the right amount of green tea antioxidants in each pixie which contains 1250mg of green tea extract and 200mg of EGCG. GreenTeaHP comes in the right form which provides convenience and the best delivery system. The optimal way to harness the power of green tea antioxidants is to mix them with water to allow for maximal absorption. GreenTeaHP also contains the right blend of complimentary antioxidants. GreenTeaHP provides the right taste which makes it a great fit for any healthy lifestyle.

Other Ingredients: Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis), Noni Juice, Açaí, Resveratrol, Pomegranate Extract, L-Theanine, Bioperine, Orange Fruit Powder, Cherry Powder, Mango Powder, Lemon Powder, Peach Powder, Pineapple Powder, Strawberry Powder, Fructose, Citric Acid, Beet Root Powder, Matcha, Natural and Artificial Fruit Flavors, Xylitol, Malic Acid, Lecithin, Ascorbic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Beta Carotene, Tumeric Powder, Roboflavin-5-Phosphate, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Ace K, Silicon Dioxide, & Sucralose. Mocha flavor contains fat fee dry milk.

Tasters Review:

Here at SororiTEA Sisters we have reviewed a handful of the GreenTeaHP/Green Tea Pros Products and I must say they continue to amaze us for different reasons!  One of those reasons, for me at least, is that their flavors actually DO smell and taste completely different that their other flavors!  I have had other ‘products’ from other companies who claim they have all these different flavors, but to me, they all seem to taste the same or at the very most taste very similar!  But NOT at GreenTeaHP/Green Tea Pros!  They do it right!  Each of their MANY flavors has their own personality, aroma, taste, and mission!  And I LOVE that!

As for their Raspberry Cream…I give it a sparkling review!

It has a Raspberry Mocha type taste to it that I really like!  It smells like Raspberry…very pleasant!  The “mocha” taste I will chalk up to being the “cream” part of it.  It gives you a kick at the beginning of the sip and a smoother finish.  It has a lighter and semi-smooth aftertaste that I also appreciate!

Another good product from our friends at GreenTeaHP/Green Tea Pros!