Matcha is a Japanese green tea made by grinding whole tea leaves into a very fine powder. Instead of steeping the tea in water, as you would with regular tea, you whisk matcha directly into the water and drink the entire leaf. This results in a richer flavor, more color, and more antioxidants.

Matcha is used in the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) and has been a part of Japanese culture for over 800 years. Today, it is used as pure tea, matcha lattes, and in baked goods.

How is matcha made?

1. Shading the tea plants

3-4 weeks before harvesting, the tea plants are covered with shade nets. This causes the leaves to produce more chlorophyll and amino acids. Matcha contains caffeine like coffee, but has a slightly different effect due to the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine is known to provide a smoother caffeine experience. Many people experience increased focus and a calmer energy compared to coffee.

2. Harvesting

Only the youngest, softest top leaves are picked for Premium matcha

3. Steaming and drying

The leaves are steamed to stop oxidation, and then carefully dried

4. Stone grinding

The leaves are ground on stone mills into an ultra-fine powder

 

What does matcha contain?

Matcha contains several natural antioxidants, mainly catechins. The levels of these catechins vary by cultivar, quality, and year.

Matcha also consists of:

L-theanine

• L-theanine, which makes the caffeine experience more stable. Provides focused energy and has a relaxing effect without causing drowsiness.

Caffeine

• Natural substance found in tea leaves. Provides alertness and energy, but is perceived as smoother than coffee due to L-theanine.

Vitamin A

• Contributes to normal vision, skin, and immune system

Vitamin C

• Contributes to normal immune function and antioxidant protection

What is Sora matcha?

Sora matcha's first variant, Okumidori, is a Premium, stone-ground matcha from Kyoto, one of Japan's most renowned and historic tea regions. The Okumidori cultivar is known for its mild, round, and creamy taste without bitterness.

The matcha is from the first harvest, meaning only the youngest and most nutrient-rich leaves are used. It therefore contains more L-theanine and also has a high content of antioxidants.

The leaves are stone-ground, meaning they are slowly ground on traditional stone mills. This yields an extra fine powder that dissolves in water and provides a silky smooth texture when whisked.

The product is also pesticide-free, which means the tea is grown without pesticides, making it clean and safe.

This matcha is perfect as pure matcha or in a matcha latte. This is for those who desire quality and a clean, calm, and aesthetic matcha experience.