FAQ
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from special, shade-grown tea leaves. Unlike conventional tea, with matcha you drink the entire leaf, which makes it a particularly nutrient-rich and antioxidant-packed beverage. It is characterized by its vibrant green color and its unique, slightly sweet-tart umami flavor.
Where does your Matcha come from?
Our high-quality Matcha comes from Uji, Japan, a region that has been known for Matcha cultivation for centuries. We source our Matcha from a small, carefully selected farm that nurtures traditional cultivation methods. This way, we always guarantee you authentic, first-class Japanese Matcha of the highest quality.
How is Matcha made?
Matcha is derived from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. The green tea leaves for Matcha are grown in the shade, which inhibits photosynthesis and leads to a higher chlorophyll and nutrient content in the leaves. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and carefully separated from stems and veins. The remaining finest leaf particles, known as Tencha, are then ground into the characteristic, fine Matcha powder in traditional stone mills.
What Matcha grades does Matchatime offer?
At Matchatime, we focus exclusively on Ceremonial Grade Matcha, the highest quality level. Within this category, we offer you two variations: our Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha for daily enjoyment and special moments, as well as our AAA+ Ceremonial Grade Matcha. The latter is the ultimate in quality, produced only in the smallest quantities, and offers an incomparable taste experience for Matcha lovers.
What is the difference between Ceremonial Grade and Culinary Grade Matcha?
The main difference lies in quality, harvest, and intended use.
Ceremonial Grade Matcha (like the kind at Matchatime): This is the highest quality level. It's made from the youngest, most tender tea leaves of the first harvest, which are carefully shade-grown and then ground without stems or veins. It has a vibrant emerald green color, a fine texture, and a mild, umami-rich flavor with minimal bitterness. It's designed for pure enjoyment and traditional tea ceremonies.
Culinary Grade / Cooking Matcha: This quality is made from more mature leaves and is often less expensive. It has a stronger, sometimes more bitter taste and is intended for use in recipes, lattes, smoothies, or baked goods where the matcha flavor needs to blend with other ingredients.
At Matchatime, we consciously focus exclusively on Ceremonial Grade Matcha in its Premium and AAA+ varieties, to always offer you the best possible taste experience.
How does Matcha taste?
Ceremonial Matcha, like the kind you'll find at Matchatime, is known for its complex yet harmonious flavor. It has a characteristic umami note, often described as savory, full-bodied, or meaty, paired with a pleasant sweetness and a fresh component. Our AAA+ Ceremonial Grade Matcha, in particular, offers an especially mild and nuanced taste profile.
If your Matcha tastes bitter, it's usually due to lower quality or incorrect preparation. Cooking or culinary Matchas are often more astringent. Water that's too hot (above 80°C) or an excessive amount of powder can also lead to bitterness. For the best taste, pay attention to the correct water temperature and dosage.
Ist euer Matcha Bio zertifiziert?
Yes! Our Matcha is comprehensively organic-certified according to EU, Swiss, and JAS (Japan) regulations. We place the highest value on the health of our customers, which is why we only sell pesticide-free, 100% organic Matcha.
Does Matcha contain caffeine? How does it work?
Yes, Matcha contains caffeine. However, its effect is often described as different from that of coffee. Thanks to the natural interplay with the amino acid L-Theanine, the caffeine in Matcha is often absorbed more slowly and steadily by the body. This can lead to longer, more stable alertness and concentration without the often unpleasant nervousness or "caffeine crash" that one can experience with coffee.
Is Matcha vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! Our pure Matcha is a natural product and consists of 100% ground green tea leaves. Therefore, it is naturally vegan and gluten-free, without any additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors. It can be excellently combined with plant-based milk alternatives.
Does Matcha contain sugar or many calories?
No, our pure Matcha contains no added sugar or sweeteners. It's a low-calorie natural product: a typical serving (approx. 1-2 grams) has only about 3-6 calories. The calorie count can, of course, increase if you prepare your Matcha Latte with sweetened milk or additional sweeteners.
How do I prepare Matcha correctly?
Preparing Matcha is simple and a mindful ritual:
- Sift 1-2 bamboo scoops (Chashaku) or half a teaspoon of Matcha powder into a Matcha bowl (Chawan).
- Pour about 70-80 ml of hot (approx. 80°C, not boiling!) water into the bowl.
- Whisk the Matcha with a bamboo whisk (Chasen) in quick zigzag motions until a fine, creamy foam layer forms.
- Enjoy your Matcha pure or as a Matcha Latte with frothed plant milk.
Can I also prepare Matcha cold?
Yes, absolutely! Matcha is excellent for cold preparation, especially on warm days. Simply add 1-2 teaspoons of Matcha powder to a bottle with cold water or a plant-based drink. Shake the bottle vigorously until the Matcha has completely dissolved.
When is the best time to drink Matcha?
Matcha can, in principle, be enjoyed at any time of day. Many prefer it in the morning as a pick-me-upinstead of coffee, or in the afternoon for a concentration boost. Thanks to L-Theanine, matcha is often well-tolerated even in the evening, without disturbing sleep.
Does Matchatime also offer matcha for business customers (B2B)?
Absolutely! If you run a café, restaurant, hotel, or business and want to offer high-quality matcha in larger quantities, please feel free to contact us. We offer special conditions for business customers and are happy to advise you on our products and purchasing options.