Does anyone know of any local stores to purchase matcha powder from?

I do not know where you are located but you can try health food stores and asian markets. I would start with the markets because the health food stores are usually expensive. If you have some time you could always order online.

You can buy it at Whole Foods

It's for a last minute cupcake order and they really want a green tea cupcake. I'm in the Virginia Beach area.

When do you need it by? You might have a hard time finding it locally. I have a big bag. I'd send you some if you don't need it ASAP.

That's a very nice gesture! Unfortunately I need it for Saturday....Hopefully I can find it locally!

According to the tea guide, there are two tea rooms in Virginia Beach and they both supposedly carry loose leaf tea. I would try them. I am not from that area, so have no idea if they actually carry it. The English Tea Rose Room has a website, but I didn't see a listing of the teas they carry. The other tea room is Quintin's Tea Emporium.

Hope that helps and good luck.

Just thought of something, if you can't find matcha, you could always take another green tea and finely grind it in a spice grinder and try that.

I've been wanting to experiment with it but our Whole Foods hasn't had it.

Can anyone give some info on taste?

The flavor of matcha really depends on how fresh it is. It looses flavor rather quickly if not stored properly, but think vegetal, kinda like spinach but with creamy notes. If the matcha is of a poor quality it can be very bitter. Look for matcha that is a deep green, not yellow-green for the best flavors and freshness. Green teas tend to be either vegetal or marine in flavor, depending on the initial fixation stage.

geton, thanks for the info. Because it is hard to find in my area, chances of getting fresh sound tough. I will wait until I'm in Annapolis again and look for a specialty shop.