Gyokuro Tea is considered to be the highest grade of Japanese tea, and is actually put into a category of itself, not to be judged in contests along with other Japanese teas.  The name Gyokuro means “Jewel dew”, and is not only farmed differently than Sencha, but prepared and served differently than other Japanese teas.

Pinnacle grade Gyokuro Tea

This Pinnacle grade Gyokuro is pure magic.  There is no other way to describe it.  The deep sweetness, the mellowness, the smoothness, the aroma, and the harmony of many, many complex layers of flavor, could simply be considered to be the 8th wonder of the world.  If you are not accustomed to good Gyokuro, a sip of this might be quite a shock.  The tea leaves are hand picked, are in limited supply, and are of the highest quality that Uji has to offer.

This is not an everyday tea, but is, highly recommended for special occasions, as special gifts to Japanese tea lovers, or as a special treat for yourself.

Amount: 80g (2.82oz)
Container: Steel Can

Uji, Kyoto is known for the absolute highest grade Matcha green tea in Japan, and no other region can even come close to claiming that they produce a Matcha that rivals even a middle grade Matcha from Uji.  The art of growing Matcha was developed here in Uji, and is the closest kept secret around.

Green Tea with 126 years of History

Matabay specializes exclusively in growing high quality Uji Matcha, and for the first time in our history, we are opening our doors to the “public market”.  For 126 years, the Horii family has produced only the finest of teas, to be sold only to the top tea blenders, to be sold to an exclusive list of customers.

Skilled Green Tea Farming

In other words, the Matabay Matcha represents 126 years of skilled tea farming, and is a tea that we are extremely proud of.  We are able to offer this tea for a reasonable price (compared to the quality that is), because this tea was grown by us, and because we wanted to offer an affordable ultra high grade Matcha green tea to the world.  For us, this is not a matter of price; it is a matter of pride.  It is our deepest desire that high quality Japanese tea can be delivered to tea lovers around the world, and in many ways we feel ashamed that very few quality Japanese teas ever reach those who truly appreciate the true value and flavor of Japanese tea.  This green tea is our answer.  If there was one tea in this site that we would love for you to try, this is it.

This tea is a Koi-cha (thick tea), which means you can use this tea for either Koi-cha or Usu-cha.  This tea is naturally sweet, deep, full of aroma, smoother than silk, and mellow beyond belief.

Amount: 40g (1.41oz)
Container: Custom Matabay Steel Container

Uji, Kyoto is known for the absolute highest grade Matcha in Japan, and no other region can even come close to claiming that they produce a Matcha that rivals even a middle grade Matcha from Uji.  The art of growing Matcha was developed here in Uji, and is the closest kept secret around.

Matabay specializes exclusively in growing high quality Matcha.  In short, we know our Matcha.

Pinnacle grade Matcha Green Tea

Our hand picked Pinnacle grade Matcha is a Matcha that can be rivaled by none.  Unlike some other Japanese teas, Matcha is a blended tea.  First, the base tealeaf is selected, then only the finest leaves from the finest plantations are hand selected for their color, aroma, flavor, and then blended to create a tea that is then ranked by its price and availability.  This blend represents the absolute top of the Matcha hierarchy, hands down, no questions asked

Matcha for Grand Masters of Tea Ceremony

This Matcha, although quite expensive, is actually considered cheap compared to the effort associated in producing such a tea, and is favored especially by the grand masters of tea ceremony and those exclusive few that enjoy the fine art of only the finest Matcha.

The flavor, the color, the aroma, and the sweetness of this Matcha is simply unsurpassed.  As this tea is a  Koi-cha (thick tea), this can be used either as a Koi-cha, or as an amazing Usu-cha.

As the price may represent, this is in no way an everyday tea, and is for special occasions, or as special gifts in where quality does matter.  This is not a tea to use for cooking, or to casually blend into other teas, and is recommended only for those who are experienced in Matcha.

Limited Supply Green Tea

We are proud to be able to present you with this tea, which is very, very limited in supply even in Japan, and hope you will enjoy the heavenly flavor that this tea has to offer.

Amount: 40g (1.41oz)
Container: Custom Matabay Steel Container

Sencha is a whole leaf simmered tea, and is by far the most popular Japanese tea representing 80% of the tea produced in Japan.  Sencha is known as a “light” tea, as opposed to “covered” teas such as Gyokuro and Matcha.  Due to the fact that it is grown under the sun, it is rich in Vitamin C, Catechins, and other vitamins and minerals.  Sencha has a fresh grassy flavor with a hint of sharpness, with a slight note of sweetness, and is considered to be an everyday tea.

Pinnacle Grade Sencha

Our Pinnacle grade Sencha, represents the absolute best of the best of Sencha, and is in no way a common every day tea.  This Sencha uses a leaf often used for the formal “Sencha tea ceremony”, and is a tea that can only be produced under the perfect environment under perfect conditions, with the skilled hands of a distinguished tea master.  The leaves are hand picked, production is very limited, and quite exclusive to the tea plantations of Uji.

Sencha Tea for the Imperial Family

This tea is known for being favored by the most ) and for use with only the most special of guests.  Due to the high demand and limited production, obtaining the tea is hard even in Japan.

Although high in price, one sip and you will understand why.  This outstanding tea is highly recommended as a gift, or use for special occasions.

Amount: 80g (2.82oz)
Container: Steel Can

Fukamushi Sencha is Sencha that goes through a “deep steaming” process.  In general, mid to lower grade Sencha is used in the process.  By deep steaming the Sencha, the tealeaves break, causing fewer whole leaves, with smaller bits of “broken” tea, meaning the leaf itself is not as good looking as Sencha.  Although this may seem counter productive, the results are quite positive.  Because the tealeaves are “broken”, the tea is absorbed faster, the taste is richer than that of Sencha of the same grade, more full-bodied, and the color of the tea is much deeper.

 Our Premium Fukamushi Sencha does not use the middle to lower grade tealeaves, but instead uses young tealeaves specially grown to produce this outstanding blend of Fukamushi Sencha.    The taste is full body, mellow and sweet, with an aroma that is ever so fresh but not too grassy.  In fact, it reminds many of the ocean more than of the grassy hills.

This is an excellent tea for everyday drinking, and is a high value for price item.

Amount: 100g (3.52oz)
Container: Matabay Bag

Fukamushi Sencha is Sencha that goes through a “deep steaming” process.  In general, mid to lower grade Sencha is used in the process.  By deep steaming the Sencha, the tea leaves break, causing fewer whole leaves, with smaller bits of “broken” tea, meaning the leaf itself is not as good looking as Sencha.  Although this may seem counter productive, the results are quite positive.  Because the tea leaves are “broken”, the tea is absorbed faster, the taste is richer than that of Sencha of the same grade, more full-bodied, and the color of the tea is much deeper.

Premium grade Fukamushi Sencha

teas to make it!  The tea leaves used to harvest this tea are harvested early, while they are still young and soft, a fresh shade of green, and full of life. The flavor is deep, naturally sweet and mellow, with almost a buttery aroma and after-note.  The tea has a thicker, yet silky mouth feel to it, and the flavor and aroma linger in your mouth, haunting you each and every second that passes, to take another sip.

Amount: 100g (3.52oz)
Container: Matabay Bag

Sencha is a simmered tea, and is by far the most popular Japanese tea representing 80% of the tea produced in Japan.  Sencha is known as a “light” tea, as opposed to “covered” teas such as Gyokuro and Matcha.  Due to the fact that it is grown under the sun, it is rich in Vitamin C, Catechins, and other vitamins and minerals.  Sencha has a fresh grassy flavor with a hint of sharpness, has a slight note of sweetness, and is considered to be an everyday tea.

Finest Sencha

Our premium grade Sencha is one of the finest that the year 2013 has to offer.  As a first flush (ichibancha shincha) .  This Sencha is full body, rich in flavor, and has a splendid aroma.

This is a great tea especially for those mornings that you need an extra smile on your face, and/or for those moments that you need to take a deep breath and relax.  Take one sip, and you will understand why.

Sencha and its Health Benefits

Sencha has many health benefits that are well documented.  One of these benefits includes increasing the alpha wave brain activity.  The alpha waves occur when one is calm and relaxed, and assists in reducing stress and increasing your memory capacity.  Studies have shown that such brain activities increase roughly 40 min after drinking a cup of green tea. So, if you ever wondered when is the best time to drink Sencha, 40 min or so before work, school, or studies may be the key.

Amount: 100g (3.52oz)
Container: Matabay bag

Sencha is a simmered tea, and is by far the most popular Japanese tea representing 80% of the tea produced in Japan.  Due to the fact that it is grown under the sun, it is rich in Vitamin C, Catechins, and other vitamins and minerals.  Sencha has a fresh grassy flavor with a hint of sharpness, has a slight note of sweetness, and is considered to be an everyday tea.

Everyday Japanese Tea Sencha

Our Superior Sencha is an everyday tea, but is not to be compared with Sencha that you find in the shelves of your local supermarket or teashop.  Although it is the lowest grade Sencha that we offer at Matabay, this is in no way a “low-grade” Sencha, and it is a Sencha that we are proud to be able to offer.  Made in the tea plantation owned by close family friends, and blended by a cousin, this Sencha is characterized in its full body, rich mellow taste that is soft to the tongue, and a refreshing grassy aroma.

Healthy Sencha Tea

Sencha has many health benefits that are well documented.  One of these benefits includes increasing the alpha wave brain activity.  The alpha waves occur when one is calm and relaxed, and assists in reducing stress and increasing your memory capacity.  Studies have shown that such brain activities increase roughly 40 min after drinking a cup of green tea. So, if you ever wondered when is the best time to drink Sencha, 40 min or so before work, school, or studies may be the key.

Amount: 100g (3.52oz)
Container: Matabay Bag

Uji, Kyoto is known for the absolute highest grade Matcha in Japan, and no other region can even come close to claiming that they produce a Matcha that rivals even a middle grade Matcha from Uji.  The art of growing Matcha was developed here in Uji, and is the closest kept secret around.

Usucha thin Japanese green Tea

Matcha in general is divided into 3 categories.  Koi-cha (thick tea), Usu-cha (thin tea), and Cooking Matcha.  Usu-cha, or sometimes known as ousu, is often used for tea ceremony, is used when serving to guests, and is what is served in the Zen Temples.  Usu-cha is not intended for “thick” bowls of Matcha, but rather for the “lighter” bowls of Matcha, and is quite often preferred by those who drink Matcha daily.

Highest Grade of Usu-cha

Our super premium Usu-cha is what one may consider a “borderline koi-cha”, and is the highest grade of Usu-cha available.  It is naturally sweet, mellow, does not have the bitterness found in lower grade Matcha, and is a beautiful deep green.  Often, you will find this grade of Usu-cha sold as high class Matcha, or as “Koi-cha”, and in reality, unless you know your Matcha, or have tasted the most exquisite Matcha in the past, it would be hard to instantly taste the difference.  It is that smooth, and has all of the fine qualities that a high class Matcha should have.

Green Tea for any occasion

This tea is for tea ceremony, for serving to guests, or for a fine cup for you yourself.  This Matcha could be used for a Koi-cha, but is best as an Usu-cha.  Also, although it could be used in cooking, or for other Matcha beverages, a much lower grade Matcha would suffice for that, and you would not be able to enjoy the full potential of this fine tea.