Matcha 101 — matcha basics

Matcha is a powdered green tea made from tea leaves cultivated by blocking sunlight. It is known as an expensive tea becuase it requires much work to produce it compared to other teas. Matcha, with its unique flavor and vivid green color, represents traditional Japanese culture. However, its allure has gained popularity not only in Japan but also worldwide. You, reading this article, might be someone who has tried matcha or is a fan of matcha. Do you know what matcha is made from? As mentioned earlier, making matcha involves a great deal of effort. In this article, we will...

Definition and Cultivation Regions of Uji Matcha Uji is a city with a population of about 200,000, located in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It's located about 20 minutes south by train from Kyoto City, a place visited by many foreign tourists. World heritage sites, such as the Byodo-in Hou-ou-do and Uji Kami Shrine, are located within Uji City. Furthermore, the city is renowned for the production of a traditional Japanese craft product, matcha, which attracts a lot of foreign tourists to Uji City. Tea cultivated and processed in the region centered around Uji City is referred to as "Uji tea," or,...

The Origin and History of the Tea Ceremony The tea ceremony, known as "Sado" or "Chado" in Japanese, is a traditional cultural activity that ritualizes the act of preparing and drinking tea. It is believed the culture of tea itself was introduced to Japan from China in the 9th century, but the tea ceremony in its current form was established in the 16th century by a tea master named Sen no Rikyu. Sen no Rikyu treated the act of making tea as an art and incorporated the spirit of "wabi-sabi" into the tea ceremony. "Wabi-sabi" refers to an aesthetic that...

Bamboo Whisk Overview The chasen (bamboo whisk) is an indispensable tool for preparing matcha. Made by finely splitting bamboo, it serves the purpose of evenly mixing hot water and matcha. The bamboo whisk varies in material and shape depending on the school of tea ceremony, and it is said that there are currently over 60 different types. Over its long history, the bamboo whisk has evolved as a symbolic tool of matcha culture. Part Names of Bamboo Whisk Part Name Description Outer Tines (外穂) The thin bamboo sections on the outer side of the bamboo whisk. Inner Tines (内穂) The...

Japanese tea is a general term for "tea produced within Japan." While green tea is the most well-known, Japanese tea can also include black tea and oolong tea, as these are also produced domestically in Japan. The raw material for Japanese tea comes from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, of the camellia family. Even tea made from the same plant can vary greatly in taste, aroma, and color depending on differences in manufacturing methods or tea varieties. Here, let's explore Japanese tea from several perspectives. Classification by Fermentation Level Tea can be broadly categorized into three types depending on the...

Many people might be surprised when they first see matcha with a light green, cappuccino-like frothy surface or a rich green, thick, espresso-like texture. These characteristics are achieved by using a traditional tea tool called a chasen to hand-whisk matcha. Here, we will explain the vital role the chasen plays in making delicious matcha at home. What is a Chasen? The chasen is a tea tool specifically designed for mixing matcha powder with hot water evenly. It is an essential utensil in tea ceremonies, along with the tea bowl (chawan) and tea scoop (chashaku). Among these tools, the chasen is particularly...

Uji, deeply connected to the history of Japanese tea, is renowned not only for matcha but also for producing high-quality teas such as tencha and gyokuro. The region is home to numerous long-established tea companies. This document will first explore what Uji, the birthplace of Uji matcha, is like, as well as the role of tea companies. It will then introduce ten major tea companies based in Uji and one prominent tea company headquartered in Kyoto that specializes in tea product sales. What Is Uji’s Role and Significance? Located south of Kyoto, Uji features a picturesque landscape centered around the...

Matcha, characterized by its vibrant green color and smooth, powdery tea leaves, has a unique flavor. Uji, the region where matcha is produced, is filled with foreign tourists enjoying authentic matcha or buying matcha and matcha sweets as souvenirs. This is because matcha is gaining popularity not only due to its connection with Japanese tea culture but also because of its health benefits. What kind of plant is the tea tree, Camellia sinensis, which is the raw material for matcha? And how is matcha produced? Let's explore these two essential aspects that are key to understanding the origins of matcha....

What is Tencha? Tencha is a type of Japanese tea, specifically referring to the tea leaves used as the raw material for matcha. The name "Tencha" comes from the Japanese term "to grind tea." Tencha is grown using a special cultivation method in tea fields, and the leaves are processed while retaining their original shape. This creates a significant difference compared to other types of tea. For example, compared to other green teas like Sencha and Gyokuro, Tencha differs in both its production method and shape. Although matcha is beloved worldwide, it cannot be made without its raw material, Tencha....

It is said that there are currently over 100 varieties of tea cultivated in Japan. In this article, we have compiled information about seven representative cultivars for Tencha (ingredient of matcha) in the Uji Area. This could be for your reference when choosing single origin matcha. Uji Varieties These are cultivars selected from the native species of the Uji Area, having a significant impact on the flavor of Uji Matcha. Asahi Release Year: 1954 Breeder: Jinnojo Hirano This is a rare cultivar of Uji Tea that is traded at high prices. It is used for Japanese Tea Competition and is...

Hello everyone! In February 2023, we finally launched our long-awaited service called Matcha Direct. Matcha Direct is a service that delivers ultra-fresh matcha directly to customers by air, grinding the tea leaves only after receiving an order. If you're running a cafe or restaurant and considering adding matcha to your menu, we believe our service would be a perfect fit for you. While our e-commerce website provides information about our company and products, it's difficult to convey everything we want to express. Therefore, we'd like to take this opportunity to introduce our service in more detail through this blog post....

What does Matcha Mean? What does Matcha Mean? Probably, the general perception is that it's green tea made from finely ground tea leaves. In this article, we'll provide a more detailed explanation of what matcha is. In addition to being finely ground using a grinding machine, there are two other essential elements required to be matcha. First, it must be made from tea leaves cultivated under shading, a process called "shaded cultivation". Second, it must be processed using a "tencha furnace". Combined with the use of a grinding machine, these three elements make up the components of matcha. The process...

Hello everyone! In February 2023, we finally launched the long-awaited Matcha Direct business. Matcha Direct is a service that delivers ultra-fresh matcha directly to customers via air shipping, grinding the tea only after we receive your order. While our e-commerce site does provide information about us and our products, it's difficult to fully convey everything, so please allow me to introduce our business again in this blog post! Welcoming Individual Customers Our e-commerce site is primarily designed for professionals in the cafe and restaurant industry, but individual customers are also welcome to make purchases without any issues. Our product pricing...

In this blog post, we introduce matcha, a type of green tea that has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. We explore the fascinating history of matcha and discuss its benefits. Matcha is a rich source of umami and has a deep, mellow flavor. It was popular among Japanese warriors for its healing properties, and today, it can be a great way to relax and recharge during the day. Discover the charm of matcha and its numerous benefits!