M A T C H A
WHAT IS MATCHA?
Matcha is an amazingly popular Japanese green tea that is made by milling a shade-grown tea leaf called tencha into a very fine powder. The ritual of matcha tea preparation is the foundation of the reverential Zen-based Japanese tea ceremony known as chanoyu. The unique cultivation of matcha produces a tea that provides a long-lasting, natural energy buzz and heightened mental clarity. This is achieved by shading the tea plants for 20 days prior to harvest, boosting the chlorophyll, vivid green color and central nervous system stimulating amino acids like L-theanine. Tencha tea bush cultivars are intentionally bred to have high contents of caffeine and amino acids with low contents of bitter tannin, which makes matcha very energizing and stimulating with less bitterness and astringency than other teas. A traditional, 2-gram shot of matcha bestows the drinker with 6 hours of enhanced alpha brain waves, mental clarity and calm alertness that feels more energetic and less jittery than the coffee buzz. ALL THE HEALTH BENEFITS
35%
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION
ESPRESSO OF TEA
Sugars
100%
Matcha
Unlike steeped leaf tea, where only 35% of the tea leaf phyto-nutrients transfer into the cup, matcha is consumed in its entirety so 100% of tea’s health benefits are consumed.
Traditionally prepared and served in a tea bowl called a chawan, matcha is first sifted to break up any clumps, then whisked into a smooth, frothy, vivid green emulsion using hot water and a bamboo whisk called a chasen.
Milk
Today, baristas can think of Matcha as the “espresso of tea,” with a Matcha Shot being the foundation of a range of café drinks from lattes to Americanos to hot chocolates. The traditional yield of a 2-gram matcha preparation is in fact the similar volume of an espresso shot, making it easy to incorporate into any café.
ARTISAN CEREMONIAL MATCHA
Region
Application
1st Flush / Granite stone-milled
Sourced from the most esteemed artisan matcha makers in the Uji region of Kyoto, Japan. Our stone-ground ceremonial selections are made from vintage-curated batches of specialized cultivars that are designated exclusively for the top grades of matcha and gyokuro. Our selections are shipped direct from Japan to our cold storage in the US within days of being milled, in a cycle that repeats throughout the year. Our ceremonial matchas are the top of the line and are perfectly suited for traditional usucha (thin) and koicha (thick) tea service.
Koicha / Usucha
Uji, Kyoto Prefecture UMAMI
COLOR
Radiant Emerald
SHADING
Traditional tana -- thatch-and-frame
PRODUCT
Houju [MHOUJ30-RP] Asahi & Saemidori
BITTER
PRODUCT
Hekisui [MHEKISUI30-RP] Asahi, Samidori & Ujihikari
AROMA
CULTIVAR CULTIVAR
RESERVE ORGANIC MATCHA
SWEET
Region
Application
1st Flush / Granite stone-milled
The most prized organic tencha farms in all of Japan are widely recognized as being located on Kirishima Mountain. Grown exclusively in those volcanic soils and diverse cedar forestry, our Reserve Organic Matchas are made from the very best vivid green cultivars that are rich in umami, bittersweetness and aroma. Each year, our artful tea tasters evaluate each cultivar’s performance and design our Kirishima Blend while selecting single cultivar micro-lots that present uniquely attractive tasting notes we wish to highlight. These micro-lots are reserved to be sold on their own so as to celebrate the single cultivar characteristic and provide a snapshot of the vintage—an avant-garde practice. All of our organic offerings are unique novelties of a small, but growing Japanese organic tea industry.
Usucha
Matcha shot
Matcha americano
Kagoshima Prefecture
COLOR
Precious Jade
SHADING
Modern tana – hoop-and-mesh
PRODUCT
Organic Single Cultivar Saemidori [OMATSMJAR30-RP] Saemidori “Bright Green”
SWEET
PRODUCT
Organic Single Cultivar Okumidori [OMATOKUJAR30-RP] Okumidori “Deep Green”
BITTER
PRODUCT
Organic Matcha Kirishima Blend [OMATKBJAR30-RP] Saemidori, Okumidori, Yabukita & Okuyutaka
AROMA
CULTIVAR CULTIVAR
CULTIVARS
UMAMI
ORGANIC TEAHOUSE MATCHA
Region
Application
1st Flush / Granite stone-milled
Made of a proprietary blend of unique tencha cultivars selected for their high amino acids, high caffeine, low tannin, and low fiber content. The result is the creamiest, most umami-rich mouthfeel, vivid green color, and highest buzzing energy for an everyday first flush matcha. Drinks aiming for the mood-boosting, mental clarity, and enhanced energy effects of matcha should emphasize First Flush. Ideal for traditional preparation, as the “espresso of tea” – matcha shot and matcha based drinks where pure vivid green color is essential.
Usucha
Matcha shot
Matcha americano
Matcha latte hot/iced
UMAMI
COLOR
Fresh snap pea
SHADING
Tencha Kabuse wrapped
SWEET
Kagoshima Prefecture
PRODUCT
Organic Teahouse Matcha [OTEAMAT100-RP] CULTIVAR Saemidori, Okumidori, Tsuyuhikari & Asanoka
AROMA
Region
ORGANIC BARISTA MATCHA
BITTER
Application
1st + 2nd Flush / Ceramic beads-milled
Barista Matcha is specially designed with baristas and drinks makers in mind. This matcha is produced using modern beads-milling technology and combines tencha from the first and second flush harvests. Helping sustain an approachable cost per serving for café applications, this creates an ideal balance of green color and umami richness of first flush, with the tannin structure of second flush which blends well with milk and sugar. This is the ideal choice for venues seeking to implement the “espresso of tea” – matcha shot, barista drink series.
Kagoshima Prefecture
Matcha latte hot/iced
Baked goods
Smoothies
Juices
Hot chocolate
UMAMI COLOR
Fresh kiwi
SHADING
Tencha Kabuse wrapped
PRODUCT
Organic Barista Matcha [OMATSF100-RP] Asanoka, Kanayamidori, Saemidori, Okumidori, Okuyutaka, Tsuyuhikari & Yabukita
CULTIVAR
SWEET
BITTER
AROMA
Affogato
Region
SWEET MATCHA
Application
1st Flush / Ceramic beads-milled Treat yourself! Add a little more green to your menu with our Sweet Matcha powder, designed for a presweeten green tea latte. Made with authentic, first flush Japanese Matcha and pure cane sugar and no fillers. No sifting needed, simply mix with milk of choice to create a delicious and perfectly sweetened latte, or experiment to mix your own unique café style concoctions and baked goods.
Matcha latte hot/iced
Shizuoka Prefecture
UMAMI
SWEET COLOR
Seafoam green
SHADING
Tencha Kabuse wrapped
PRODUCT
Sweet Matcha [SMP-OK] Yabukita
CULTIVAR
BITTER
AROMA
TEAWARE
Matcha bowl MA137
Bamboo Chasen MA103
Chashaku MA107
Spouted Matcha Serving Bowl MA140
Matcha Sifter TSM156
Chasen Stand MA141
RISHI is the vanguard source of direct trade organic tea and botanicals. Since 1997, we have traveled widely and nurtured relationships with growers in remote regions across the world. By honoring the traditions of the world’s heritage teas and sharing our passion for herbal and culinary arts, we aim to be a wellspring of inspiration for your tea life.
CONTACT
INQUIRIES
Toll Free: 1 . 866 . 747 . 4483 Main Line: 414 . 747 . 4001 Fax: 414 . 747 . 4008
order@rishi-tea.com www.rishi-tea.com