Matcha-Powdered Green Tea

A bright and fresh shade of green, our Matcha was harvested in June.  Using a green tea that is called Tencha, once harvested and dried, it is stone-ground into a fine powder.   The Tencha bush is shaded for 3-5 weeks prior to harvesting using traditional frame and thatch technique this serves to block approximately 70-80% of the sun's energy.  This shading inhibits the photosynthetic process natural to the plant thereby boosting its levels of chlorophyll and creating its deep green color.  Nutrients are drawn from the rich soils and the plant develops wide, thin and tender leaves.  This adaptation to the effects of shading results in boosted levels of natural sugars, amino acids, caffeine and small amounts of vitamins A & C and calcium.

Why we selected this particular lot.  We tasted a number Matcha's looking for one that offered a smooth, sweeter side taste.   Our lot is 100% Yabukita cultivar blended from two estates located in Shizuoka and Kagoshima. This particular varietal is widely farmed in Japan. In searching for a new Matcha offering, we tasted numerous ceremonial as well culinary grade teas.  We think this lot is an excellent choice for the taste characteristics it offers you, its price and the fact it does so well both as unblended tea and for use blended as a beverage.

Interesting facts about our selection.  Our Matcha is made with 100% of the Yabukita cultivar.  Yabukita became very popular in Japan due to the high yield farmers realized and its wonderful umami flavor.  The name "Yabukita" derives from the place where the tea originated - a bamboo bush (Yabu) and the northern region of Japan (Kita).   The Yabukita cultivar is also known for its vigorous upright branching and its intense green-tea flavor.

Taste Profile.  The flavor of Matcha is dominated by its amino acids.   Higher grades of Matcha have more intense sweetness and deeper flavor than the standard or coarser grades. Our Matcha is sweet in flavor, smooth and has plenty of intensity or green tea taste.  The finish is smooth and lasting.  We find it "swells" the mouth, enlivening the palate.  Note the warmth the tea will provide if served hot.  It blends very well into smoothies, mixed drinks of all kinds as the base tea is strong and full bodied.

Brewing.  2 grams of Matcha is fine for 2.5 ounces of water.  For service hot, use lower temperature water (140-160 F) and the tea will serve to a sweeter, smoother taste profile.  Higher temperatures will bring out stronger green tea notes with some astringency.  One and a half minutes is a possible steep time, taste and see if it fits your palate.  For blended beverages, we advise you experiment a bit and determine the strength and taste you enjoy.