Our matcha is grown in Kagoshima, Japan, near a very active volcano that makes the soil around it extremely rich in minerals. Growing and harvesting the tea requires a skilled craftsman and our is one of only 13 people who have been certified as a high level Tea Maker in the last 60 years. The result is a fine bright green powder, deep in flavor, dominated by amino acids and a slightly sweet note.
Matcha starts it life as young green tea leaves, but the growing process and harvesting techniques make it unique. About three weeks before harvesting, the leaves are shade grown which slows down the growing process and stimulates an increase in the chlorophyll levels. During this time, the leaves turn dark, produce more antioxidants and amino acids, particularly L-Theanine.
When the leaves have developed enough, they are carefully selected for quality and harvested individually by hand. The leaves are then laid out flat to become dry and crumbly, if they are rolled up before drying they result in a different type of tea. After the leaves have dried they are destemmed, deveined and stone ground into a bright green powder. If the stones get too hot while grinding they will negatively affect the aroma of the leaves which makes the process slow, sometime taking an hour to grind 30 grams of powder. The bright green powder is then carefully packed and stored at low temperature to preserve flavor, antioxidant levels, and nutritional content.
Matcha has a slightly sweet, leafy green taste, and can be used in drinks, smoothies, and baked goods. It is a great source of amino acids, antioxidants and nutrients, while being lower in cafiene than coffee by weight. Matcha is high in L-Theanine, a calming amino acid, which helps prevent the “jitters” and in combination with caffeine, deliveres a focused level of sustained energy.
We found our matcha growing in Kagoshima, Japan which is also known as Sakurajima, an active volcano. The volcano is responsible for the mineral rich soil our matcha grows in. Overseen by a highly skilled craftsman, and one of only 13 masters who have been certified as a high level Tea Maker in the last 60 years, our tea plants are grown and tended to bring out the highest potential of the matcha.
calories | 340 | |
---|---|---|
Calories from Fat | 30 | |
Total Fat | 4 | g |
Saturated Fat | 0 | g |
Trans Fat | 0 | g |
Cholesterol | 0 | mg |
Sodium | 5 | mg |
Potassium | 1800 | mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 51 | g |
Dietary Fiber | 38 | g |
Total Sugars | 0 | g |
Protein | 18 | g |
Vitamin A | 1300 | IU |
Vitamin C | 280 | mg |
Calcium | 560 | mg |
Iron | 2.5 | mg |