All About Matcha
tea gardens
In May 2023, we went to Japan to visit the birthplace of matcha. We toured around the country and met with tea suppliers
We, sampled a range of matcha, saw tea fields, and toured a tea factory! We learned how tea is processed (steamed and dried) then ground into a fine powder using both traditional and modern grinding methods.
modern grinding process
Now we are excited to announce that we now offer matcha! Our newest product is a ceremonial grade, premium matcha, freshly milled from whole, shade-grown tea leaves produced in the Kagoshima tea region of Japan.
Uji Bridge, lined with tea plants.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea produced by grinding whole leaf green tea leaves into a fine powder. One of the most unusual and amazing things about matcha is that you're consuming the whole leaf.
Matcha contains caffeine, as well as theanine, which is said to promote a relaxing effect.
What Does Matcha Mean Exactly?
Matcha (抹茶) comes from two words: "matsu" meaning "ground" and "cha" meaning "tea"—in more than one language, in fact!
Close-up of tasty leaves on a tea plant.
What Does Ceremonial Grade Mean?
There are generally three main grades for matcha. Ceremonial is the highest caliber. The term indicates that it's good enough even for tea ceremonies, though you don't need a ceremony to appreciate the quality! Cafe is the middle grade, generally used for matcha lattes. Culinary is the third grade, offering a basic matcha flavor for baking and flavoring foods, but not recommended for beverages.
Shopping For Matcha
A good quality matcha is a bright and vivid deep green color, full of flavor, and with little to no bitterness. There's a range of flavors even within ceremonial grade matcha. Some are more vegetal, seaweed, astringent, sweet, etc. Ours is smooth and bright with grassy notes and a sweet finish. Learn more and shop our matcha.
