Matcha Green Tea Powder

Luxury grade, shade grown and specially prepared green tea leaves that have been stone ground into a fine powder that you whisk into hot water before consuming. Matcha was originally imported to Japan from China in the 9^th century as medicine, though China had already had a custom of preparing and drinking tea for both medicine and pleasure by the 9^th century. Today matcha is known and prized internationally; it can be consumed in the traditional Japanese Tea ceremony (“chanoyu”), on the go, today’s modern matcha fan can use matcha powder in sweets, lattes, in smoothies, and even in ice cream!

Japanese tea ceremony; also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese historical and cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of high quality matcha. The Japanese take pride in beauty, method, and tradition; every step of preparing matcha for the “chanoyu” tea ceremony has a specific method to follow, a host will meticulously prepare the matcha and serve it to the guests. A bowl of matcha will be served with a few small seasonal traditional Japanese sweets (“wagashi”) that will complement the bitterness of the tea- usually made with of “mochi” (rice cake), sweet bean, or fruits.

Matcha comes in many grades; the highest quality is reserved for traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony- it is bright in color, incredibly fine. The most beautiful, high quality Tencha leaves are reserved for this grade, usually the leaves are bright, whole and perfect- creating a green tea that has no oxidation, meaning the best flavor and zero bitterness in your cup. The lower the grade usually means the leaf might have had a few broken pieces or had experienced oxidation, resulting in a stronger flavor and maybe a bit duller in color- which makes it excellent for lattes, for baking and blending; any time you want the flavor of the matcha to come through and not be lost in the other ingredients! We also carry ready to go matchas that you can mix in hot and cold water, matcha latte blends in different flavors, and matcha powders specifically for your baking needs. Matcha cupcakes anyone?

Whether you love matcha’s rich, umami flavor, are looking to expand your green tea taste experience, or you want a little taste of traditional Japan- we have the matcha you are looking for.

Why Matcha Is Different

Matcha tea is consumed as a whole leaf, you get more of the leaf’s natural polyphenols than in a cup of brewed green tea, because you drink the whole powdered leaf rather than an infusion. Natural energy - matcha has a concentration of green tea energy that you consume whole, so you get a slow release boost for 2-6 hours when you want it without the crash that coffee is known for. Because you are drinking the leaf, prepared matcha is full of insoluble fiber - and many people enjoy it as a smooth, satisfying drink. Because you drink the whole leaf, matcha has a richer, fuller flavor than brewed green tea.

Guidelines for preparing Matcha

Preparing matcha is completely unique, please follow these specific guidelines for your perfect cup of matcha tea.

Measure out .5-1 tsp of matcha powder, and sift it into your matcha bowl. Add 2-3oz of hot water (not boiling) 180F/80C into your bowl. Briskly whisk the matcha and water in your bowl in a swift M or W motion until it is frothy and uniform without any lumps. Once it is whisked you may add water to your personal taste.

To prepare a “matcha latte”, please follow these suggestions.

Follow the instructions for traditional matcha method, except only add 2oz to your bowl. Once whisked add 4oz of hot milk to your prepared matcha and mix together. You may add sugar, or simple syrup to sweeten if you desire.

This article is for general information and isn't medical advice.