Hearthy Matcha
Ceremonial Blend
Tasted August 2020
About Hearthy Matcha: Hearthy Matcha is a brand new company, established in April, 2020, by Christelle Vinot in London, UK. Their mission is to provide delicious matcha while fighting climate change with eco-conscious business practices and contributing to reforestation. This is the eleventh blend I’ve reviewed and it is the first company that is solely run by a woman! Christelle Vinot was born and raised in Paris, and although at the time she spoke little English, she relocated to London in 2013. Though she’s an architect by day, her true passions are matcha and taking care of our planet. The name Hearthy Matcha (a combination of the words “heart” and “earthy”) was inspired by the relationship between human agriculture and the environment. As Christelle puts it, “Matcha is not only a gift from the earth … but also from the heart of the people who grow the green tea leaves. It is fundamental that we give back to mother nature what we have taken ... and help her fight against climate change.” Hearthy Matcha’s packaging is minimal with reusable options, and best of all when you place your order a tree is planted to help offset delivery gas emissions! Their website also offers matcha teaware. I learned about Hearthy Matcha through Instagram, and Christelle has been extremely kind and supportive of Grassy Notes. The blend reviewed was gifted by her even though we’ve only known each other for a brief couple of months. More on why this could be a great blend for you below!
About Blend: This is a ceremonial matcha blend that is organic and sourced from Uji, Kyoto in Japan. The blend is one of three offered by Hearthy Matcha.
Price: £16.95 for 30g which is equivalent to about $22.25
Scent: Reminiscent of strong green tea with notes of cocoa, fruit, and sweet mochi cakes.
Hearthy Matcha Ceremonial Review
Color: Bright green with slight yellow hues. Points 3.75
Texture + Foam: This blend is quick to froth, forming a soft cloud-like crema with some variation in bubble size. The texture is on the thinner side, but has a long finish. Points 4
Taste: The flavors are strong and complex. There is a pronounced bitterness with notes of arugula and chard. There are balanced vegetal notes reminiscent of pea shoots and dry grass. These flavors remind me of a strong cup of jasmine green tea. The umami is brothy and nutty with a long finish. The flavors compare well to Ippodo Tea Eternity Blend. Points 3.75
Final Score: 3.8 out of 5
Thoughts: I categorize this blend as an intensely flavored matcha, which is perfect for caffeine lovers, groggy mornings, and complex matcha latte flavors. Some people believe matcha should never taste bitter, but I disagree. A well balanced bitterness provides interesting flavors that are engaging and stimulating to the palette and mind. My favorite way to enjoy this blend is with a traditional water and whisk preparation and a splash of oat milk. The milk gives a textural boost and rounds out the flavors nicely. I especially love this blend on difficult to start mornings (which are many during this health pandemic). Thank you Christelle for creating a great product and a business that conscious consumers can feel good about, as well as for bringing more representation into the world of business ownership!