When I was studying in Japan, drinking matcha has been my morning ceremony before heading to yoga. And finally, we are launching this beautiful chocolate bar made with ceremonial matcha from Uji.
What’s ceremonial matcha?
Ceremonial matcha is the highest grade of matcha green tea powder, specifically intended for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and for drinking as a pure, unadulterated tea. It's made from the youngest tea leaves with the stems and veins removed, resulting in a smooth, delicate flavor.
What makes Uji matcha special?
Uji, a small city near Kyoto, has been producing tea for over 800 years. It's considered the birthplace of Japanese tea culture. The unique climate and soil conditions in Uji are ideal for growing high-quality tea plants. The misty climate and mineral-rich soil contribute to the tea's distinct flavor profile. Uji tea farmers use time-honored cultivation and processing methods, including shading the tea plants before harvest to enhance flavor and color. The Uji region has stringent standards for what can be labeled as Uji matcha, ensuring consistently high quality. The Uji region is relatively small, which limits production and adds to the tea's exclusivity and value. These factors combine to make Uji matcha highly sought after and considered some of the finest matcha in the world.
photo credit: kyoto yamasan
About our ceremonial matcha white chocolate bar
Since our success of Hojicha chocolate bar, many customers asked if we could make a matcha chocolate bar. After many rounds of testing, we settled down a ceremonial wakamurasaki matcha from Uji, which has a vibrant, bright green color, and a complex flavor with a balance of sweetness, umami, and slight bitterness, without being astringent.