Matcha is stone-ground powder made from tencha—tea leaves grown under shade for 20+ days before harvest, then steamed and dried without rolling. Shading blocks sunlight, preventing umami compound L-theanine from converting to bitter catechins, creating matcha's distinctive "covered aroma," sweet taste, and vivid green color from increased chlorophyll production.

Matcha is specifically ground tencha (shade-grown tea leaves), while powdered green tea is ground sencha or byproduct powder from regular tea processing. Only matcha has the distinctive covered aroma, vibrant green color, and sweet umami from 20+ days of shading. Powdered green tea doesn't go need to go through shading, tastes more bitter. Instant tea powder is freeze-dried tea extract that fully dissolves in water.

Matcha is rich in antioxidants (catechins), L-theanine for calm focus, and vitamins C and E. Chiran matcha retains maximum nutrients because you consume the entire leaf in powdered form, not just the brewed liquid.

Melted Matcha is a tea and tea ware distributor owned and operated by a Japanese who grew up in a tea farmer family and sources directly from trusted suppliers in Japan. We maintain authentic relationships with tea producers in Kagoshima, southern Japan to ensure quality and traceability.

Our matcha is single-region from Chiran, Minamikyushu City in Kagoshima, Japan's largest tea-producing municipality responsible for 16% of the country's tea production. Chiran tea has won national production awards for 5 consecutive years.

We work exclusively with verified suppliers in Japan, including direct partnerships with tea producers in Chiran. Every batch is traceable to its origin, ensuring authenticity and quality control.

High-quality matcha has vivid, bright green color (not pale or reddish), distinctive "covered aroma" from proper shading, rich umami with minimal bitterness, and smooth texture when whisked. Color indicates freshness and cultivation quality—premium matcha maintains its emerald hue because of extended shading and proper storage. Lower grades show more yellow or brown tones and higher astringency.

While Kyoto's Uji and Aichi's Nishio are famous matcha regions, production techniques have advanced greatly across Japan. Region alone doesn't determine quality—Kyoto matcha ranges from premium to lower grades. We focus on sourcing the highest quality matcha for the price, regardless of whether it carries the premium "Uji" designation. Quality comes from proper cultivation, shading, harvest timing, and processing skill.

Chiran matcha is grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil with pure mountain water, producing tea with rich sweetness, minimal bitterness, and vibrant emerald color. The region's shaded cultivation (kabuse) and gentle steaming of tencha leaves preserves chlorophyll and umami, creating smooth, full-bodied flavor with maximum sweetness.

Melted Matcha features premium Kagoshima cultivars including Saemidori (vivid green, mellow sweetness), Yutakamidori (rich body), and seasonal selections. Each variety offers distinct flavor profiles rooted in Chiran's terroir.

Whisk-grade is Melted Matcha's finest quality matcha—typically from first spring harvest—with vivid emerald green color, creamy umami, and low bitterness, perfect for traditional whisked tea. Latte-grade is robust matcha that stands up to milk with balanced sweetness and smooth finish, ideal for lattes, smoothies, and baking. Note that terms like "ceremonial" and "culinary" are Western marketing terms not traditionally used in Japan. Melted Matcha uses whisk-grade and latte-grade to accurately reflect how each matcha performs best.

Melted Matcha offers both certified organic and conventionally grown options that meet strict Japanese food safety standards (G-GAP and JAS). All products undergo rigorous quality testing.

Melted Matcha's matcha meets Japanese national production standards and comes from award-winning Chiran producers. Melted Matcha maintains full traceability from field to package with third-party testing for purity.

Melted Matcha imports small batches directly from Japan and ships promptly to maintain peak freshness. Melted Matcha's suppliers process tea shortly after harvest to preserve color, aroma, and nutrients.

Use ~2g matcha powder, add 70-80ml water at 70-80°C, and whisk vigorously in zigzag motion until frothy. Soft water enhances the tea's natural sweetness.

Absolutely—Melted Matcha's Chiran matcha has rich color and balanced flavor that work beautifully in lattes, desserts, and savory dishes. Melted Matcha's latte-grade is specifically selected for versatile kitchen use.

Store matcha in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture, preferably refrigerated. Once open, use within 2-3 months for optimal freshness and vibrant color. Highly recommend refrigerating after opening.

Premium matcha, when aged carefully under proper temperature and humidity, can develop increased aroma and mellower taste. However, once opened, use within 2-3 months for peak color and flavor. After that, matcha is still safe to consume but better suited for lattes or baking where milk and heat mask some flavor loss. Lower quality matcha deteriorates faster and doesn't improve with age.