Tsukikage Matcha

Japanese Matcha is a fine powder made from green tea leaves. Like all tea, Matcha is made from the tea plant Camellia sinensis. Tea cultivated specifically for Matcha is primarily grown in two Japanese regions: Uji in Kyoto and Nishio in the Aichi prefecture. Tea leaves grown for Matcha are specially shade-grown over the course of three weeks. Shielding the plant from direct sunlight incites an overproduction of chlorophyll, which contributes to Matcha’s distinctive bright green color. In addition, shading the plant yields an increase in the amino acid theanine, which is thought to give the drink its deep umami flavor.

This week’s tea: Tsukikage Matcha (Ippodo Tea)

The moon is at its most beautiful in autumn, and for ages Japanese poets have written of the moon as a symbol of this season. Tsukikage – an autumn-exclusive matcha – is named after the light of the moon.

Flowers of the tea plant—which blooms in October in Kyoto—are drawn on a deep brown backdrop.

Tasting notes: Sharp and a nice balance of umami

Opinion: Delicious - Perfect on this crip fall day