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UJI MATCHA

MATCHA FROM UJI
POWDERED GREEN TEA
★ ORGANIC FARMING

Uji, Kyoto, Japan

Matcha is a finely ground powdered green tea from Japan, produced from specially cultivated and shaded tea leaves. After harvest, the leaves are processed into tencha and then stone-ground into a fine powder, allowing the entire leaf to be consumed. This method results in a concentrated tea with a rich umami profile, smooth texture, and a vivid green color. MORE

40 g vacuum tin

AROMA
Bakery, nutty
TASTE
Umami, creamy

CULTIVAR: Asahi
PRODUCTION: 2025
ABOUT
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from high-quality green tea leaves. It is an important part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony known as Chanoyu (or "the way of tea"). Matcha is crafted from the youngest tea leaves harvested during the first flush in late April to early May. These tender leaves are shaded from sunlight for several weeks before harvest, which boosts chlorophyll levels and enhances the tea's vibrant green color while developing its sweet, umami flavor profile. Only the finest of these leaves, tencha, are selected for producing 'Ceremonial' Matcha.

After harvesting, the leaves are steamed to halt oxidation, then dried and processed into tencha, a material that is not rolled but kept flat to preserve its integrity. The final stage involves slow grinding using traditional stone mills, producing an extremely fine powder. This method allows the entire leaf to be consumed, resulting in a more concentrated intake of both flavor and chemical compounds compared to infused teas.

Matcha occupies a central position within Japanese tea culture, particularly in the context of the tea ceremony, where preparation and presentation follow highly refined principles. At the same time, it has become widely used in contemporary contexts, including gastronomy and beverage applications. It is valued for its intensity, texture, and ability to deliver a direct and complete expression of the tea leaf.

TERROIR
This Matcha is produced in the Uji area of Kyoto Prefecture, one of the most historically significant tea-growing regions in Japan. The region is defined by river valleys, gentle hills, and a humid climate that supports slow and controlled tea plant development. Frequent morning mists and diffused sunlight help protect the leaves from direct exposure, creating favorable conditions for shaded cultivation.

The soils in Uji are typically well-drained and moderately fertile, allowing for balanced plant growth without excessive vigor. This contributes to the density and quality of the leaf material used for tencha production. The natural environment supports a gradual accumulation of amino acids, which is essential for achieving the depth and smoothness associated with high-grade Matcha. Microclimate plays a critical role, particularly in relation to shading practices. High humidity, stable temperatures, and reduced sunlight exposure during the final weeks before harvest enhance the concentration of L-theanine while limiting catechin development. This balance is reflected in the final tea as a rich umami profile, low astringency, and a smooth, concentrated texture.

Another important aspect is the interaction between terroir and human technique. Producers in the region have refined shading, harvesting, and processing methods over generations, aligning them precisely with local environmental conditions. This integration ensures that the Matcha expresses both the natural characteristics of Uji and the highest level of traditional craftsmanship.

ORGANOLEPTICS
The powder is extremely fine and uniform, with a vivid, deep green color and a soft, silky texture, reflecting high-quality tencha and careful stone grinding. The aroma of the dry powder is fresh and насыщенный, with notes of steamed greens, sweet grass, and a pronounced umami depth. When whisked in a bowl, the tea forms a smooth, creamy foam, releasing a rich and integrated aromatic profile, where vegetal freshness is combined with soft sweetness and a subtle marine nuance.

The aroma of the liquor is clean and expressive, with a balanced combination of fresh vegetal notes, deep umami, and a gentle сладковатый undertone. The taste is full and concentrated, with a thick, creamy texture that coats the palate. From the first sip, a pronounced umami dominates, supported by fresh green notes and a smooth, rounded sweetness, with minimal astringency. The aftertaste is long and persistent, with a deep, savory-sweet impression and a soft, lingering freshness. In the empty bowl after drinking, a delicate, sweet and slightly vegetal aroma remains, leaving a refined and composed final impression.
Close-up of Matcha powder, vibrant green fine texture.
Sifting Matcha powder into a bowl.
Adding hot water to Matcha in a bowl.
Whisking Matcha with a bamboo chasen.
Creating smooth foam on the surface of Matcha.
Finished Matcha with creamy foam and vivid green color.

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Explore more Japanese classic teas within the AN SHIM TEA Collection.