You know what quality coffee tastes like. Now taste quality matcha.

Matcha is stone-ground powder made from tencha—tea leaves grown under shade for 20+ days before harvest, then steamed and dried without rolling. Shading blocks sunlight, preventing umami compound L-theanine from converting to bitter catechins, creating matcha's distinctive "covered aroma," sweet taste, and vivid green color from increased chlorophyll production.

Matcha is specifically ground tencha (shade-grown tea leaves), while powdered green tea is ground sencha or byproduct powder from regular tea processing. Only matcha has the distinctive covered aroma, vibrant green color, and sweet umami from 20+ days of shading. Powdered green tea doesn't go through shading and tastes more bitter. Instant tea powder is freeze-dried tea extract that fully dissolves in water.

Matcha is rich in antioxidants (catechins), L-theanine for calm focus, and vitamins C and E. Our Chiran matcha retains maximum nutrients because you consume the entire leaf in powdered form, not just the brewed liquid.

Our matcha is single-region from Chiran, Minamikyushu City in Kagoshima, Japan's largest tea-producing municipality responsible for 16% of the country's tea production. Chiran tea has won national production awards for 5 consecutive years.

Import Matcha is owned and operated by a Japanese founder who grew up in a tea farmer family and sources directly from trusted suppliers in Japan. We work exclusively with verified suppliers, including direct partnerships with tea producers in Chiran. Every batch is traceable to its origin, ensuring authenticity and quality control.

High-quality matcha has vivid, bright green color (not pale or reddish), distinctive "covered aroma" from proper shading, rich umami with minimal bitterness, and smooth texture when whisked. Color indicates freshness and cultivation quality—premium matcha maintains its emerald hue because of extended shading and proper storage. Lower grades show more yellow or brown tones and higher astringency.

While Kyoto's Uji and Aichi's Nishio are famous matcha regions, production techniques have advanced greatly across Japan. Region alone doesn't determine quality—Kyoto matcha ranges from premium to lower grades. We focus on sourcing the highest quality matcha for the price, regardless of whether it carries the premium "Uji" designation. Quality comes from proper cultivation, shading, harvest timing, and processing skill.

Chiran matcha is grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil with pure mountain water, producing tea with rich sweetness, minimal bitterness, and vibrant emerald color. The region's shaded cultivation (kabuse) and gentle steaming of tencha leaves preserves chlorophyll and umami, creating smooth, full-bodied flavor with maximum sweetness.

Ceremonial grade is our finest quality matcha—typically from first spring harvest—with vivid emerald green color, creamy umami, and low bitterness, perfect for traditional whisked tea. Latte grade is robust matcha that stands up to milk with balanced sweetness and smooth finish, ideal for lattes and smoothies. Culinary grade has a stronger flavor profile designed for baking and cooking applications.

We offer both certified organic and conventionally grown options that meet strict Japanese food safety standards (G-GAP and JAS). All products undergo rigorous quality testing. Contact us about organic options for your specific needs.

Our matcha meets Japanese national production standards and comes from award-winning Chiran producers. We maintain full traceability from field to package with third-party testing for purity.

Minimums vary by product and service. Contact us with your needs and we'll find an option that works for your business.

Yes. We encourage sampling before any commitment. Request samples through our contact form.

Store matcha in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture, preferably refrigerated. Once open, use within 2-3 months for optimal freshness and vibrant color. We highly recommend refrigerating after opening.

Premium matcha, when stored carefully under proper temperature and humidity, can develop increased aroma and mellower taste. However, once opened, use within 2-3 months for peak color and flavor. After that, matcha is still safe to consume but better suited for lattes or baking where milk and heat mask some flavor loss. Unopened matcha stays fresh for 12-18 months.

Request samples or get a quote through our contact form. We'll respond within 1-2 business days to discuss your needs.