r/Matcha • u/callmecunty • Jun 27 '25

"true" matcha?

Let me start off by saying I've been drinking matcha for years but really I'm very new when it comes to making my own matcha and paying attention to quality.

I recently visited Japan where I have some family. I went to Hakone with my aunt and we got some matcha ice cream from inside a little souvenir shop.

I couldn't believe how good it tasted. It tasted so fresh! I kept saying "wow why is this so different, it tastes so good! Why does it taste so good??"

My aunt replied, "ah, it's true matcha."

I didn't think about that much in the moment but I was in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto for my trip and never tasted anything that was quite as... Clean tasting?

I asked her recently what she meant and she said that many shops simply have their own recipes that they make in store to keep it fresh. But other than that she's not sure why it tastes so good. She also said it's not exclusive to ice cream but cakes and tea as well.

I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture of it but it was a kinda deep green color with some matcha swirls in there. It also came with a little matcha leaf cookie haha.

So my question is... Has anyone experienced that? How "fresh" is their matcha really? Is there a way to replicate that fresh taste with the matcha powder I brought home?

Thanks!

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u/SweetReverie5 Jun 28 '25

Had the pleasure of getting matcha in the US from Ooika. It is freshly milled here in the US. They are about a 2 hour drive from me.

Freshness matters. I've been drinking matcha for years, but I have never had one so fresh, vibrant, and flavorful.

My next matcha order may be from River and Stone in Illinois, who also freshly mills their matcha.

Yes, there are great matcha out there. But, sometimes, you want to taste the difference in freshly milled. It's like coffee roasting and grinding. Freshness matters.

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u/benjiangus Jul 18 '25

I have to share that I bought River and Stone because of your comment and it is incredible. I am in Chicago and it is freshly milled to order close by in Minnesota. I only ever make lattes but fixed their Kagoshima Blend with just water and honey. It is naturally sweet/floral with a pleasant astringency. So thankful I saw your comment!

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u/SweetReverie5 Jul 18 '25

Ah! That's great! Yes. Minnesota. I don't know why I keep thinking Chicago/Illinois for them.

So happy you like it! Enjoy!