matcha 101
what is matcha?
Matcha is made from shade-grown Japanese green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) that are steamed, de-stemmed (tencha), and stone-ground into a fine powder. For centuries, monks enjoyed matcha to support focus and overall well-being. Today, it has grown in popularity around the world, appearing in everything from morning lattes to smoothies and desserts, while still honoring its traditional roots.
how is matcha made?
Matcha production in Japan remains a carefully refined process with a few key steps to ensure exceptional quality. Here’s how it’s traditionally made.
🌱 our farming practices
All of our Sencha Naturals matcha is grown and harvested in Japan, where matcha has been carefully cultivated for centuries. The volcanic soil and ideal climate create naturally nutrient-rich green tea, which is why we choose to source exclusively from Japan.
We work directly with family farms in Shizuoka and Kagoshima. Shizuoka is the largest tea producing region in Japan. Its cooler temperature and mountain water sources support slower growth, resulting in a smoother, more balanced profile. Kagoshima's volcanic soil and coastal climate product matcha that is bold, vibrant, and deeply green.
For generations, these farmers have relied on traditional growing and harvesting methods. We’re proud to partner with them to bring you fresh, authentic Japanese matcha — made with care from the ground up.
matcha harvests explained
You’ve probably seen terms like ceremonial, premium, or culinary used to describe matcha “grades.” While these labels are common, there’s no official regulatory standard behind them, so their meaning can vary from brand to brand.
In general, factors like harvest timing and leaf selection are more reliable indicators of quality— first harvest matcha (like our Emperor's Matcha) is typically smoother and full-bodied, while later harvests have a stronger, more robust flavor. Here's a simple chart outlining the matcha harvests and how they’re typically positioned and used:
| Scroll left to right | first harvest | second harvest | later harvests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Names |
"Ceremonial"
|
"Premium"
|
"Culinary"
|
| Ideal For |
Traditional hot or iced teas, premium lattes
|
Everyday lattes, blends, desserts (matcha as a main ingredient)
|
Baking and recipes (matcha mixed with other ingredients)
|
| Color |
Bright, vibrant green
|
Muted or lighter green
|
Duller green, yellow tint
|
| Flavor Profile |
Smooth, naturally sweet, umami
|
Earthy, creamy, slightly astringent
|
Bold, robust, astringent
|
| Price |
$$$
|
$$
|
$
|
Our signature ceremonial (first harvest) matcha ↓
Regular price
$ 24.95
Sale price
$ 29.95
