matcha jobetsugi (thin grade)

type: green

origin: japan

variety: matcha

caffeine: no-caffeine

price level: $$$$

There was a time when the only tea drunk was powdered tea mixed with hot water. It was at that time time that the Japanese developed an affection for tea. Traditionally, Japanese aristocrats used matcha for their tea ceremony. It was only in the 1800's that Japanese commoners started to drink brewed tea like Sencha and Bancha. This ancient tea is made from a shade grown tea, the best coming from outside of Kyoto near the suburb of Uji. After harvest, the tea (called Tencha) is air dried. The dry flakes are taken to a "clean" room filled with rotating millstones and everything is covered with green dust. After a full hour of grinding, each stone produces two ounces of dried Matcha.