Matcha (green tea powder) and Japanese grocery store shopping ...
As I expected, the fourth place I went to, an organic and Japanese grocery store, not quite 25 min away, had the matcha powder that I was looking for to use in future madeleine, cookie and possibly, ice cream, making adventures.
In fact, they had four different kinds of matcha. The Japanese Maede-en brand, all cans being 1 oz in size, is available in ceremonial tea ($32.99 CDN), universal ($26.99) and culinary grades ($22.99). However, after asking me what I was going to use the matcha for, the lovely Japanese cashier recommended the less expensive can of organically grown matcha powder (from China) produced by Touch Organic which cost $16.99 for 1.76 oz (or 50 gm).
I thought that her recommendation, which resulted in a lesser sale but should satisfy my amateur attempts, was laudable. I'm sure that I could get the same items on line for less but there are always shipping costs to consider and, living in Canada, I've found we "pay through the nose" for shipping from most sources. And then, you never know when our wonderful customs office will suddenly decide to slap on a $5 fee for the heck of it. :)
All being well, I will attempt to make matcha madeleines this weekend. Wish me luck.
In fact, they had four different kinds of matcha. The Japanese Maede-en brand, all cans being 1 oz in size, is available in ceremonial tea ($32.99 CDN), universal ($26.99) and culinary grades ($22.99). However, after asking me what I was going to use the matcha for, the lovely Japanese cashier recommended the less expensive can of organically grown matcha powder (from China) produced by Touch Organic which cost $16.99 for 1.76 oz (or 50 gm).
I thought that her recommendation, which resulted in a lesser sale but should satisfy my amateur attempts, was laudable. I'm sure that I could get the same items on line for less but there are always shipping costs to consider and, living in Canada, I've found we "pay through the nose" for shipping from most sources. And then, you never know when our wonderful customs office will suddenly decide to slap on a $5 fee for the heck of it. :)
All being well, I will attempt to make matcha madeleines this weekend. Wish me luck.