The price of a good quality matcha tea

With its unparalleled flavour, rich in benefits and often considered a superfood, matcha tea fascinates and continues to seduce more and more people in the West.

However, the price of real matcha tea is quite high compared to other teas. As a result, one question comes up very often: why is matcha so expensive?

We invite you to discover now why matcha is more expensive than other teas, and how to properly evaluate the quality of matcha tea.

Why is matcha tea so expensive?

Production and expertise

Matcha tea is a rare and precious product that requires a meticulous and complex production process, which has changed very little in over 1,000 years.

To obtain high-quality matcha, the tea plants are shaded for several days before harvesting in order to concentrate the chlorophyll content of the leaves. The most tender tea leaves are selected during a careful and meticulous picking process, sometimes even by hand for the best matcha.

These leaves are then sorted, dried, and de-veined to obtain the raw tea that serves as the basis for matcha: tencha.

The tea master then realises a blend of different tencha teas to obtain the desired flavor profile for each matcha. Finally, the tencha is ground into a fine powder using a stone mill, and the matcha is ready.

All of these long and costly production steps make matcha tea a high-end and precious product unlike any other green tea.

Furthermore, it is important to bear in mind that Japanese workers are much better paid than in other producing countries, where farmers are unfortunately not always able to secure a decent standard of living.

Import and transport

Another difficulty for matcha enthusiasts is that the vast majority of matcha production is consumed locally, making it an even rarer product! This limited volume automatically increases the cost of importing it, to which must be added the cost of transport to Europe.

Tradition and rarity

In addition to these significant costs, there is also the prestige traditionally associated with matcha: it is the central element of the Japanese tea ceremony, a Zen-inspired ritual elevated to the status of an art form.

Once reserved for nobility and samurai, the "way of tea" practised by the tea master offers guests a moment of refinement in simplicity. The decorations, the utensils, the tea: nothing is left to chance. And in this imperfect perfection, matcha can then unfold all its nobility, and even a certain spiritual dimension.

All these factors therefore increase the price of good matcha tea.

What is the price of high-quality matcha tea?

Origin of matcha tea

On this point, we are categorical: a high-quality matcha is a matcha made in Japan.

In fact, in other countries that now produce matcha, the name is not protected. This means that any green tea that has been ground into powder can be called "matcha," without any obligation to follow the shading and de-veining process mentioned above.

The result is a khaki or yellowish powder with a bitter taste that is often difficult to froth, in contrast to the vibrant emerald green of a high-quality matcha, rich in umami and with a beautiful airy froth.

Value for money of matcha tea: grades

Japanese matcha is available at a wide range of prices. What accounts for these price differences?

When buying matcha tea, it is also important to check its quality, also known as its grade.

In Europe, matcha is often found in three different grades: culinary matcha, premium matcha, and ceremonial grade matcha:

• Culinary matcha is a less refined tea with a certain bitterness, which is more suitable for use in baking or cooking.
• Premium matcha is a grade of matcha suitable for everyday consumption, either drunk on its own or in a matcha latte. This grade is often available for around €20-30 for 30g.
• Ceremonial grade matcha is a superior-quality tea with a beautiful luster and great fineness, which is best enjoyed on its own or served during a tea ceremony. This matcha is generally sold for €35-50 for 30g, but prices can reach up to €2,000 per kilogram for the most exceptional varieties!

In reality, these grades exist only as a guide for consumers in Europe and are not based on objective and verifiable quality criteria. This is why we prefer not to use the term "ceremonial grade matcha."

At Kumiko Matcha, apart from the culinary grade, all our matcha teas are suitable for tea ceremonies.

Conventional matcha vs. organic matcha

One last thing that can make a difference in the price: choosing between conventional matcha and organic matcha.

Even today, organic matcha tea is still produced in relatively limited quantities compared to conventional matcha.

The reason?

Organic farming prohibits the use of chemical fertilizers and fertilizers, which greatly complicates production. Without these inputs, it is necessary to find alternatives to enrich the soil and feed the tea plants naturally, which requires a great deal of research and expertise on the part of producers.

Once fields have been converted to organic farming, producers must also apply for organic certification, which is quite costly.

Choose organic premium matcha tea

At Kumiko Matcha, we believe in organic, sustainable agriculture that respects the environment and our health.

That's why we only offer matcha teas from organic farming, sourced directly from Japan. We are fortunate to work with the best artisan farmers specializing in organic matcha tea, to offer you a taste experience of exceptional quality. That's why we offer matcha tea at prices that reflect the excellence of the product.

>>> Click here to discover all our organic matcha teas