Clearspring Organic Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder - Ceremonial Grade 30gCeremonial Grade Matcha uses the finest, smallest shade-grown leaves from the tip of the tea bush, resulting in a vibrant green colour and a smooth, slightly sweet flavour.What is Matcha?Matcha is a finely milled green tea powder made from high-quality Japanese tea leaves. Clearspring Organic Ceremonial Matcha comes from Uji, a remote region near Kyoto, renowned for top-quality teas. The tea plants are grown in unpolluted conditions, supported by natural pest control like spiders and ladybirds. The plants are shade-grown to increase chlorophyll, and the young buds are hand-picked, dried, and ground in granite mortars.History of MatchaMatcha has been the most prized Japanese tea for 900 years, used in tea ceremonies and by Buddhist monks during meditation.Different Grades of MatchaCeremonial Grade: Made from the finest shade-grown leaves, with a bright green colour and sweet, smooth flavour.Premium Grade: Ideal for both drinking and baking, adding unique flavour and colour to recipes.Basic Grade: Slightly bitter and less expensive, typically used for cooking.ProductionHigh-grade Organic Uji Matcha is cultivated under the care of Clearspring's tea master, Juro Okuda. The tea bushes are covered for long periods to develop deep green leaves. Growing organic matcha is challenging, requiring natural pest control to protect the crop. Ceremonial and Premium Matcha are stone-ground for hours, producing a light, smooth powder ideal for drinking.