The Matcha A-Z Encyclopedia

The Way of Tea: The comprehensive Japanese ritual art of preparing and serving matcha.

A dense ceramic jar with an ivory lid, used exclusively to store thick tea (Koicha).

A pristine white rectangular cloth woven from bleached hemp, used to dry the chawan.

The traditional 80 to 120 prong whisk carved from a single piece of mature bamboo.

A slender scoop hand-carved from seasoned bamboo with a curved tip.

The handcrafted ceramic tea bowl designed specifically for preparing and savoring matcha.

The vital plant pigment responsible for photosynthesis and matcha's radiant emerald color.

A potent antioxidant catechin unique to green tea that supports metabolic health and cellular defense.

A fine stainless steel mesh sieve used to de-clump electrostatically charged matcha powder.

Japan's highest grade of shaded whole-leaf green tea ("Jade Dew").

A long-handled bamboo water ladle used to draw hot water from the iron kettle.

The traditional ancient method of shading tea plants using elevated timber scaffolds, reed mats, and rice straw.

The initial spring harvest of young tender leaves in late April to early May.

The technique of covering tea bushes with black woven screens before spring harvest.

The traditional cast iron kettle used to heat water in the Japanese tea ceremony.

Traditional "thick tea", boasting the consistency of melted dark chocolate with zero foam.

A porcelain or ceramic stand designed to preserve the curved shape of the bamboo whisk tines.

A calming amino acid naturally abundant in shaded tea leaves that promotes alpha brain waves.

A small, lacquered wooden caddy named after the jujube fruit, used to hold Usucha matcha powder.

Classic sun-grown Japanese green tea leaves steeped in hot water.

The pure, destemmed and unrolled whole green tea leaf used exclusively to grind ceremonial matcha.

Traditional "thin tea", characterized by a light, frothy, vibrant emerald crema.

The Japanese aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience, imperfection, and natural simplicity.

Artisan traditional confections eaten directly before drinking ceremonial matcha.