Description
What is Matcha?
Matcha (抹茶) is a fine powder made from whole ground tealeaves, and is distinctive in its rich flavour and deep green colour. The young shoots are shaded for 3-4 weeks, and after harvesting and drying the stems and veins are removed from the leaf to make Tencha. This is then ground into a powder using a stone mill or ball mill. Traditionally, Matcha is prepared by dissolving the powder in hot water, and a bamboo whisk (chasen) is used to froth up the mixture to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Matcha plays an important part in the Japanese tea ceremony, the Sado or “the way of tea”, where tea preparation is used to emphasise beauty, simplicity and tranquility.
Farmer Profile
Akihiro “Akky” Kita is our president and lead farmer here at Obubu. His desire to make this tea available to the general public is the foundation of Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms. In college, Akky took up a part-time job as a farmhand in Wazuka, and fell in love with the tea of this region. He made the decision then to leave college and devote his time to mastering the art of tea farming. Recognizing the need for independent farmers like himself to spread the joy of drinking Japanese tea, he travels each year during the winter off-season to bring Japanese tea to people all over the world.
How to Make Matcha
English (UK) 
Français
Obubu Tea –
Reviews by tea professionals and enthusiasts:
“There is no vegetal aspect to the smell, but one does get the feeling that it is fresh.
After preparing it, it frothed into a beautiful cup of matcha. I did notice the creaminess, it is rich and savory. The umami taste is evident as well” – Ricardo Caicedo, 2015
“Obubu’s Gokou Matcha has changed everything for the better. I ordered it from Yunomi.us during the Matcha Day sale. It’s slightly sweet and creamy— without having to add cream or sugar” – candyforbreakfast, 2013
“Fresh from the minute I opened the pouch to the instant I whisked and drank it. It’s got the trademark bitter leaf taste that is, well, matcha, but it’s not so bitter or flat that it makes you want to set your cup or bowl down. Sweetest variety of matcha I’ve yet tried that wasn’t labeled as ceremonial grade. Nice emerald color, not as chalky as restaurant grades. Love it.” – by Latte Tea Dah, 2011
“It’s powerful stuff. Quite bitter and very, very ‘green’ to my taste buds; some sweetness in the aftertaste. It does not taste anything like a sencha; there is no brothiness, no ‘seaweedy’ taste. I feel like saying ‘grassy’ but that’s not quite the right word either. I’m not sure how to describe it. ‘Green’ is the best I can do – and not even a specific kind of ‘green’ either. Just quintessential greenness!” – by Joiedetea, 2010
“This is exactly as described. It is milky and creamy. I would suggest this matcha for a newbie who is not used to how bold a matcha can be. It is very subtle. I think next time I may make this as a latte.” – by Rachel, 2010