Umami
The savory "fifth taste" — matcha's defining flavor note.
Umami is the savory, broth-like flavor that defines high-grade matcha. The same taste as dashi, aged cheese, or ripe tomatoes, umami in matcha comes primarily from amino acids — particularly L-theanine, which the shading process amplifies. Matcha's signature creamy mouthfeel and its sweet finish without sugar are both downstream of umami. Lower-grade matcha has less umami and more grassy, vegetal notes.