FAQ's

What is matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea; it is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. As the preferred tea for centuries-old Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is now a popular choice among modern tea lovers thanks to its delectable flavor and advantageous health properties.  Matcha powder is whisked in a bowl with hot water to create a frothy, bright green, and nourishing beverage.

What are the health benefits of matcha?

Matcha is packed with health benefits! It's rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage. The caffeine in matcha gives you a steady energy boost without the jitters, thanks to an amino acid called L-theanine that also helps improve focus and calmness. Matcha can also support heart health by helping lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Plus, it can aid in weight loss by boosting your metabolism. Overall, matcha is a great way to improve both your body and mind!

What is the difference between "ceremonial" and "culinary" matcha?

The main difference between ceremonial and culinary matcha lies in their quality, flavor, and intended use:

Ceremonial Matcha:

  • Made from the youngest, highest-quality tea leaves.
  • Has a vibrant green color and a smooth, delicate flavor with natural sweetness.
  • It's intended for traditional tea ceremonies or to be enjoyed simply with water, so the pure flavor can be appreciated.
  • Typically more expensive due to its premium quality.

Culinary Matcha:

  • Made from slightly older tea leaves.
  • Has a more robust, slightly bitter flavor and a darker green color.
  • It's best for use in cooking, baking, or smoothies, where its stronger taste can complement other ingredients.
  • More affordable, since it's made for recipes rather than direct drinking.

Both types offer health benefits, but ceremonial matcha is prized for its superior taste and smoothness, while culinary matcha is perfect for adding flavor to dishes and drinks.

How do you prepare matcha?

  •  Heat the water up to 75°C.
  •  Pour about ½ cup of the hot water into a matcha bowl to warm it. Dip the tea whisk into the hot water to soften it. Then discard the water and dry the bowl.
  • Place 1/2 tsp in the bowl, and add about ¼ cup (2 ounces) of hot water.
  • Use the tea whisk to mix the matcha tea into the water. Begin with slow, back-and-forth strokes, then agitate the mixture to a froth with quick M-shaped

Why does my matcha taste bitter?

Matcha will taste bitter if it was of a low quality or when using boiling water to prepare the matcha. Excellent quality matcha must not taste bitter, however, do not confuse bitterness with strong green tea flavor. Matcha with strong green tea flavor is preferred when you are mixing the powder with multiple additional ingredients that could overwhelm the flavor of matcha (like in sweetened lattes, smoothies, baking, desserts, etc.).

Will the water temperature affect my matcha taste?

Yes, water temperature can significantly affect the taste of your matcha. If the water is too hot (above 80°C or 176°F), it can make the matcha taste bitter and overpower its natural sweetness. On the other hand, using water that's too cool might not bring out the full flavor of the matcha, resulting in a milder taste. The ideal temperature for matcha is typically around 70-80°C (158-176°F), which helps release its rich, umami flavor without making it too bitter.

How long will matcha tea last? Does matcha go bad?

Matcha does have a shelf life and can go bad over time, especially if not stored properly. Here’s what you need to know:

Unopened matcha: If stored in a cool, dark place, unopened matcha can last about 6-12 months. After that, its quality may start to decline.

Opened matcha:Once opened, matcha is best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal freshness and flavor. Exposure to air, light, and moisture can cause it to lose its vibrant color, flavor, and nutrients over time.

Signs matcha has gone bad:

  • Faded color (from bright green to a duller brownish-green)
  • Loss of aroma and flavor (it may taste flat or bitter)
  • Clumpy texture (due to moisture exposure)


To extend the life of your matcha, store it in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture—some even recommend refrigerating it after opening.