Uji, Yame or Kagoshima: which matcha suits you?
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Where matcha is grown shapes how it tastes. Climate, soil and local tea-making traditions all leave their mark. Chaé sources single-origin matcha from three Japanese regions. Here's how they differ.
Uji (Kyoto)
Uji, just south of Kyoto, is Japan's most historic matcha region and closely tied to the development of the Japanese tea ceremony. Uji matcha is known for its refinement and depth. Our Uji matcha has an intense jade-green colour, a velvety body, layered umami and a very clean finish.
Best for: drinking pure and for special moments. Discover Uji matcha
Yame (Fukuoka)
Yame lies in Fukuoka prefecture on Kyushu, Japan's southern island, and is renowned for its high-quality shaded teas, including gyokuro. Our Yame matcha is made from the Saemidori cultivar: vivid emerald green, velvety, naturally sweet and rich in umami, with no bitterness.
Best for: an all-rounder that's good enough to drink pure and makes premium lattes. Discover Yame matcha
Kagoshima
Kagoshima, at the southern tip of Kyushu, has a warm climate and is one of Japan's largest tea-producing regions. Our Kagoshima matcha is mellow and lightly sweet, with smooth umami and no intensity or bitterness.
Best for: beginners, daily bowls and creamy matcha lattes. Discover Kagoshima matcha
Quick comparison
| Region | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Uji | Refined, layered umami, clean finish | Drinking pure |
| Yame | Sweet, rich umami, no bitterness | Pure and lattes |
| Kagoshima | Mellow, lightly sweet, smooth | Beginners and lattes |
Which one should you choose?
- New to matcha or mainly making lattes: Kagoshima
- Looking for an all-rounder with rich umami: Yame
- Want the most refined experience, drunk pure: Uji
Frequently asked questions
What does single-origin matcha mean?
All the tea comes from one region rather than a blend of several. That makes the taste more distinctive and the origin traceable.
What is a cultivar?
A cultivar is a specific variety of the tea plant. Saemidori, used in our Yame matcha, is valued for its natural sweetness and bright green colour.