FAQ
What is matcha?
Matcha is a fine powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). Unlike steeped green tea, you drink the whole leaf, whisked into water or milk.
Chaé sources single-origin ceremonial matcha from Japan, with a vibrant green colour and a smooth, non-bitter umami taste.
How is matcha different from green tea?
For matcha, the tea plants are shaded for several weeks before harvest, which gives the leaves more chlorophyll and a deeper umami flavour. The leaves are then stone ground into powder and whisked, so you consume the entire leaf instead of an infusion.
What are the matcha grades?
Ceremonial grade generally refers to matcha made from young leaves, with a smooth, sweet taste that suits drinking it straight. Lower grades are often used for lattes and baking. The term has no official definition, so look at colour, origin and cultivar. Chaé focuses solely on ceremonial matcha.
Is your matcha lab tested?
Yes. Our Yame matcha (Saemidori cultivar) was tested alongside 22 other matchas in an accredited laboratory for pesticides, heavy metals and origin, and ranked #1 of 23 overall. Read the full results.
How do I make matcha?
Sift 1–2 g of matcha into a bowl, add 60 ml of water at 70–80°C and whisk in a W-motion until frothy. For a latte, use a little less water and top up with frothed milk. A bamboo whisk (chasen) gives the best foam.
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes. One serving of about 1 g of matcha contains roughly 30–35 mg of caffeine, compared with around 80–100 mg in a cup of coffee. Matcha also naturally contains the amino acid L-theanine. Because of the caffeine, matcha is not recommended for children or pregnant women.
Matcha or coffee?
Many people switch to matcha as a coffee alternative because of its taste and ritual, and because a serving contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee.
How should I store matcha?
Keep matcha airtight, cool and away from light and moisture. After opening, store it in the fridge and use it within a few weeks for the best colour and flavour.