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General about matcha

What is matcha 抹茶?

Matcha is a type of green tea that comes from Camellia Sinensis, a plant that originated in China and is grown in very specific conditions to get the flavour and quality. It was brought to Japan in 1191, by the famous Buddhist Monk Eisai. In fact, there is an important connection between matcha tea and zen because of its calming properties, yet drinking it enables you to feel pleasantly alert as well. It was a favoured drink for Samurai warriors who needed to concentrate but stay calm. Our matcha comes from selected small artisanal farmers in Japan. It is the very best matcha you can find. 

Matcha is finely ground into powder from the very best quality tea leaves and the specialist conditions that matcha is grown in includes a shading period (different to other types of green tea). This is a very important part of the process as it changes photosynthesis, enriching the plant with L-theanine and sweet notes.

Usually, tea is steeped in hot water to draw out its flavour but matcha is different, the powder must be whisked into warm water to enjoy the benefits and its rich, potent taste. Matcha boasts many powerful nutritional benefits and is an antioxidant plus it contains catechins and L-theanine which combined with its caffeine content delivers slow-release energy without the jitters. Matcha is excellent for nurturing positive health and wellbeing.

How much matcha should I drink daily?

One to two cups is enough to enjoy all the benefits of matcha green tea but do avoid drinking more than 5 cups daily because one of its ingredients is caffeine.

How can I enjoy matcha aside from drinking it as tea?

The beauty of matcha is that it can be used in a number of drinks and food products! Enjoy matcha blended into flavoursome lattes to powerful smoothies, mixed into pancakes, baked goods, cakes, sweet desserts, breakfast bowls and of course, all the Matcha Café healthy food recipes.

What is the best way to store matcha?

Matcha is delicate and should be treated with care. Once opened, we recommend that you consume your pack of Matcha relatively quickly so it does not deteriorate. A pack of matcha should last for approximately 6 months (once opened) but do keep it in a cool, dry place and avoid contact with strong smelling goods, sunlight and moisture. If you want to keep your unopened pack for up to 6 months to retain its freshness, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator. You can also store unopened packs of matcha for up to 24 months in the freezer.

How long is matcha’s shelf life?

Stored properly, the shelf life is 24 months but once your pack of matcha is opened, we suggest using it up within 6 months to enjoy it at its best.

How do you prepare matcha tea?

If you visit our shop page, you can buy all the accessories you need to prepare your own matcha. You’ll need your matcha, a tea bowl (otherwise known as a Chawan), a bamboo matcha whisk (called a Chasen) and a matcha measuring spoon (Chashaku). Start by sifting approximately 1 or 2 teaspoons of finely ground matcha powder into the bowl, then blend 60ml (2 oz) of hot water under boiling point, 70 to 80 Deg C (160 F). Whisk quickly for about 10-15 seconds, until your tea begins to froth and then it’s ready for you to really enjoy it! For more guidance, read our blog here which has a variety of delicious recipes for you to try.

Does water temperature affect matcha’s flavour?

To enjoy the best possible flavour, we’d suggest drinking it hot, blending the powder as soon as the water has been boiled so it is just slightly under boiling point. If the water is too hot, your matcha could taste bitter which means it hasn’t been blended correctly. For the best flavour, the optimum temperature of the water in winter should be approximately 70 to 80 degrees C (167 to 185 Deg F) and slightly lower when it’s summer, approximately 70 deg C (158-176 Deg F).

If I don’t have a bamboo whisk, what can I use instead?

Yes, although you won’t get the added beauty of the frothiness at the top! Mix the powder into the bottom of your bowl with a teaspoon of hot water and blend into a smooth paste. Then add the hot water at the optimum temperature (see above), we would suggest purchasing a bamboo whisk to really enjoy matcha at its best!

Is matcha suitable for children?

Yes, matcha is generally safe for children. However, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Our matcha

Is your matcha organic?

All our matcha tea grades are JAS certified organic from our Japanese farms. See the Our Matcha page for further information.

What is the difference between Master and Eco?

They are both ceremonial grade, but the Master is our finest selection of leaves, only 1st flush in spring. The Eco has predominantly 1st flush leaves, but also a small amount of 2nd flush. Both have great taste and color, both are superior to standard matcha green teas you can find at the local supermarkets.

Is your matcha vegan?

Yes it is vegan. It is also GMO-free, gluten-free, nut-free, sugar-free, pesticides-free.

Do you offer wholesale options for businesses?

Yes, we provide wholesale options for businesses. Please visit our wholesale website at https://faire.com/direct/matchacafebali

Where is your matcha sourced from?

Our matcha is sourced from premium small traditional organic tea farms in Japan, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity in every sip.

Can you find a cheaper matcha?

Absolutely. While it's true that you can find cheaper matcha options, it's important to consider the quality aspect. Our matcha stands out because of its purity and origin. Sourced directly from family-owned farms in Japan with a rich tradition of cultivating this exceptional green tea, our matcha is meticulously selected from among various grades and undergoes rigorous tasting evaluations.

We prioritize quality at every step of the process. Our matcha is organically grown (JAS certified) and carefully curated to ensure superior taste and nutritional benefits. We have a deep understanding of Japan's tea culture and maintain close relationships with our partner farmers, who pour their passion into every harvest.

It's crucial to note that the quality of matcha directly impacts its health benefits. Properly grown and processed matcha retains its rich nutrients, offering a remarkable boost to your well-being. In contrast, cheaper alternatives often sacrifice quality, resulting in diminished flavor and reduced nutritional value.

So yes, you may find cheaper matcha elsewhere, but when it comes to quality, purity, and authenticity, our matcha stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Nutrition facts

What is L-theanine?

This is a compound that is naturally occurring in Uji matcha green tea. It is a very rare compound and is an amino acid that encourages alpha brainwaves. These are the brainwaves necessary to relax and calm a busy mind but don’t make you feel sleepy. They’re excellent for reducing those anxious moments!

What are EGCGs?

The chemical term Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCGs) refers to catechins that are found naturally in matcha green tea. Known for their ability to alleviate the effects of sunburn, they’re also superb for helping to reduce the signs of aging; fine lines and wrinkles because they slow metabolic changes in the skin.

What is the sugar content in matcha and how many calories are there per serving?

There is no sugar at all in matcha and the calorie count is very small, just 3 calories per gram of matcha!

How much caffeine is there in matcha?

There is a small amount of caffeine in matcha; one serving (1 gram) contains approximately 40mg of caffeine which is less than a third of a cup of coffee. The caffeine in matcha is released very slowly into the body and works with the L-theanine content to deliver an alert state of relaxation. It’s great for good focus!

Shipping information

Where do you ship to and how long does delivery take?

Currently, our main focus is shipping to Europe (it takes two to five days). For further information, visit our shipping page.

Where do you ship from?

Our warehouse is near Milan in Italy. Soon we will open another one in United Kingdom.

Can I buy your matcha offline?

At the moment our matcha is only available at our online store.

Get in touch

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