Matcha

Not all matcha labeled as "ceremonial grade" lives up to the name - lower-grade matcha is often marketed as ceremonial, compromising both flavor and benefits. At Yu Tea, we believe true matcha excellence comes from an unwavering commitment to quality. That's why we offer only superior organic ceremonial-grade Matcha, crafted to deliver an unmatched experience.

Our Matcha provides the ideal balance of L-theanine and caffeine for calm, sustained energy, along with rich Catechin and EGCG antioxidants to support your health. Many companies, including our former brand Sei Mee Tea, typically offer an "everyday grade" and "culinary grade" for affordability. However, Yu Tea has chosen a different path: we offer a wider variety of traditional Japanese teas and only the very best of each type we provide.

We are proud to deliver this exceptional quality at one of the best values in the industry. Taste the difference for yourself and discover what sets Yu Tea’s Matcha apart. Let us elevate your tea journey and help you nourish your body and soul. For more information on this, please see our detailed page explaining Matcha grades.

Ceremonial A-Grade Matcha is meticulously crafted to achieve the highest standards in color, flavor, texture, and purity, setting it apart from generic ceremonial-grade matcha. While generic ceremonial matcha often varies in vibrancy, taste, and refinement, our A-Grade Matcha reflects superior cultivation, harvesting, processing, and testing practices, ensuring an exceptional tea experience every time.

Color: Vibrant Green from Superior Chlorophyll Content - Our Ceremonial A-Grade Matcha features a bright, vibrant emerald-green hue, a testament to its high chlorophyll content. This vibrant color results from shading tea plants for up to 3-4 weeks before harvest, stimulating chlorophyll production and enhancing nutrient density. In contrast, generic ceremonial matcha may have a yellowish or dull green color due to shorter shading periods or the use of less optimal leaves.

Flavor: Smooth and Sweet from Elevated L-Theanine Levels - The flavor of our A-Grade Matcha is characterized by its smoothness and subtle sweetness, thanks to its high L-theanine content. This amino acid, enhanced through proper shading techniques, creates a naturally balanced umami profile with no bitterness. On the other hand, generic ceremonial matcha often tastes more astringent or bitter due to lower L-theanine levels, reflecting subpar shading or the inclusion of mature, coarser leaves.

Texture: Ultra-Fine Powder for a Luxurious Mouthfeel - Our matcha is meticulously crafted using traditional stone mills, which gently press and slowly grind tea leaves into ultra-fine, rounded particles. This careful process creates a distinctive, luxurious mouthfeel and increases the surface area of the particles, potentially enhancing nutrient bioavailability during digestion.

In contrast, machine-based grinding methods cut or break the tea leaves into sharp-edged particles, producing a coarser powder. While this approach allows the powder to dissolve more quickly in water, it lacks the smooth, velvety texture and authentic experience of stone-milled matcha.

Our matcha is made exclusively from young, tender leaves ground by traditional stone mills, a process that enhances its exceptional quality. Due to the delicate nature of the leaves, the powder has a sticky texture, much like grinding tender baby spinach with a mortar and pestle. To enjoy its smooth, velvety consistency, whisking is essential. A traditional bamboo whisk adds a mindful, meditative aspect to the tea-making ritual, but a quick whirl with a handy electric frother works as well.

Some believe that easy mixability indicates higher quality, but in fact, it often signals coarser, more mature leaves or machine grinding. Methods like machine cutting or ball-milling create jagged, uneven particles that mix easily in water. In contrast, the stone mill method produces smooth, round, uniform particles that result in the velvety mouthfeel of premium matcha.

Another common misunderstanding about matcha is its "mixability" in water. Unlike sugar, the powder doesn’t dissolve in water because it’s finely milled plant material. So, it’s natural for the powder to suspend in water, and you may notice some settlement over time. This is not a sign of low quality - simply give the cup a gentle sway or stir it to restore the suspension. Unusually high mixability often signals lower quality tea leaves and/or grinding methods, and may even indicate the inclusion of agents like tapioca. Additionally, if the powder completely dissolves, it could be freeze-dried liquid, not wholesome tea leaves in powder form.

For the best experience, we recommend using pure water heated to 145°F. This
temperature preserves the smooth, rich umami flavor and velvety texture. Higher
temperatures can create a sharp sensation in the mouth, diminishing the roundness of high-quality matcha.

At Yu Tea, we believe true matcha excellence comes from uncompromising quality. The full depth of matcha’s flavor and benefits can only be achieved when crafted to the highest standards. That’s why we focus exclusively on premium matcha and a curated selection of Japanese teas - like Decaf Matcha, Sencha Powder, Decaf Sencha Powder, Genmaicha Powder, and Hojicha Powder.

While blends or lower-grade matcha may be more affordable, they often sacrifice purity, flavor, and health benefits. Our focused approach ensures unmatched quality in every tea we offer, reflecting our expertise and dedication to your well-being. We’re committed to delivering the very best for your tea journey.

While Yu Tea is not a medicinal product, our rigorous standards and the natural health benefits of our teas have earned the trust of many doctors and wellness experts (Here’s a list of some of the experts). Known for its high antioxidant content, purity, and ability to support a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, our teas are a popular choice among health-conscious individuals, which is why many healthcare professionals recommend them.

We take pride in offering teas that align with wellness goals and encourage you to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on how our teas can complement your unique needs.

Catechins: 207 mg per serving, with EGCG comprising approximately 50–60%, equating to 103–124 mg of EGCG.

L-theanine: 24 mg per serving.

**Please note that our matcha is a 100% natural food product, and nutrient levels may vary slightly from year to year.

Each single-serving Matcha stick contains 1.5 grams or roughly 3/4 tsp.

Each pouch of Matcha contains 75 grams.

While we cannot make medical claims or provide specific advice, research suggests that green tea, particularly in its powdered form such as Matcha, Sencha Powder, Genmaicha Powder, and Hojicha Powder, offers significant health benefits. Our very own Sencha was the product used in this study. These powdered teas use the whole tea leaf, providing a concentrated source of Catechins - powerful antioxidants studied for their ability to influence biological processes at the DNA and mitochondrial levels. Catechins have been shown to support cellular health, promote proper cell function, and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in damaged or cancerous cells. Furthermore, studies indicate that Catechins may positively impact telomeres, which are essential for maintaining cellular integrity and longevity.

Thanks to its unique shading process, Matcha is particularly rich in L-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming effects and support of cognitive health. L-theanine has been shown to enhance relaxation, focus, and mental clarity while reducing stress, making it a valuable component of a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.

As always, we encourage you to consult trusted healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on how tea can best complement your specific needs.

**The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While we reference scientific studies and research, we do not make medical claims or offer specific health advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.

Matcha and Sencha powder are both made from green tea leaves but differ in cultivation, processing, and nutritional profile. Matcha is shade-grown for several weeks before harvest, which boosts its chlorophyll and L-theanine levels. This gives it a vibrant green color, a creamy umami flavor, and a calming yet energizing effect due to its balanced caffeine and L-theanine content.

Sencha, on the other hand, is grown in full sunlight, which increases its catechin levels - powerful antioxidants responsible for its refreshing, slightly astringent taste. It also contains less caffeine, making it a better choice for those who may be sensitive to caffeine.

Both powders allow you to consume the entire tea leaf, maximizing your intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Matcha’s smooth, rich profile or Sencha’s light, crisp flavor. For further details, see Matcha vs. Sencha.

Absolutely! We welcome wholesale inquiries. Simply email us, and we will take care of your needs.

Yes, we conduct rigorous testing on all our tea products, including Matcha, to ensure their quality and safety. This includes testing for potential contaminants such as heavy metals like lead. While trace amounts of certain elements can naturally occur in soil, we take every precaution to ensure our teas meet the highest safety standards for food products.

We are committed to transparency and providing safe, high-quality teas to our customers. For more information about contaminants in food, you may find resources like the FDA’s Environmental Contaminants in Food page helpful.

All Yu Tea products are food, not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As with any food product, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have specific health concerns before incorporating our teas into your routine.

To retain the freshness and potency of your Yu Tea Matcha, it's essential to store it away from air, sunlight, moisture, and heat. Follow these steps for optimal preservation:

• Resealable Bags: Our teas come in resealable pouches or individual single-serving sticks for extra convenience and freshness. For pouches, after each use, gently squeeze out the air and reseal the bag securely.
• Alternative Containers: If desired, transfer your tea to a non-clear, air-tight container with a snug-sealing lid to keep it fresh.
• Temperature Control: In warmer climates (average temperatures around 70°F), store in the fridge if possible. Ensure to bring it to room temperature an hour before use to prevent condensation.

Over time, matcha's potency gradually decreases. The "best by" date is set for two years after production to maintain optimal nutritional value and flavor. Tea consumed beyond this period may still be safe to drink but will likely have diminished flavor, aroma, and health benefits. To fully enjoy matcha's vibrant taste and wellness properties, we recommend consuming it fresh or purchasing a new supply once it’s past the best-by date.

By adhering to these storage guidelines, you'll ensure that every cup of Yu Tea you brew is as vibrant and beneficial as the last, celebrating the authentic essence of our meticulously crafted teas.

Absolutely! Matcha is versatile and can be used in various recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, and savory dishes, adding a unique flavor and nutritional boost. For inspiration, explore our collection of delicious matcha recipes (which can also be swapped with our Decaf Matcha), perfect for any occasion.