Before harvest
Shaded tea leaves
Tea plants intended for matcha are shaded before harvest. The shading duration and method vary by product and influence the resulting leaf character.
MATCHA BASICS
Understanding matcha
Matcha is finely milled green tea powder. You whisk the whole tea leaf into water or milk, which gives it a vivid colour, fuller texture and deeper flavour.
Quick matcha explanation
Quick answer
What makes matcha different?
Regular green tea is steeped and removed. Matcha is whisked in, so you drink the tea itself.
Infused green tea
The leaves are steeped in water and then removed. You drink the resulting infusion.
Tencha
Tencha is the processed tea leaf used to make matcha. It is steamed and dried without being rolled, then refined before milling.
Very versatile
Refined tencha is milled into a fine powder and whisked into water or milk.
Before it becomes matcha
Before it becomes matcha
What is tencha?
Tencha is the processed tea leaf from which matcha is made. After harvest, the leaves are steamed and dried without the rolling process used for many other Japanese green teas.
The dried leaf is then refined by removing stems and veins. This refined tencha is what is milled into matcha.
After harvest
Steamed and dried
The harvested leaves are steamed to limit oxidation and then dried without being rolled into the shapes associated with many infused green teas.
Before milling
Refined into tencha
Stems and veins are removed from the dried leaf. The resulting refined tencha is then milled into matcha using the method specified for that product.
Choose by use case
How to choose
Start with how you drink it.
There is no single matcha that is best for every purpose. A matcha that feels refined with water may become too delicate in milk, while a stronger profile can work especially well in lattes, smoothies or baking.
Choose according to preparation, flavour preference and the amount of matcha used—not only the grade name printed on the pack.
WITH MILK
Choose body and flavour presence
Milk softens matcha’s aroma, bitterness and umami. For lattes, choose a profile with enough body and flavour to remain noticeable after milk and ice are added.
Matcha for Lattes
With water
Choose balance and finish
For hot or iced water preparation, consider umami, bitterness, aroma, texture and how cleanly the flavour finishes. More intensity is not always better.
Matcha for Straight Drinking
Food and mixed applications
Choose strength and practicality
For baking, desserts, smoothies and other mixed applications, choose a matcha with sufficient colour and flavour to remain present alongside the other ingredients.
Matcha for RecipesWhat shapes matcha taste
What shapes the cup
What affects matcha flavour and quality?
No single factor determines matcha quality. Origin, cultivar, harvest, shading, processing, milling and storage work together to shape colour, aroma, texture, umami, bitterness and body.
A matcha should also be judged by how well its profile suits the intended preparation.
Origin
A growing region can influence the character of the tea, but origin alone does not determine quality. Producer decisions and the final blend also matter.
Cultivar
Different cultivars influence sweetness, umami, aroma, colour and texture. Rather than relying on a single variety, traditional Japanese matcha is expertly blended to create harmony, depth and consistency.
Harvest
Harvest timing influences leaf character and intended use. First-harvest matcha is not automatically the right choice for every latte, recipe, or drinking style.
Shading
Tea plants are covered before harvest. The duration and method vary and can influence colour, aroma, umami, bitterness, and the overall structure of the cup.
Milling
Refined tea is milled into a fine powder. Stone, ceramic-bead, ball and jet milling may be used depending on the product; not all Heapwell matcha is stone-milled.
Freshness and storage
Heat, light, moisture and oxygen can dull matcha. Careful packing, a tightly closed container and refrigeration help retain colour, aroma and flavour.
Iced matcha recipe
Iced latte
A simple iced matcha latte.
01
Whisk the shot
Mix 3 g matcha with 30 to 40 ml lukewarm water.
02
Build the glass
Add ice, milk and sweetener if you prefer it sweet.
03
Pour
Pour the matcha shot over 130 to 150 ml cold milk.
04
Drink fresh
Stir and enjoy immediately while the colour and aroma are fresh.
Storage and handling
Storage and handling
How to store matcha in Indian conditions
Heat, humidity, light, moisture and repeated exposure to air can gradually dull matcha’s colour, aroma and flavour.
Keep the pack tightly sealed and refrigerate it after delivery. Use a clean, dry spoon, avoid leaving the container open, and return it to refrigeration promptly after use.
To reduce condensation, allow a refrigerated container to reach room temperature before opening it, especially in humid weather. Always follow the storage instructions printed on the individual product pack.
Keep refrigerated
Reseal tightly
Use a dry spoon
Protect from moisture
Follow pack instructions
Find your matcha by flavour
Every matcha in our collection has a distinct personality. Use this flavour map to explore the range, from light and refreshing to rich and full-bodied, and from deep and savoury to soft and rounded.
Rich & full-bodied
Light & refreshing
Astringency
Soft & sweet
Uji-no-Mori
Flavour profile
Smooth, rounded, and full-bodied with high umami and refined balance.
Best for
View
Straight matcha & refined Lattes
Imperial (AAA)
Flavour profile
Creamy, balanced, and luxurious with a rich yet approachable profile.
Best for
View
Daily Matcha Lattes
Ceremonial (AA)
Flavour profile
Lighter and more versatile in style, with an easy and clean profile.
Best for
View
Great everyday lattes.
Tenmyo Cultivar Uji Matcha Green Tea, 30g (Collector's Edition from Wazuka)
Rs. 2,499.00
Rs. 2,799.00
Flavour Profile: Deep, layered, and highly expressive with pronounced body and umami.
Uji no Mori Matcha Green Tea, 30g, from Wazuka
Rs. 2,199.00
Flavour Profile: Smooth, rounded, and full-bodied with high umami and refined balance.
Okumidori First Harvest Matcha Green Tea
Rs. 1,899.00
Flavour Profile: Elegant, silken, and refreshing with a delicate finish.
Rs. 1,249.00
Rs. 1,499.00
Flavour Profile: Creamy, balanced, and luxurious with a rich yet approachable profile.
Rs. 999.00
Rs. 1,199.00
Flavour Profile: Bold, characterful, and slightly more savoury in personality.
Sold out
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Ceremonial Matcha Green Tea, 30g
Rs. 749.00
Rs. 799.00
Flavour Profile: Lighter and more versatile in style, with an easy and clean profile.
Japanese Matcha Green Tea (Premium Grade), 50g
Rs. 499.00
Flavour Profile: Stronger, vegetal, versatile
🌱 Sustainability & Sourcing
We work with established Japanese tea producers and manufacturers across regions, including Kyoto, Shizuoka and Kagoshima. Production methods vary by matcha, and details such as origin, cultivars, harvest and milling are provided wherever they are confirmed and available.
☁️ Your Matcha Journey Starts Here
Whether you're sipping it hot, iced, or blending it into bowls and bakes, matcha is a lifestyle — and you’re going to love every cup of it.
Still have questions?
📧 info@heapwell.in
📸 @heapwellsuperfoods