FAQ
What is matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-cultivated green tea leaves, deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture. It has a vibrant green color, umami-rich flavor with a delicate, lingering sweetness and can be made into a variety of delicious drinks or pastries.
How is matcha made?
Matcha comes from the same plant as all other true teas - Camellia sinensis. However, what sets it apart is the unique cultivation method: the tea plants are shaded from sunlight for several weeks before harvest. This shading slows down photosynthesis, prompting the leaves to produce higher levels of chlorophyll and nutrients, which give matcha its vivid green color and rich nutritional profile.
Once harvested, the leaves are quickly steamed to preserve their freshness, then carefully dried and stripped of stems and veins, leaving behind only the most tender parts - known as tencha. Finally, these selected leaves are stone-ground into a fine, vibrant powder: matcha.
What are the health benefits of matcha?
Matcha is a unique beverage with remarkably beneficial properties for health and well-being. Its high antioxidant content effectively supports the body in combating oxidative stress, contributing to overall vitality. Rich in catechins, including EGCG, it may positively influence heart health, while L-theanine - a distinctive amino acid found in matcha - offers calming effects that help reduce stress and tension. Regular consumption of matcha supports metabolism and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight as part of a balanced diet. It also provides a smooth, sustained energy boost without the sharp crashes often associated with traditional caffeine sources. Furthermore, matcha promotes the body’s natural detoxification processes, enhances cognitive function by improving focus and alertness, and strengthens the immune system with its impressive nutrient profile.
From where does ARI matcha come from?
With our first drop we currently offer a Okumidori cultivar, known for its delicate sweetness and balanced flavor. Our matcha is sourced exclusively from Shizuoka, Japan a region famous for its fertile volcanic soil, which enhances the tea’s vibrant color, smooth texture, and nutritional profile.
We select only ceremonial-grade matcha, ensuring that each batch meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Ceremonial matcha uses only the youngest, freshest tea leaves on the upper part of the plant.
Stay tuned - more matcha grades will be introduced soon.
How can you tell if matcha is high quality?
Determining the quality of matcha involves several key characteristics:
1. Color: Firstly, high-quality matcha exhibits a vibrant green color, which results from an effective shading process before harvest. If it's vibrant green: high quality from fresh young leaves. If it's yellowish or even brown or grey, that can't be good. Don't drink it.
2. Texture: Its texture should be finely ground and smooth, ensuring a silky consistency on the tongue.
3. Aroma: Aroma is another crucial factor; top-grade matcha carries a sweet fragrance with a fresh, grassy scent.
4. Taste: When tasted, high-quality matcha offers a well-balanced umami flavour, often described as creamy and vegetal, with minimal bitterness. The complexity of taste can vary based on the resting duration as well.
Is ARI Matcha EU Organic Certified?
The quality flavor and are our top priorities. We use time-honored Japanese farming techniques designed to enhance the taste, vibrant color, and nutritional value of our matcha. Although EU Organic certification imposes stricter regulations, these can sometimes restrict traditional natural methods, which may affect the overall quality of the matcha. By staying true to proven Japanese practices, we deliver matcha that’s rich in nutrients, full of flavor, and safe to enjoy, just like it is in everyday life in Japan.
Is ARI matcha toxin screened?
Yes. Each batch of our matcha is screened for heavy metals and pesticides.
How to prepare a perfect matcha?
1. Gather Your Tools
- Chawan - tea bowl
- Chasen - bamboo whisk
- Chashaku - bamboo scoop
- Fine mesh strainer
- Hot water (80°C)
2. Matcha latte: sift 3 grams of matcha powder into a bowl and add a little hot water (80*C). Whisk for 45-60 seconds to get a smooth, green matcha paste. Add another 30 ml of hot water (80*C) and whisk until creamy and smooth. Pour your matcha over 110 ml warm and foamy, or iced milk of your choice.
3. Traditional matcha: sift 2 grams of matcha powder into a bowl and add a little splash of hot water (80*C). Whisk for 45-60 seconds to get a smooth, green matcha paste. Add 80 ml of hot water (80*C) and whisk until creamy and smooth. Drink straight from your matcha bowl or pour over ice. Try adding a slice of lime for taste.
4. Enjoy your matcha! :)
Can I sweeten matcha or mix it with milk?
Absolutely! You can add a natural sweetener like honey or agave. For matcha lattes, we recommend plant-based milks like pea, oat or almond, as dairy can reduce the absorption of matcha’s antioxidants.
How to store matcha?
To keep your matcha fresh, store it in a cool, dark place, ideally in the fridge. Make sure the container is airtight to prevent moisture from affecting the powder. Matcha should be kept away from sunlight, as exposure can shorten its shelf life and diminish its nutritional value.