What is matcha?
Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea made from finely ground, shade-grown tea leaves. Unlike regular tea, you consume the entire leaf, resulting in a richer taste, vibrant color, and a higher concentration of nutrients.
Originally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is now enjoyed worldwide for its smooth taste and balanced energy 🌎🍵
How matcha is made?
Tea plants are shaded from sunlight several weeks before harvest. This increases amino acids, enhances sweetness, and develops matcha’s signature umami flavor. After harvesting, the leaves are carefully processed and stone-ground into a fine powder.
Matcha grades
Understanding matcha grades helps you choose the right option:
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High ceremonial grade
Exceptionally smooth, naturally sweet, with rich umami and a long, silky finish, perfect for usucha and koicha.
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Ceremonial grade
Smooth, balanced, with gentle sweetness, ideal for daily use, matcha shots, and lattes.
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Standard grade
More robust and slightly astringent, best suited for lattes, smoothies, and recipes.
What does matcha taste like?
High-quality matcha has a smooth, naturally sweet taste with a soft, well-balanced profile and a creamy texture. It should feel gentle on the palate, with a clean, slightly vegetal finish and minimal bitterness.
How to choose matcha?
Color
Vibrant green indicates freshness and quality
Texture
Fine and smooth powder
Taste
Naturally sweet with minimal bitterness
Origin
High-quality matcha is often sourced from Uji, Japan
Benefits of matcha
Rich in antioxidants
🌱 Naturally contains catechins that support overall well-being and daily balance.
Contains L-theanine
👀 Promotes calm, focused energy and helps create a smooth, sustained effect.
Balanced source of caffeine
⚡️ Provides steady energy without sharp spikes or crashes, making it a gentle alternative to coffee.
Supports daily routine
🍵 Easy to incorporate into everyday rituals — from a morning start to a mindful break during the day.
Shade-grown for quality
The traditional shading process enhances amino acids and contributes to a smoother, less bitter taste.
Matcha vs Coffee
Matcha and coffee both contain caffeine, but their effects differ.
Matcha provides a more gradual and sustained energy release due to the presence of L-theanine, creating a calm, focused state without sharp spikes or crashes.
How to make matcha latte?
You will need:
- 1–2 g matcha
- 30–50 ml water (70–80°C)
- 150–200 ml milk (warm or cold)
Preparation:
Whisk matcha with water until smooth and lightly foamy. Add warm or cold milk and stir gently.
For a slightly sweeter taste, you can add a small amount of sweetener if desired.
Discover Japanese matcha
Looking to experience high-quality matcha? Explore our carefully selected collection of Japanese teas sourced directly from Uji.