The Golden Rules of Great Matcha

With so many matcha options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. At POEMS Tea Atelier, we believe the best matcha is a result of unwavering respect for three golden rules: the harvest, the leaf, and the craftsmanship. This is what makes our matcha different from the rest.

1. The Harvest: The Valuable 1st Flush of Uji

Our matcha is made exclusively from the 1st flush tea leaves (Ichibancha), meaning the very first harvest of Spring. After a long winter dormancy, the tea plants are at their peak, producing the most tender, nutrient-rich, and flavourful leaves of the entire year.  delivering a smoother taste and higher concentration of L-theanine and chlorophyll.

2. Tea Leaf: Single Cultivar Tencha

True matcha is made from Tencha leaves. Tea plants are carefully shaded 3 weeks before harvest, protecting them from direct sunlight. This process forces the plant to produce more chlorophyll and L-theanine, which gives matcha its incredible sweetness and famous vivid green colour.

Our ceremonial matcha takes this a step further by using single-cultivar Tencha leaves, such as the Okumidori & Saemidori. This is a practice similar to winemaking, where a single grape varietal is used to produce a consistent and pure flavour profile. This is why our matcha offers a nuanced, elegant, and hamonious flavour that is free from the harsh, bitter notes found in blended, lower-grade leaves.

3. The Craftsmanship

Our ceremonial matcha is not simply ground—it is patiently transformed. Using traditional granite grinders that rotate slowly, each batch is stone-milled in small quantities. This low-temperature, slow-grinding process is a labour of love, as each stone mill produces only about 30g of matcha per hour. It’s this meticulous process that preserves the tea’s delicate flavour, aroma, and silky-smooth texture.

4. Flavour Profile

Many commercial matcha brands use low-grade leaves and add artificial colour, flavouring, and additives to cover up a dull taste and pale colour. Our commitment to natural cultivation ensures a pure & vibrant Matcha & Hojicha are naturally sweet, rich yet with minimal astringency. It's ideal for sipping straight, whisked with hot water in a calm ritual. 

Choosing the Right Matcha for You

Whether you're starting your matcha journey or refining your palate, it helps to identify a good matcha from the bad. If you're after a tea experience with deep flavour and tradition, our Ceremonial matcha collection is for you. If you are after lattes or smoothies, our All Purpose Matcha & Hojicha offers great versatility without compromising quality.