Matcha Powder โ€” Japanese-Origin Cultivars ยท Uji-Style Craftsmanship

Terra Matcha Powder Grades - Uji Series & A Series

Two Series, Two Approaches: Single Cultivar Pure Matcha vs Multi-Cultivar Blend Matcha. Japanese-origin tea cultivars grown in China, processed with Uji-style techniques. Science-backed grade selection for every application โ€” from ceremonial tea ceremony to industrial food manufacturing.

10
Grades Across 2 Series
5+
Production Lines
5,000+
Tons Annual Capacity
50+
Countries Served

Two Series, Two Approaches

Cultivars introduced from Japan ยท Uji-style craftsmanship. Every batch of our matcha begins with Japanese-origin tea cultivars grown in China, processed with Uji-style techniques โ€” from shade-growing to stone-grinding. The difference lies in how we compose the final powder.

Single Cultivar Pure Matcha

Uji Series โ€” Uji1, Uji2, Uji3, Uji4

  • Made from a single tea cultivar's tencha, ground alone
  • Highlights the unique flavor profile of each individual cultivar
  • Flavor notes: Nutty, Seaweed/Nori, Chocolate, Rich Creamy
  • Texture: Silky smooth, naturally sweet lingering finish
  • Color: Bright emerald-green
  • Best for: High-end whisked tea ceremony, luxury gifting, premium cafรฉs
  • Note: Subject to seasonal climate variation โ€” each batch reflects the character of its harvest

Multi-Cultivar Blend Matcha

A Series โ€” 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A

  • Three cultivars from our own tea gardens, expertly blended:
  • Yabukita (่–ฎๅŒ—) โ€” Boosts umami & natural sweetness
  • Asahi (ๆœๆ—ฅ) โ€” Brightens the green color
  • Longjing #43 (้พ™ไบ•43) โ€” Provides a clean, fresh fragrance
  • Blending method: Either mixed tencha ground together, or individually milled then blended
  • Result: Uniform color, consistent mouthfeel, stable batch-to-batch quality
  • Chocolate-like bitterness from higher theobromine โ€” excellent for blended drinks and baking
  • Best for: Beverages, desserts, retail tins, industrial food production โ€” all applications

Uji Series โ€” Single Cultivar Pure Matcha

Four ceremonial grades, each milled from a single tea cultivar to express its unique character. Nutty, seaweed, chocolate, and creamy flavor profiles define this series. Crafted for the highest standards โ€” from premium daily drinking to the pinnacle of ceremonial tea ceremony.

Uji Series - Single Cultivar Pure Matcha

Uji1 โ€” Entry Ceremonial

Best for: Premium cafรฉ daily drinking, gift sets

  • Nutty aroma with gentle sweetness
  • Bright emerald-green color
  • Silky smooth texture, clean finish
  • Particle size: 10โ€“20ฮผm
  • Accessible entry to Uji ceremonial quality

Uji2 โ€” Classic Ceremonial

Best for: High-end cafรฉs, premium retail

  • Distinct seaweed (nori) fragrance
  • Vivid jade-green color
  • Naturally sweet umami, lingering aftertaste
  • Particle size: 8โ€“15ฮผm
  • Excellent foam quality for whisking

Uji3 โ€” Premium Ceremonial

Best for: Specialty tea houses, luxury gifting

  • Rich chocolate notes with creamy body
  • Deep jade-green, exceptionally vibrant
  • Velvety mouthfeel, umami-sweet finish
  • Particle size: 5โ€“12ฮผm
  • Remarkable depth and complexity
Attribute Uji1 Uji2 Uji3 Uji4
Color Brightnessโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Umamiโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Sweetnessโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Smoothness / Mouthfeelโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Aroma Complexityโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Aftertaste (Lingering Sweetness)โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Ceremonial Suitabilityโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Uji4 delivers the best across all dimensions โ€” the definitive choice for ceremonial tea ceremony and luxury branding. Single cultivar purity means each grade carries a distinct varietal signature; seasonal climate may bring subtle character variations between batches.

A Series โ€” Multi-Cultivar Blend Matcha

Six professional grades crafted from a precise three-cultivar blend. Yabukita for umami, Asahi for color, Longjing #43 for fragrance โ€” combined for consistent quality, uniform color, and stable batch-to-batch performance. A signature chocolate-like bitterness from higher theobromine makes this series ideal for blended beverages, baking, and food manufacturing.

A Series - Multi-Cultivar Blend Matcha for Beverages & Baking
Cultivar Origin Contribution
Yabukita (่–ฎๅŒ—) Introduced from Japan Boosts umami & natural sweetness โ€” the savory-sweet backbone of the blend
Asahi (ๆœๆ—ฅ) Introduced from Japan Brightens the green color โ€” delivers the vivid emerald visual appeal
Longjing #43 (้พ™ไบ•43) China heritage cultivar Provides a clean, fresh fragrance โ€” adds aromatic lift and clarity

1A โ€” Baking Essentials

Best for: Cakes, cookies, bread, pastry

  • Strong matcha flavor, heat-tolerant
  • Good green color retention
  • Particle size: 75โ€“149ฮผm
  • Cost-effective for high-volume baking
  • Robust flavor that holds through baking

2A โ€” Baking Plus

Best for: Premium baking, confectionery

  • Brighter color than 1A
  • Balanced bitterness for sweet pairings
  • Particle size: 50โ€“100ฮผm
  • Excellent for chocolate, fillings, creams
  • Versatile across baked and cold applications

3A โ€” Beverage Entry

Best for: RTD beverages, milk tea, ice cream

  • Good dispersion in liquids
  • Bright green color, visually appealing
  • Particle size: 30โ€“60ฮผm
  • Performs well in cold-process applications
  • Great color-to-cost ratio

4A โ€” Beverage Standard

Best for: Cafรฉ lattes, blended drinks, frappรฉs

  • Excellent milk compatibility
  • Vibrant green, good foam stability
  • Particle size: 20โ€“40ฮผm
  • Smooth mouthfeel with controlled bitterness
  • Ideal for chain cafรฉ programs

5A โ€” Beverage Premium

Best for: Premium lattes, specialty drink menus

  • Exceptional color brightness
  • Refined flavor, less bitterness than 4A
  • Particle size: 15โ€“30ฮผm
  • Superior foam and texture
  • For brands that want the best in beverages
Grade Primary Use Color Bitterness Particle Size
1ABaking, industrialGoodHigh75โ€“149ฮผm
2APremium baking, chocolateGood+Medium-High50โ€“100ฮผm
3ARTD, milk tea, ice creamVery GoodMedium30โ€“60ฮผm
4ACafรฉ lattes, blended drinksExcellentMedium20โ€“40ฮผm
5APremium lattes, specialty drinksExcellent+Low-Medium15โ€“30ฮผm
6AEntry ceremonial, premium beveragesOutstandingLow10โ€“20ฮผm

6A can serve as entry-level ceremonial matcha โ€” approaching Uji quality with the consistency of a multi-cultivar blend. 6Aโ€“3A are ideal for beverage chains and blended drinks; 2Aโ€“1A are formulated for baking and confectionery. With our fixed-ratio three-cultivar blend, bulk supply is batch-to-batch consistent โ€” no seasonal surprises.

Application Matrix

Find the right grade for your product category. Our scientific matching ensures optimal performance in every application โ€” from ceremonial tea ceremony to industrial production.

Application Recommended Grades Key Requirements Note
Ceremonial Tea Ceremony Uji4, Uji3 Ultimate color, silky smooth, long sweet finish Pure whisked drinking experience โ€” single cultivar for varietal expression
Luxury Gifting / High-End Retail Uji4, Uji3, Uji2 Premium packaging appeal, distinct cultivar story Single cultivar purity is a strong differentiator in the luxury segment
Premium Cafรฉ Latte Uji2, Uji1, 6A, 5A Good milk compatibility, bright color, balanced flavor Must hold flavor against milk โ€” Uji for top-tier, A for chain consistency
Chain Cafรฉ / Blended Drinks 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A Consistent batch quality, strong flavor, good dispersion A series blend ensures identical results across all locations
Milk Tea / Bubble Tea 4A, 3A, 2A Strong flavor, good dispersion, color stability Needs to cut through sweetness โ€” chocolate bitterness helps
RTD (Ready-to-Drink) 4A, 3A Suspension stability, shelf-life color retention Industrial processing compatibility โ€” blend consistency is critical
Baking / Confectionery 2A, 1A Heat tolerance, strong flavor, cost-effective High heat may fade color โ€” A series preferred; chocolate bitterness pairs with cocoa
Ice Cream / Frozen Desserts 3A, 2A Cold-process dispersion, creamy pairing Color must pop in dairy matrix โ€” Asahi contribution shines here
Chocolate / Confectionery 2A, Uji3 Flavor synergy with cocoa, fine texture Chocolate-matcha pairing โ€” theobromine in both creates depth
Industrial / Food Manufacturing 1A, 2A Bulk consistency, cost efficiency, COA per batch Large-volume production โ€” multi-cultivar blend ensures uniformity

Don't see your application? Contact our team โ€” we'll recommend the optimal matcha powder grade for your specific product.

Matcha Flavor Wheel โ€” 7 Key Dimensions

Our grade selection is guided by seven sensory dimensions. Understanding these helps you choose the right matcha powder for your application.

1. Aroma

From nutty (Uji1) to seaweed/nori (Uji2) to chocolate (Uji3) to creamy/milky (Uji4). Aroma is the first sensory touchpoint and a key differentiator across our Uji single-cultivar series โ€” each cultivar carries its own aromatic signature. A series offers a more straightforward green tea fragrance with subtle chocolate undertones from theobromine.

2. Texture / Mouthfeel

Particle size directly governs mouthfeel. Uji series (5โ€“20ฮผm) delivers silky-smooth, velvety textures โ€” the hallmark of single cultivar stone-grinding. A series ranges from smooth (6A at 10โ€“20ฮผm) to slightly granular for baking grades (1A at 75โ€“149ฮผm). Finer particles = more luxurious mouthfeel.

3. Color

Bright emerald-green to vivid jade-green. Uji4 achieves the brightest, most luminous green among single cultivars. Uji1 has the softest green in the Uji series. A series overall maintains excellent, uniform color thanks to the Asahi contribution, with 6A approaching Uji-level brightness. Note: baking at high temperatures will fade color โ€” we recommend A series for baked goods.

4. Sweetness

Natural sweetness comes from amino acids (primarily L-theanine). Uji4 has the highest natural sweetness with a creamy-milky character. Uji3 follows with chocolate-like sweetness. In A series, Yabukita drives the umami-sweet backbone, balanced by Longjing #43's clean fragrance for a well-rounded, moderate sweetness suitable for beverage and food formulations.

5. Umami

The savory depth that defines premium matcha. Uji4 and Uji3 deliver the richest umami experience โ€” full, round, and deeply satisfying from their single cultivar expression. Uji2 has classic nori-driven umami. In A series, Yabukita is the primary umami driver, delivering balanced savory depth suitable for blended applications where a clean tea presence is desired.

6. Bitterness

Controlled bitterness adds character. A series has higher theobromine content, producing a pleasant chocolate-like bitterness that works exceptionally well in lattes, milk teas, and chocolate products. Uji series bitterness is minimal โ€” smooth and round. 1A has the strongest bitterness profile, ideal for cutting through rich baked goods and sweet confections.

7. Aftertaste

The lingering finish โ€” a hallmark of quality matcha. Uji4 has the longest, sweetest aftertaste (umami-sweet lingering finish). Uji3 and Uji2 follow with satisfying persistence โ€” the single cultivar expression shines through. A series offers a cleaner, shorter finish โ€” preferred for beverages where a crisp exit is desired. 6A provides the longest aftertaste in the A series.

Specifications You Can Customize

We tailor matcha powder specs to your product requirements โ€” flavor, color, texture, and compliance documentation. Whether single cultivar or multi-cultivar blend, we match the right specification to your market.

Flavor Profile

Choose your target taste: nutty, seaweed, chocolate, or creamy for Uji single-cultivar series. For A series, we adjust the bitterness-to-sweetness ratio and tea intensity through our three-cultivar blend formulation to match your product. Each grade has a distinct flavor fingerprint โ€” we help you select the right one.

Color Target

Specify your desired green intensity. Ceremonial grades deliver the brightest jade-green (Uji4 is our brightest). Beverage grades offer vibrant greens โ€” Asahi's contribution to the A series blend ensures excellent color uniformity. Baking grades prioritize color retention under heat. We provide colorimetry data on request.

Particle Size

From ultra-fine ceremonial (5โ€“20ฮผm) to baking-grade (75โ€“149ฮผm). Finer particles give smoother mouthfeel and better suspension. Coarser particles offer better heat tolerance and cost efficiency. We recommend the optimal range based on your application and processing method.

Quality & Safety

COA (Certificate of Analysis) per batch. Pesticide residue, heavy metal, and microbiology reports available. We meet EU, US FDA, and Japan import standards. Organic certification (EU Organic, USDA NOP) available on select grades. Full traceability from tea field to shipment โ€” every batch traceable to its cultivar origin.

Packaging Options

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Bulk Packaging

Multi-layer foil bags with moisture and oxygen barrier. Standard sizes: 1kg, 5kg, 10kg, 20kg. Carton-packed for export with palletization options. Nitrogen-flushed for extended shelf life. Ideal for food manufacturers and industrial buyers.

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Retail / Private Label

Tins (30g, 40g, 100g), stand-up pouches, and stick sachets (1gโ€“3g). Full label and branding customization. Your brand, our quality. MOQ flexible based on packaging type. Design support available.

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OEM / Custom Packaging

Custom tin shapes, pouch materials, box sets, and gift packaging. We work with your design files or can connect you with packaging partners. Full OEM service from matcha powder to finished retail product.

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Storage & Shelf Life

All packaging is designed for optimal preservation: sealed, light-proof, moisture-resistant. Store in cool, dry conditions. Recommended storage: below 25ยฐC, away from direct light and strong odors. Typical shelf life: 12โ€“18 months unopened.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Uji series (Single Cultivar) and A series (Multi-Cultivar Blend) matcha powder?

Uji series is our single cultivar pure matcha line โ€” 4 ceremonial grades (Uji1โ€“Uji4), each milled from one tea cultivar to express its unique varietal character. A series is our multi-cultivar blend line โ€” 6 professional grades (1Aโ€“6A) crafted from a precise blend of three cultivars: Yabukita (umami & sweetness), Asahi (bright green color), and Longjing #43 (clean fragrance). Uji offers richer umami, brighter color, and smoother texture with distinct cultivar signatures. A series delivers batch-to-batch consistency and a signature chocolate-like bitterness from higher theobromine, making it ideal for beverages, baking, and food manufacturing.

Why choose single cultivar over blend โ€” or blend over single cultivar?

Choose Single Cultivar (Uji series) when you want to showcase a specific cultivar's unique flavor profile โ€” nutty, seaweed, chocolate, or creamy โ€” for high-end ceremonial tea ceremony, luxury gifting, or premium cafรฉs where varietal storytelling matters. Note that single cultivar batches may show subtle seasonal variation.

Choose Multi-Cultivar Blend (A series) when you need consistent, uniform quality across large volumes โ€” for chain cafรฉs, RTD production, baking, and industrial manufacturing. The three-cultivar blend ensures every batch tastes and looks the same. The chocolate-like bitterness from theobromine also makes it particularly effective in milk-based and sweet applications.

What cultivars are used in the A series blend, and what does each contribute?

The A series is a proprietary blend of three cultivars from our own tea gardens: Yabukita (่–ฎๅŒ—), introduced from Japan, provides the umami depth and natural sweetness that forms the savory-sweet backbone. Asahi (ๆœๆ—ฅ), also introduced from Japan, brightens the green color for vivid visual appeal. Longjing #43 (้พ™ไบ•43), a renowned Chinese heritage cultivar, contributes a clean, fresh fragrance that lifts the aromatic profile. Together, these three complement each other to produce a uniform, stable, and versatile matcha powder.

Which matcha grade is best for my cafรฉ latte program?

For premium cafรฉ lattes, we recommend 4A, 5A, or Uji1/Uji2 depending on your positioning. 4A and 5A offer excellent milk compatibility with vibrant green color at accessible price points โ€” and the A series blend ensures every cup tastes identical across all your locations. Uji1/Uji2 deliver a more refined, ceremonial-quality latte experience for high-end cafรฉs. 6A bridges both worlds โ€” approaching Uji quality with the consistency of a multi-cultivar blend.

Can I use Uji series for baking or food manufacturing?

We recommend A series (1A, 2A) for baking and food manufacturing applications. High baking temperatures will fade the vibrant green color of Uji matcha and diminish its delicate single-cultivar flavor notes. A series grades are specifically formulated with stronger flavor, better heat tolerance, and a chocolate-like bitterness that pairs beautifully with cocoa, cream, and sweet bases. They also offer a more cost-effective solution for production-scale volumes with batch-to-batch consistency.

Do you provide COA and other quality documentation?

Yes. Every batch comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). We also provide spec sheets, MSDS, pesticide residue reports, heavy metal testing, and microbiology reports. Additional documentation for EU, US FDA, and Japan import compliance is available. Organic certification documents (EU Organic, USDA NOP) provided for certified grades. Full traceability is maintained โ€” from tea field and cultivar origin to shipment.

Can I get samples before placing a bulk matcha order?

Absolutely. We encourage sampling before bulk purchase. Tell us your application (ceremonial, latte, baking, RTD, etc.) and we'll prepare the most relevant grade samples for your evaluation. Samples are typically shipped within 2โ€“3 business days.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for matcha powder?

MOQ varies by grade and packaging format. Bulk packaging typically starts at 5โ€“10kg per grade. Private label and OEM orders have separate MOQ requirements based on packaging type and customization level. Contact us with your requirements for a detailed quotation.

How should I store matcha powder to maintain quality?

Store matcha powder in a sealed, light-proof container in a cool, dry environment (below 25ยฐC / 77ยฐF). Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, heat, moisture, and strong odors. Once opened, consume within 1โ€“2 months for best flavor and color. Unopened, properly packaged matcha has a shelf life of 12โ€“18 months.

Do you offer OEM / private label matcha powder?

Yes, OEM and private label are core services. We supply bulk matcha powder with your branding โ€” tins, pouches, stick sachets, and gift sets. Full customization available: label design, packaging format, grade selection, and certification documentation. Contact us to discuss your brand requirements.

Ready to Find Your Matcha Grade?

Tell us your application โ€” ceremonial, latte, baking, RTD, or industrial โ€” and we'll recommend the best matcha powder grade with samples within 24 hours. Single cultivar or multi-cultivar blend, we'll match the right specification to your market.

Request Samples & Specs
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