frequently asked questions
Why is it more expensive than other teas?
The artisanal production of organic matcha is a process that requires a great deal of human resources and time, and this process has changed very little in almost 1,000 years. Each stage of production, from growing the tea plants and shading them for the final part of their growth, to harvesting, carefully selecting the leaves, grinding them with hand-carved granite blocks, and preparing them, involves specialized artisans.
Kumiko Matcha is made entirely in Japan by farmers who follow very strict international organic farming standards and have been growing tea for over 100 years. Labor costs are also higher in Japan than in China or Sri Lanka, for example.
In addition, 99% of the matcha made in Japan is consumed in Japan. A very small portion is exported (although this is changing), so the costs for importing and transporting it to Europe are high. In fact, considering the transport costs in France, we offer better prices than Japanese suppliers for the same quality.
When you drink a bowl of matcha tea, you get the equivalent of 10 bowls of regular green tea. So if you drink green tea mainly for its health benefits, the equivalent price is quite reasonable.
PS: In the past, matcha was reserved exclusively for the elite: samurai, the emperor, and senior government officials. Now the price is much more reasonable than it was back then. 
>>> Click here to discover now our full item on the price of matcha
What is the difference between Kumiko Matcha and other brands?
The main differences between us and other brands are:
Freshness – we only import in small quantities, which means that Kumiko's matcha has been prepared to order since last month. You get a much fresher product than what is available in supermarkets or stores that order in huge quantities and stock their products for the whole year.
How can you recognise "fresh" matcha? A saturated green colour, very little (if any) bitterness, and a fresh, herbal green tea aroma.
The highest levels of quality – during production, the tea leaves are sorted by quality. The youngest and most delicate leaves are set aside exclusively for premium grade matcha. In fact, many products sold as "matcha" are not really matcha but rather ordinary green tea powder.
Matcha has unique features:
- tea is shade-grown for part of its life
- hand-picked
- sorted and rated according to the quality of the leaves
- the stems and veins of the leaf are removed
- the tea is crushed by granite blocks
Many loose green tea powders found in stores do not go through these steps. This means that they are not true "matcha" teas. This is why most products found in stores are very bitter and dull in colour, sometimes even yellow or brown (this means that the stems and veins have not been removed).
We sell matcha tea exclusively – At Kumiko Matcha, premium matcha tea is our sole focus, our passion, and our promise to you. Unlike other companies that sell all types of tea, we focus on one thing that we do with excellence: finding the best quality matcha and bringing it to you.
What does matcha tea taste like?
Chlorophyll and amino acids give matcha tea its unique taste. A rich and mellow taste on the palate, initially vegetal and herbal, slightly astringent, with a tannic sensation next to a smooth, barely sweet finish. Matcha prepared in the traditional way in a bowl with a Japanese whisk is a deep, saturated green. The intensity of the experience is comparable to your first sip of a fine wine.
When added to a recipe, the taste becomes more subtle. Matcha adds its flavor and green colour to your creation, whether it's a smoothie, latte, pastry, or any other sweet or savory dish.
>>> Click here to learn about the taste of matcha
How will I feel after drinking a bowl of matcha?
You will experience a higher level of awareness and find it easier to focus and be "present" in everything you do. All while remaining very calm. You will have a flow of pure energy and mental clarity that is excellent for working.
This is a very beneficial state for writing, learning, studying, and practising any activity that requires intense focus. It is also a fantastic help in combating fatigue.
>>> Discover our full item on the effect of matcha on energy levels
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Are Kumiko matcha teas certified organic?
Yes, all Kumiko Matcha teas are certified "Organic" according to European standards. This means that absolutely no pesticides are used in the cultivation of our products.
All our products are analysed in an independent laboratory in Germany to test for the presence of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemical residues. Any product that fails the test is destroyed. In fact, we inspect for the total absence of more than 200 varieties of chemicals to ensure that our products comply with the highest international standards. We set the bar extremely high when it comes to the quality of our products.
Nowhere else in Asia, the US, or South America will you find products that are so rigorously tested, as these countries are more lax on this type of regulation (e.g., pesticides are allowed).
Our products arrive from Japan by sea in refrigerated containers to the port of Hamburg in Germany, where they are quickly unloaded into a refrigerated warehouse. Although it is not necessary to refrigerate matcha for storage, this additional step makes our products even fresher, and few other tea brands have such high quality standards.
Where are Kumiko matcha teas grown?
Our matcha teas are grown in Japan in several different regions and terroirs depending on the product. For example, our organic premium matcha is grown on the island of Kyushu, while our vintage & terroir Nakai matcha is grown in the isolated fields of the Kyoto region.
Why is it so good? Does the taste have anything in common with other teas?
Matcha is full of umami (a Japanese term meaning "deliciously flavoursome" and also the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty). Umami has a lasting and smooth aftertaste. It causes salivation and a furry sensation on the tongue, stimulating the throat, palate, and back of the tongue, and sweetness. It has a robust acid structure and a long finish, sometimes lasting up to 30 seconds.
Matcha is much more comparable to a fine wine, due to its complexity, than other teas.
>>> Click here to learn more about umami
Should I be concerned about radiation from Fukushima?
No, our producers and our independent laboratory in Germany have carried out extensive tests. No traces of radiation have been detected.
What quantity of matcha is needed for a bowl/cup?
Approximately 1 gram, or one chashaku (traditional bamboo scoop) or 1/2 teaspoon. A 30g tin of Kumiko Matcha therefore contains the equivalent of 30 bowls.
What quantity do you have in stock?
We have very limited quantities of premium matcha because we import in small quantities and only 1% of matcha production in Japan is dedicated to export.
In fact, the Japanese produce 100,000 tons of tea each year, 99% of which is for their own consumption, while only 1% of this quantity is exported. Although Japan is one of the world's largest tea producers, the Japanese consume so much tea that Japan imports more than 50,000 additional tons of tea for its inhabitants.
Some of our teas are also allocated to a select group of organic stores and restaurants that offer our products.
Our stock therefore sells out very quickly because our customers order regularly every month.
Where do you ship?
We ship to mainland France via Colissimo with a tracking number.
- Free delivery is available for all orders over $45.
- Flat rate of $6.99 for other orders.
- Orders are sent the next day, and you will receive them within 3-4 working days.
We ship to the European Union for a flat rate of €15.
- Delivery by USPS in 5-6 working days.
Can I drink matcha while breastfeeding?
It is generally recommended to limit your caffeine intake while breastfeeding, however matcha contains much less caffeine than coffee. You can consume 1-2 cups of matcha per day.
>>> Click here to discover now our full article on matcha during pregnancy and breastfeeding
How should I store my matcha?
The most important thing is to keep your matcha lid tightly closed, out of direct sunlight, in a dry and cool place. If you take the matcha powder out of its tin, it must be stored in a dark place.
If you want to keep your matcha "fresh" for a long period of time (more than a month), place it in the refrigerator or even the freezer.
If you consume it regularly, room temperature is sufficient.
How much matcha should I consume?
There are no strict limitations, but if you are sensitive to caffeine, limit your consumption to 1-2 matcha bowls per day. Matcha increases your energy level for a long period of 4 to 6 hours, so don't take it if you need to sleep soon.
>>> Click here to understand the recommended daily consumption of matcha
Will matcha help me lose weight?
It's possible. While there's no miracle solution, matcha and green tea have proven thermogenic properties that speed up your metabolism. This means your body burns more calories naturally. Matcha can also reduce your appetite. As part of a healthy diet and regular exercise programme, matcha is an excellent asset to your weight loss efforts.
>>> Click here to read our dedicated item on matcha and weight loss
I am a store or restaurant. Can I sell your products?
Yes, visit our For Business Center here.
Some of the world's most refined and famous restaurants serve matcha, and many of their acclaimed chefs drink it every day.
To see for yourself, try Kumiko Matcha today. Or start a conversation with us to find out how your restaurant can join our list of premium clients. We will train your team on how to prepare and serve these rare matcha teas, and provide you with a list of talking points for your front-of-house staff. Contact us to learn more.
I am a business. Can I buy your products for my office and/or employees?
Our friends and readers who drink Matcha Kumiko at work tend to be at their best, happier, more focused and relaxed at the same time, in optimal health, and above all, calmly productive.
We offer comprehensive support, education, personalized training, and exceptionally dedicated customer service. Ordering is very easy and can be automated to suit your needs. Contact us to discover now how Kumiko Matcha can contribute to the health and productivity of your organisation.
Have a question we haven't answered? Contact us to ask us directly!