Questions about Matcha

Matcha is grown from Camellia Sinensis - the same plant as green tea. The difference is in the preparation. Before harvesting tea leaves for matcha, the Camellia Sinensis plants are covered for a period of time. Blocking out the sunlight makes the plants produce more chlorophyll. This gives matcha its vibrant green color and also increases compounds including amino acids (L-theanine) as compared to traditional green tea. 

Once harvested, the leaves are steamed, air-dried, de-stemmed, and then stone-ground into fine powder. Whereas you steep leaves in hot water to make a cup of tea, you consume the plant itself when you drink matcha.

Measure 1/2 tsp of matcha into a bowl. The powder can be sifted to reduce clumps. Alternatively, 3/4 tsp can be used for a more robust flavor. Add about 2-3 oz of 160-170F water to the matcha. This temperature is hot to the touch, but much lower than boiling. Whisk in a “W” motion until a thick foam develops (about 30 seconds). Add another 5-6 oz of hot water to the mixture. For a cold version, pour whisked matcha over ice. Add more water, milk, or sweetener if the drink is too bitter. 

Premium single cultivar matcha is more expensive than mass-produced grocery-store green tea. Growing, hand harvesting and refining matcha is a time-intensive process. It is a work of art and a piece of history especially when carried out by the multigenerational Japanese farmers we work with. 

As one quick example, ceremonial matcha leaves are ground, not with industrial machines, but with carefully sourced granite stones and special techniques that create an incredibly fine powder. It takes 24 hours to grind just one pound of ceremonial matcha! Going slowly is important for keeping a low temperature and preventing oxidation. Attention to details in each and every step contributes to the high-end quality of matcha.

While the price tag may look high, remember that one ounce of powder gives you approximately 18 silky smooth, delicious servings, packed with umami flavor. That makes it the fraction of the price of a fast-food latte!

Matcha boasts a bevy of health benefits–it has compounds that are being studied for cardiovascular benefits, cancer prevention, weight loss and blood sugar management, and even clearing skin. A few of our favorite benefits include:

An Abundance of Antioxidants
Matcha is packed with antioxidants that can do everything from boost the immune system, to fighting inflammation and helping to stave off signs of aging.

Calming L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid that has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind, and many matcha fans love the feeling of peace and balance they get from enjoying a bowl (or two) daily. L-Theanine makes matcha an ideal beverage for our stressful, nonstop culture.

Balanced Caffeine
The caffeine in matcha gives you energy, and several studies show that participants perform better on tests after consuming matcha. Because of the natural caffeine content in matcha, and the other components including L-Theanine, the energy you get feels more balanced than with other energy drinks.

Cultivar is a horticultural term. It refers to certain plant varieties developed over time, bred to maintain and promote certain qualities, like specific flavor notes and time of harvest. 

Matcha blends are common because they allow manufacturers to create consistent taste profiles even when their supply varies. They’re more affordable, but they lose their uniqueness. In contrast, single cultivar matcha keeps the excitement of drinking matcha alive as you get to taste different flavor profiles that each has to offer from year to year, farmers to farmers, and differing terroirs.

We understand that matcha is an acquired taste. However, not all matcha are made the same. Different cultivars have their own characteristics. Spring-picked tea is usually of higher quality and tastes sweeter than tea that is picked later in the year.  Some matcha is built for cooking and making lattes.  This type of matcha tends to be too bitter and unfit for drinking straight. We have 3 grades of our premium matcha based on drinking style and price point. If you dislike the astringency of green tea, we recommend choosing our ceremonial grade matcha. You’ll be shocked at how smooth and sweet it is!

Our matcha tea plants are grown in the same traditional methods used for centuries in Japan, which are rooted in sustainable farming in pesticide-free soil, although not all of them are certified organic. After visiting many tea farms, we found that often times only large corporations can afford to pay for the expensive certification process. This means the production of matcha is focused on quantity, not quality and labels instead of tradition. The best matcha is not USDA organic but cultivated by multigenerational Japanese farmers using time-honored organic practice and tradition. Many of them hold Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS) certification.

Matcha is best whisked in a low-wide rounded bowl. The bowl only needs to hold 8-10 ounces of liquid and should be thin on the rim for easy drinking. You can use a small cereal bowl or ice cream bowl. If you want a purpose-made bowl, search “chawan” for a Japanese bowl made specifically for matcha.

Visit our glossary page to learn more about matcha related terminology.

One ounce of matcha powder gives you about 18 servings using our recommended 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of matcha.

We offer a flat rate shipping of $4.99 within the contiguous U.S. All orders over $65 ship free. To learn more about our shipping policy, click here.

If you are unhappy with your matcha for any reason, please send us an email at hello@whiskmatcha.us so we can assist you. If your order arrived damaged, please include a photo. To learn more about our refund policy, click here.

Yes! Subscribing to your favorite matcha is an easy way to save cash and ensure you never run out. Go to any of our product pages to sign up for a monthly subscription and save 10%.