How Premium Matcha is Made with Care
The allure of Japanese Matcha tea is undeniable, and it has been revered for centuries. The secret to its vibrant flavor and rich green hue lies in its meticulous production process. Understanding how premium matcha is made is essential for tea lovers and health enthusiasts alike.
The highest quality ceremonial-grade matcha is harvested annually during the first spring harvest. This initial picking yields the most exquisite green tea, crafted for ceremonial use. Only the fresh, unfurling leaves and buds are selected, providing a delicate flavor that shines best without sweeteners or milk.
To ensure optimal growth, young tea shoots are shaded for 3 to 4 weeks prior to harvesting. This shading encourages tender leaves packed with amino acids and chlorophyll, which contribute to matcha's distinctive taste and color. This shading process is essential to developing the smooth and sweet profile associated with premium matcha, ensuring it remains free of bitterness.
The subsequent harvests in summer offer a stronger, more astringent taste due to increased sun exposure and the natural rise of tannins in the leaves. While these leaves can be used to create matcha, their flavor becomes too intense and is best suited for culinary applications rather than enjoying plain as a drink.
Later harvests yield even more astringent leaves, making them unsuitable for premium matcha. Instead, they are often used in tea bags or blended into roasted teas like genmaicha or kukicha.
At Leigh Leaf Organic Matcha, we meticulously select only the finest first-harvest tea leaves to produce our ceremonial grade matcha. Our production process preserves the delicate flavor and health benefits, ensuring every sip delivers a luxurious experience.
After harvesting, the stems and veins are expertly removed, leaving behind the tender leaf known as Tencha. This Tencha goes through a traditional grinding process using stone mills, resulting in a fine powder that makes Japanese Organic Matcha unique. This method ensures that all natural nutrients remain intact, providing an unparalleled taste.
The slow grinding process also helps to retain the tea's rich green color and aromatic qualities. Enjoying Japanese Organic Matcha Tea is not only a sensory delight; it is also a source of numerous health benefits.
In conclusion, Japanese Organic Matcha Tea stands as a testament to fine craftsmanship and tradition. It is cherished by tea lovers globally, making it a luxurious staple in the world of premium beverages.
