Is Mercadona Matcha Tea recommended?

Matcha Mercadona

Is Mercadona Matcha Tea Recommended? Is it cheap Matcha Tea? 

Mercadona Matcha Tea is presented as an accessible option for green tea lovers. Let's look at some key aspects:

1. Consumer Reviews:

After analyzing several forums and social media where consumers share their experiences with Mercadona Matcha Tea from the Hacendado Matcha Tea brand. In general, we find very varied opinions. Some appreciate its quality-price ratio, while others mention that the quality could improve. What we can assure is that it is not Ceremonial Matcha Tea, but rather has a culinary grade.

Some customers are satisfied with the taste and texture, while others want a more authentic, higher quality matcha, as it is a matcha that cannot be consumed with just water, but must be mixed with at least milk so that its taste is not so bitter.

2. Sensory Analysis:

Shape, Color, and Flavor of Mercadona Matcha:

Hacendado Matcha has a pale green color and a characteristic vegetal aroma. It also has many lumps, which are clear indicators that the grinding process it undergoes is industrial and not at all appropriate. 

Flavor: The taste in water starts with a rather bitter tone, more characteristic of low-quality matcha. It is obvious that it does not achieve the exquisiteness of ceremonial matcha. On the other hand, some users notice a slight bitterness. However, it is suitable for daily preparations of cakes, matcha lattes, or matcha tea smoothies.

3. Price and Presentation Comparison:

Hacendado Matcha Tea is one of the cheapest options available, and that should give clues as to its origin, with Thailand being considered one of the candidates. Its product comes in practical packaging, as it is presented in 1.5-gram individual sachets. It is ideal for those looking for an economical option.

4. Origin and Process:

Matcha tea originates from China, despite its tradition within the tea ceremony being Japanese. Hacendado Matcha is packaged in Spain, which in no way gives us any clue as to its origin. However, due to its low cost and low quality, and considering that the author of this text is an expert in the field, having completed a final degree project related to Matcha Tea, the possibility is raised that its origin is Thailand, and its process is fully industrialized. Despite this, we want to specify how its traditional process is:

  1. Matcha is obtained from "Sencha" tea leaves. It is then usually ground in granite mills to be refined and subsequently marketed as a powder. Sencha tea leaves

  2. It should be stored at room temperature in a dry place, protected from the sun, and usually has a shelf life of at least 1 year.

  3. Affordable Price: Customers consider that Hacendado Matcha Tea offers an acceptable quality-price ratio, although we can be sure that none of these customers are Chinese or Japanese, since in that case their opinion would be very different. Of course, being a Mercadona product, it is very accessible if you want to buy Matcha in Spain and have it instantly.


 

Matcha Zen: Superior Quality and Ceremonial Experience

Now, let's compare this with Matcha Zen, a brand that stands out for its exceptional quality:

  • Matcha Quality: Matcha Zen is meticulously cultivated and processed. Its leaves are carefully selected and ground in granite mills, resulting in an ultra-fine powder. The result is a matcha with a smooth, sweet taste and no bitterness. When you drink it, you are consuming 100% of the tea leaf, making it a complete experience, in addition to absorbing all its properties and minerals: L-theanine, Catechins, Fiber, Vitamin C, Selenium, Chromium, Zinc, Magnesium, Chlorophyll.

  • Varieties: Matcha Zen offers two main varieties:

    • Matcha Zen Culinary: Ideal for cooking and baking. Its flavor is more bitter but blends well in recipes. It can also be used for matcha lattes, although purists use a ceremonial grade like ours.
    • Matcha Zen Ceremonial: Intended for the traditional tea ceremony, or for drinking with just water. It is more delicate, with a smooth and sweet taste. Its vibrant green color and fine texture make it perfect for special moments.

 An important note about organic: Since matcha is ground and you drink the entire leaf, any cultivation residue goes... into your cup. Therefore, whenever possible, prioritize certified organic matcha. It's a simple way to minimize unwanted pesticides and stick with what you really want: L-theanine, catechins, and that clear boost you're looking for PMC, 2020.

  1. Final Comparison:

    • Quality: Matcha Zen Culinary already surpasses Hacendado Matcha Tea in quality, texture, and flavor, as well as in properties. Not to mention the difference between an organic ceremonial matcha and one that is not.
    • Price: Although Matcha Zen is slightly more expensive, its quality justifies the investment.
    • Quantity and Packaging: Both brands offer convenient presentations, with Mercadona Matcha providing 1.5g x 10 for a total of 150 grams, and Matcha Zen Culinary offering 100 grams, standing out for its elegant packaging.

Why settle for less? Matcha Zen Culinary offers you a superior quality that you won't find in Mercadona matcha. With an authentic flavor and a traditional cultivation and grinding process. It's perfect for your gourmet recipes and relaxation moments.

Don't settle for less. Choose the quality of Matcha Zen Culinary.


 

Try it and transform your matcha experience.