When buying matcha powder, check four things: origin, colour, texture, and harvest. Authentic matcha powder comes from Japan (not China or Korea) and will usually name the specific prefecture. High-quality matcha powder is a bright, vivid green; dull, yellowish, or brownish tones indicate an older or lower-grade product. The texture should be silky and fine like talcum powder, which is a sign of true stone-ground matcha. Finally, look for first-harvest (ichibancha) matcha for the smoothest flavour, and check that the tin or pouch is opaque, resealable, and lists a recent harvest or best-before date.