*Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder

Ceremonial-Grade Encha is ground from premium, first-harvest leaves, which are the most tender, plucked each spring from our farm in Uji, Japan. It’s best suited for the ceremonial style of drinking matcha, with water only. The taste is smooth, full-bodied, delicately grassy, and never bitter.

About Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Ceremonial grade matcha powder is the highest grade matcha green tea coming from the tea leaves grown on our organic farm and taken from the first harvest. The first-harvest leaves are the youngest and most tender which also gives them a deeper and more vibrant color due to the higher concentration of chlorophyl. This premium process makes our organic Japanese matcha powder the best ceremonial grade matcha, ideal for mixing with hot water alone.

Our ceremonial grade matcha powder is designed with the highest standards in accordance with the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, called chanoyu. Our traditionally-cultivated Japanese matcha powder is meticulously made in stone grinders for the finest quality texture and flavor, and the most authentic experience of any other matcha powder.

Origin

Matcha is grown all over Japan, however the best organic matcha is grown in the Uji region of Japan which is located between the two ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara in Japan. Uji, Japan has the ideal climate and geographical location, where it gets hot and sunny summers and very cold winters, ensuring the perfect conditions for our highest grade Japanese green tea leaves.

Matcha powders can only come from a special green leaf called tencha, which goes through an extensive growing process before becoming our finest organic ceremonial grade matcha powder, and delivered to your door. 

Our Promise

At Encha we strive to provide you with the most premium, high-quality matcha powder, that comes from hand-picked matcha tea leaves; traditionally cultivated, never using pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Our mission is to give matcha lovers and matcha newcomers a rich, complex flavor that is enjoyable and affordable, providing you with the all the benefits and Zenergy that only the best matcha powder can offer.

How to Use Ceremonial Grade Organic Matcha

To make a traditional ceremonial matcha, add 1 teaspoon of Encha Ceremonial Grade Organic matcha green tea powder into a 5oz of hot water (160 degrees fahrenheit). Using a bamboo matcha whisk, add water gradually and continue to whisk until the tea is aerated and fine, and a creamy foam starts to appear on the surface. The matcha tea is now ready to be served and enjoyed. For a matcha latte, just add milk or use our latte-grade matcha and add your choice of milk or milk-substitute. For the best results and flavor when cooking or baking, we recommend using our culinary grade matcha powder.

Health Benefits of Matcha Powder

Starting your day off with Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha has many health benefits and is an even better option than your normal tea or coffee. Matcha powder has been shown to be very rich in antioxidants, in fact it contains more than 10 times the amount of antioxidants of brewed green tea.

Studies have also shown matcha tea to increase brain function due to the high levels of caffeine in combination with a compound called l-theanine, which promotes alertness and focus while preventing a "crash" in energy levels. Finally, matcha has also been shown to promote heart health and enhance weight loss, so why not add a cup of Encha matcha to your daily routine? Or drink matcha lattes!

Ceremonial vs. Culinary Matcha Grades

The difference between ceremonial grade matcha and culinary matcha powders can be found in the way they are harvested, as well as the way they taste and look. Japanese ceremonial matcha powder is the highest grade. It is only taken from the premium first harvest leaves which gives it a more vibrant green hue and a less bitter flavor making it perfect for enjoying according to the ceremonial tradition, with just hot water. Culinary matcha on the other hand is ground from premium second harvest leaves giving it a more earthy flavor with a nutty finish, making it most suitable for cooking, baking, and smoothies. Culinary grade matcha powder has a less vibrant green color, however, the health benefits are equal across all matcha powder grades.

Many expensive matcha powder brands claim to have ceremonial grade powder, when in fact they aren't even shade-grown or using the youngest tea leaves, meaning, you could be paying for ceremonial grade matcha powder and receiving the equivalent of culinary grade matcha.