ShiZen Tea
Organic Matcha Superior Green Tea Powder 1.1 oz (30g) - Ceremonial Grade
Organic Matcha Superior Green Tea Powder 1.1 oz (30g) - Ceremonial Grade
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2025 Final Batch — While supplies last
This is one of the last remaining batches of our 2025 ceremonial-grade matcha from the Kirishima mountains of Kagoshima. It has been stored carefully to preserve its character. Best enjoyed by August 30, 2026. The 2026 spring matcha is expected later this season (around June) — we are offering this final batch at a slightly lower price in the meantime.
Product Facts
- Tea type: Matcha (drinking grade)
- Origin: Kirishima, Kagoshima, Japan
- Harvest: First harvest
- Certification: JAS organic
- Net weight: 30g / 1.1 oz
- Processing: Modern fine-powder milling (current batch is not stone-milled)
- Taste profile: Smooth body, soft umami, gentle bitterness, vivid green color
- Best for: Daily usucha, matcha latte, cold matcha, and simple sweets
A First-Harvest Organic Drinking Matcha from Kirishima
Organic Matcha Superior is made from first-harvest organic tea leaves grown in Kirishima, Kagoshima. The leaves are picked early in the season, when they are still tender and rich in flavor, then ground into a fine powder for whisked preparation. JAS organic certification is current for this batch.
In previous years, this product was stone-milled. The current batch is not stone-milled. Stone-mill capacity in Japan has become extremely limited due to the recent matcha boom, so this batch is ground with modern fine-powder milling equipment instead. Our honest view is that stone-milled matcha remains the traditional benchmark for very fine texture, but this batch is finely ground and offers a smooth, full matcha flavor that is comfortable to recommend for daily drinking.
This is the kind of matcha we like for everyday use. Whisked as usucha, blended into a matcha latte, or shaken with cold water in warm weather, the cup keeps a clear matcha character without feeling heavy.
Who This Matcha Is For
- For people who want first-harvest organic matcha for daily bowls of usucha
- For matcha latte drinkers who still want a clear tea character
- For cold matcha and iced matcha in warm weather
- For people who want a smoother drinking matcha rather than a baking-only powder
- For customers building a multi-tea order from Japan
What Makes This Matcha Different
- First-harvest leaves: Picked early in the season, when the leaves are tender and rich in flavor. First-harvest quality is the foundation of this matcha.
- JAS organic certification: Certified under Japan's JAS organic standard for this batch.
- Modern fine-powder milling (current batch): The traditional benchmark for very fine matcha is stone-milling. This batch is not stone-milled. It is ground with modern fine-powder equipment chosen to create a smooth texture suitable for whisking.
- "Ceremonial grade" in the overseas drinking sense: "Ceremonial grade" is not a formal Japanese certification. We use it in the overseas sense: matcha intended for drinking, not only for baking or sweetened recipes.
- Everyday 30g size: A practical size for daily usucha, latte, and cold matcha without committing to a large tin.
Taste Profile
- Aroma: Fresh greens, soft sweet matcha note, a hint of grassy first-harvest character
- Palate: Smooth body, soft umami, mild sweetness, and gentle bitterness
- Finish: Clean, mellow, and easy to return to throughout the day
- Umami: ■■■■□ (4/5)
- Sweetness: ■■■□□ (3/5)
- Bitterness: ■■□□□ (2/5)
- Aroma: ■■■□□ (3/5)
- Body: ■■■■□ (4/5)
Compared with a stone-milled matcha at the top of the drinking-matcha category, this batch sits a step below in texture refinement, but keeps a clear first-harvest character. Compared with a baking-grade matcha, it is much smoother and better suited for whisking and drinking.
How to Prepare
Usucha (Whisked Matcha)
- Matcha: 2g / about 1 teaspoon
- Water: 60-70ml / 2-2.4 fl oz
- Temperature: 75-80 C / 167-176 F
- Method: Sift the matcha, add hot water, and whisk quickly until smooth and lightly foamy.
Matcha Latte
- Matcha: 2-3g
- Hot water: 40ml / 1.4 fl oz
- Milk: 150-200ml / 5-6.8 fl oz
- Method: Whisk the matcha with hot water first, then add warm or cold milk.
Cold Matcha
- Matcha: 2g
- Cold water: 200ml / 6.8 fl oz
- Method: Sift the matcha into a bottle or shaker with cold water, then shake well until smooth. For a richer iced drink, use less water and pour over ice.
Organic Certification
This matcha is certified under Japan's JAS organic standard for the current batch. If you are building a certified-organic tea collection, this matcha pairs naturally with our other certified-organic teas (see below).
Teas to Try Alongside This One
If you are building a multi-tea order from Japan and want to keep the whole selection certified organic, these are the companions we suggest alongside Organic Matcha Superior. Each gives a different angle on Japanese organic tea, so it is easy to compare side by side.
- Organic Sencha: a clean, certified-organic everyday loose-leaf green tea
- Organic Genmaicha with Matcha: a roasted, nutty organic genmaicha with matcha color, for a different style of organic green tea
- Yuzu Wakocha: an organic Japanese black tea with organic yuzu peel, for a fragrant change-of-pace cup
Shipping from Japan
This matcha ships directly from Japan. If you are ordering from overseas, it often makes sense to choose several teas together, especially if you enjoy comparing matcha, sencha, and other Japanese tea styles.
Comparison FAQ
Is this matcha stone-milled?
This current batch is not stone-milled. It is ground with modern fine-powder milling equipment. In previous years, this product was stone-milled, but stone-mill capacity in Japan has become extremely limited due to high matcha demand.
Is this a ceremonial matcha?
"Ceremonial grade" is not a formal Japanese certification. We use the term to mean matcha intended for drinking, not just baking or sweetened recipes. In terms of drinking quality, this matcha belongs in the broad category of first-harvest, fine-powder matcha used for whisked preparation.
How is this different from Organic Sencha?
Organic Sencha is a loose-leaf green tea, brewed in a teapot. Organic Matcha Superior is a fine powder, whisked into water (or shaken cold). Both are certified organic, so they pair naturally in a single order.
Can I use this for matcha latte?
Yes. This matcha has enough body for milk while still keeping a clear tea character. Whisk it with a small amount of hot water first, then add warm or cold milk.
How should I store it?
Keep matcha sealed, cool, dry, and away from light. After opening, use it as soon as you can for the best aroma and color.
FAQ
Q. How soon will my order be shipped?
A. We typically ship orders within 1-3 business days. In the rare event that an item is out of stock, it may take longer. If that happens, we will contact you directly to discuss the options.
Q. What is your return policy?
A. If there is a quality issue, damage, defect, or wrong item, please contact us within 30 days so we can arrange a refund or replacement. Unopened tea in its original factory-sealed package and unused tea ware can be returned within 14 days. Opened tea cannot be returned for food-safety reasons. Orders can be cancelled before shipment. Please see our Refund Policy for the full terms.
Q. Is this tea organic?
A. Yes. This tea is certified organic under Japan's JAS Organic standard and is sold as organic in the U.S. under the U.S.-Japan organic equivalence arrangement.
Q. Will I have to pay customs and import taxes?
A. For U.S. orders, import duties and related charges are currently handled by ShiZen Tea when applicable, so you should not normally be asked to pay customs charges on delivery. For other countries, customs duties, import taxes, or local fees may vary depending on your country's regulations and may be charged to the buyer. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure.
Q. Can I track my order?
A. Yes, tracking is available for all orders. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a confirmation email containing your tracking number and a link to track your package.
Q. How much caffeine does this tea contain?
A. Yes. Like other Japanese green teas, this tea contains caffeine. The exact amount can vary depending on the tea amount, water temperature, and steeping time. If you are sensitive to caffeine, we recommend enjoying it earlier in the day.
Q. How should I store the tea?
A. Please store the tea in a cool, dark place, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. After opening, seal the package tightly and enjoy it as soon as possible, while the aroma is still fresh.
Q. What payment methods do you accept?
A. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) as well as PayPal.