Kagoshima Organic Ceremonial Matcha

Description

Kagoshima Organic Ceremonial Matcha comes from an esteemed Japanese tea producer based in Shizuoka. They produce high quality organic and traditional teas on their plantations in Kagoshima, Aichi and Kyoto Prefectures. The current batch of matcha is from blended 2024 harvests from Kagoshima which was ground in December 2024.

Authentic matcha is produced by shading the first flush tea bushes for 3 weeks, similarly to gyokuro (玉露) green tea production. This shading process limits catechins but increases theanine in the leaves, decreasing bitterness and adding umami. The leaves are then harvested, steamed and dried to make tencha (碾茶). Tencha differs from most other Japanese teas as it is left flat to dry and crumble, rather than kneaded, after which the stalks and stems may be removed. The final step for Ceremonial Matcha is to grind the leaves into a fine powder using granite stone mills.

Our Kagoshima Organic Ceremonial Matcha has a flavour that is robust, creamy and ‘green’ tasting. It has a balanced profile, but is less umami than non-organic matcha. It is best used for usucha or thin matcha, which is the most common way of drinking matcha outside of formal tea ceremonies. We also sell a richer non-organic Kyoto matcha and slightly lighter but more complex matcha that is ideal for Koicha or ‘thick’ matcha.

As the flavour of matcha is very concentrated, less than a gram (0.7) is needed per 80ml of hot water. Usually, matcha is measured with a matcha spoon (chashaku 茶杓) into a bowl (chawan 茶碗). Very warm water (around 70°C) is then added and briskly mixed with a matcha whisk (chasen 茶筅) until frothy. Alternatively you can use any vessel and whisk or even a drinks shaker; the important point is to properly mix the water and powder completely.

Matcha powder is delicate and should be stored in its packet and tin, away from strong smells and light to keep its flavour and freshness, ideally in a refrigerator. This way it will last a few months, and you will be able to tell from the vibrancy of its green colour how fresh it is.