Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it more expensive than other teas?
The artisanal production of organic matcha is a process that takes an enormous amount of human resources and time, this method has barely changed in practically 1000 years. Every stage of production, from growing the tea plant and shading it for the final part of its growth, to harvesting, the meticulous selection of the leaves, grinding with hand-carved granite blocks, and preparation, involves specialized artisans.
Kumiko Matcha is produced entirely in Japan by farmers who follow the very strict international standards of organic agriculture and who have been growing tea for over 100 years. Labor costs are also higher in Japan than in China or Sri Lanka, for example.
What's more, 99% of the matcha produced in Japan is consumed in Japan. Only a very small portion is exported (although this is changing), so import and shipping costs to Europe are high. In fact, when you factor in shipping costs to France, we offer better prices than a Japanese matcha supplier of equal quality.
When you drink a bowl of matcha, you get the equivalent of 10 bowls of regular brewed 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: the Samurais, the Emperor, and high-ranking government officials. Today, the price is much more reasonable than back then 
>>> Click here to discover our full article on the price of matcha
What is the difference between Kumiko Matcha and another brand?
The main differences between us and other brands are:
Freshness – we import only in small quantities, which means Kumiko's matcha was prepared to order as recently as last month. You get a much fresher product than what is available in supermarkets or in stores that order in huge quantities and stock their products for the whole year.
How do you recognize a "fresh" matcha? A saturated green color, a very low (or even no) 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 quality matcha. In fact, many products sold as "matcha" are not really matcha at all, but rather ordinary green tea powder.
Matcha has unique characteristics:
- the tea is shade-grown for part of its life
- hand-picked
- sorted and graded according to leaf quality
- the stems and veins of the leaf are removed
- the tea is ground with granite blocks
Many bulk green tea powders found in stores do not go through these steps. This means they are not true "matcha" teas. That is why most products found in stores are very bitter and dull in color, sometimes even yellow or brown (this means the stems and veins have not been removed).
We sell matcha tea exclusively – At Kumiko Matcha, premium matcha tea is our sole focus, it is our passion and what we promise you. Unlike other companies that sell all types of teas, we focus on one single 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, smooth mouthfeel, initially vegetal and herbal, slightly astringent, with a tannic sensation followed by a soft, barely sweet finish. Matcha prepared the old-fashioned 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.
Added to a culinary preparation, the taste becomes more subtle. Matcha adds its flavor and green color to your creation, whether it is a smoothie, latte, pastry, or any other sweet or savory dish.
>>> Click here to learn more about the taste of matcha
How will I feel after drinking a bowl of matcha?
You will experience a heightened level of awareness and an ease in focusing and being "present" in everything you do. While remaining very calm. You will have a flow of pure energy and mental clarity that is excellent for working.
This is a highly beneficial state for writing, learning, studying, and practicing any activity that requires intense concentration. It is also a fantastic aid in fighting fatigue.
>>> Discover our full article on matcha's effect on energy levels
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Are Kumiko Matcha teas certified organic?
Yes, all Kumiko Matcha teas are certified "Organic Agriculture" according to European standards. This means absolutely no pesticides are used in the cultivation of our products.
All of our products are analyzed in an independent laboratory in Germany to test for the presence of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemical residues. Any product that does not pass the test is destroyed. In fact, we inspect for the complete absence of more than 200 varieties of chemicals so 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 United States, and South America will you find a product tested as rigorously, because these countries are more lenient with this type of regulation (for example: pesticides are allowed).
Our products arrive from Japan by ocean in refrigerated containers all the way to the port of Hamburg in Germany, where they are quickly unloaded into an equally refrigerated warehouse. Even though refrigeration is not necessary to preserve matcha, this extra measure keeps 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 tea is grown on the island of Kyushu, while our vintage-dated matcha & terroir Nakai is grown in the secluded fields of the Kyoto region.
Why is it so good? Its taste is unlike any other tea
Matcha is full of umami (a Japanese term meaning "deliciously savory" and also the 5th basic taste alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Umami has a lasting, soft aftertaste. It triggers salivation and a fuzzy sensation on the tongue, stimulating the throat, the palate, and the back of the tongue), and sweetness. It has a robust acidic structure and a long finish, sometimes lasting up to 30 seconds.
Because of its complexity, matcha is much more comparable to a fine wine than other teas.
>>> Click here to learn more about umami
Should I worry about radiation from Fukushima?
No, our producers and our independent laboratory in Germany have carried out extensive tests. No trace of radiation has been detected.
How much matcha is needed for a bowl / a cup?
About 1 gram, i.e. one chashaku scoop (traditional bamboo scoop) or 1/2 teaspoon. A 30g tin of Kumiko Matcha therefore contains the equivalent of 30 bowls.
How much stock do you have available?
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 tonnes of tea each year, 99% of which is destined for their own consumption, while only 1% of this quantity is exported. Although Japan is one of the largest tea producers in the world, the Japanese consume so much tea that Japan imports more than 50,000 additional tonnes of tea for its people.
A portion of our teas is also allocated to the select group of organic stores and restaurants that carry 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.
- Shipping is free for any order over 45€.
- Fixed rate of 6.99€ for all other orders.
- Orders are shipped the next day, you will receive them in 3-4 business days.
We ship within the European Union for a fixed rate of 15€
- Delivery by La Poste in 5-6 business 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 our full article on matcha during pregnancy and breastfeeding
How do I store my matcha?
The most important thing is to store your matcha with the lid tightly closed, out of the reach of sunlight, in a dry, cool place. If you take the powder out of its tin, it must be kept in the dark.
If you want to keep your matcha "fresh" for a long period (more than a month), place it in the refrigerator or even the freezer.
If you consume it regularly, room temperature is enough.
How much matcha should I consume?
There are no strict limitations, but if you are sensitive to caffeine, limit your consumption to 1-2 bowls per day. Matcha raises your energy level for a long period of 4 to 6 hours, so do not have any if you need to sleep soon.
>>> Click here to understand the recommended daily matcha consumption
Will matcha help me lose weight?
It's possible. Although there is 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 a regular exercise program, matcha is an excellent asset for your weight loss.
>>> Click here to read our dedicated article on matcha and weight loss
I am a store or a restaurant, can I sell your products?
Yes, visit our Business page here.
Some of the most refined and famous restaurants in the world serve matcha, and many of their acclaimed chefs drink it every day.
To find out 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 teas, and we will 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 my employees?
Our friends and readers who drink Kumiko Matcha at work tend to be at their best, happier, focused and relaxed at the same time, in optimal health, and, above all, calmly productive.
We offer full support, education, personalized training sessions, and an exceptionally dedicated customer service. Ordering is very easy and can be automated to fit your needs. Contact us to find out how Kumiko Matcha can contribute to the health and productivity of your organization.
Have a question we haven't answered? Contact us to ask it directly!