Café — Latte & Baking Matcha, Uji (50g)

Café is our latte and baking matcha, the same style of matcha we supply to cafés around New Zealand. Made from summer-harvest leaves and blended and stone-milled in Uji, it has a bold, full-bodied flavour that holds its own against milk, ice and sweetness, so your latte still tastes properly of matcha.

At a glance

• Grade: Latte and culinary, second harvest (nibancha)
• Origin: Uji, Kyoto, Japan
• Taste: Bold, earthy and smooth, with a pleasant depth that comes through milk
• Best for: Hot and iced lattes, smoothies and baking
• Size: 50g pouch, about 25 lattes at 2g
• Ingredients: 100% Japanese green tea (matcha). Nothing added.

How to prepare

Matcha latte

Sift 2g (1 level teaspoon) into a cup. Add 30–40ml of water at 75–80°C and whisk into a smooth, lump-free paste. Top with 150–200ml of steamed milk and sweeten to taste. For a stronger café-style latte, use up to 3g.

Iced latte

Whisk 2g with 30–40ml of water, pour over ice, then top with cold milk.

On the go

Fill a Mini Matcha Shaker to the line with cold or lukewarm water first, then add 2g of matcha. Seal and shake for 20 seconds, then pour over cold milk or ice. Avoid hot water, as it can cause the shaker to leak.

Baking and smoothies

Add 1–2 teaspoons to cookies, cakes, pancakes or a smoothie for natural green colour and flavour. Sift it into dry ingredients first so it mixes evenly.

Storage

Matcha is sensitive to light, heat, air and moisture. Reseal tightly after each use, keep it in a cool, dark cupboard, and enjoy within 6–8 weeks of opening for the best colour and flavour.

Questions

What's the difference between Café and ceremonial matcha?

Café is made from later summer leaves, giving it a bolder, slightly more astringent flavour that stands up to milk. Ceremonial matcha uses first-harvest spring leaves for a sweeter, more delicate taste that's best enjoyed with water alone. If you mainly drink lattes, Café is great value. If you also like your matcha straight, try Tsubaki.

Can I drink Café straight with water?

You can, but it's a little bolder and more bitter than our ceremonial grades. It really shines with milk.

Do you sell Café in larger sizes for cafés?

Yes. We supply cafés across New Zealand with bulk matcha. Visit our wholesale page to get in touch.

How much caffeine is in a serving?

About 50–70mg per 2g serve, generally less than a typical brewed coffee.