What is Matcha?

Matcha is finely ground intentional shaded green tea leaves. In simpler terms that’s what matcha powder is, however when we dive into what matcha is and can be, we can understand the deep and significant culture icon it is. 

Coming from the Camellia Sinensis tea plant the leaves are shaded when they are young, this low light environment impacts the tea. Brighter green due to the increase in chlorophyll being produced. The lead expands and extends while it tries to reach for sunlight. The flavouring of the matcha will also be impacted, various different chemicals in the plant begin to change, theanine, glutamate and arginine build up in the leaves. While there is a reduction in sunlight the plant needs to rely more for nutrients from the soil, therefore producers can adjust the soil to be suitable to produce the best matcha. 

Generally, Matcha is classified into categories. Ceremonial, Premium, Culinary. Ceremonial is the most desired matcha, due to its vibrant colouring and unique flavouring across the various farms as well as it’s commonly used within Japanese Tea Ceremonies to create Usucha. Premium quality matcha is also amazing but slightly missing the ceremonial grade matcha where it is more commonly used in lattes and flavoured drinks. Lastly we have culinary matcha which is generally a pale green and still produces a good flavour but is more bitter and has an astringent flavour. Therefore more commonly used in cooking where you can bake or cook the flavour colour.

Here at Matcha Studio's we offer two matcha's from Japan. We work closely with a supplier in Japan that works with Farmers to produce great Matcha to give people access to the affordable ceremonial grade and premium grade matcha. Our M-001 matcha is a ceremonial grade matcha, it's a fine stone-grounded matcha that has a floral scent and smooth taste, perfect for those who want to have a more grassy matcha taste in their lattes. Our M-002 is a premium matcha that produces a beautiful grassy undertones, great matcha for those who add various different flavouring into their matcha.