What is an "essential" matcha? 

Over the years, I have noticed that certain matchas in our selection stand out, such as the two matchas in this duo: organic premium matcha and organic Ipponmatsu matcha. They are among the community's favorite matchas. It goes without saying that these are the two to buy together to experience their taste and flavours. 

Organic premium matcha and organic Ipponmatsu matcha have as many similarities as they do differences. Intrigued? Let's take a closer look... 

Difference #1: composition 

The first major difference is the composition of these two teas. Organic premium matcha is a "blend," meaning it is a mixture of several varieties of tea plants. This mixture is realised by a tea master. so that the quality of organic premium matcha remains consistent regardless of the year and harvest. 

Ipponmatsu organic matcha is a single cultivar, so when you drink a cup of Ipponmatsu organic matcha, you are tasting a single variety of tea plant: the Okumidori cultivar. The unique feature of a single-cultivar matcha is that it is vintage, so the flavours can vary depending on the year and harvest. 

Difference #2: terroir

The regions where these two matcha teas are produced have very different features. Organic premium matcha is produced in Kyushu, an island in southern Japan. The tea plants are grown in large fields on plains. Imagine fields of tea plants stretching as far as the eye can see around you. 

But Ipponmatsu organic matcha comes from a rare terroir in Kyoto, in the Wazuka mountains. The small plots of tea plants are carved out of the steep mountainside. It is one of the highest tea plantations in Japan. During the harvest period, it is a real challenge to pick the leaves in the very steep fields. 

Incidentally, Ipponmatsu means "the isolated pine tree," a very well-chosen name 😊

Difference #3: Productivity

Both matcha teas in this duo are certified organic, which is very interesting because they are two different ways of practising organic farming while applying very high standards.

However, organic premium matcha comes from the largest producer of organic matcha tea in Japan, with just over 200 organic farms. Their processing plant is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, for example, they have an entire room filled with matcha mills. These mills are made of granite and rotate steadily to grind the leaves into a super-fine, electric green powder.

On the contrary, Ipponmatsu organic matcha comes from a small farm in the mountains, at an altitude of 550m, managed by  Azuma-san. She is part of a fourth-generation family of tea growers, and some of the plots were created three generations ago by her husband's grandfather. 

Prepare a tasting

What's really interesting about this matcha duo is comparing them during tasting. Observe the appearance, smell, and colour of each. Notice the differences in taste and note the sensations: does one seem more "raw"? Which one is more enveloping? What flavours do they have?

Organic premium matcha: perfection in balance 

This is a vibrant green matcha with a floral and umami taste, without bitterness, which is produced organically and conveys all the health benefits of the plant. Kumiko Matcha's flagship product is the top of the line in organic premium matcha tea.

⭐️ Truly perfect. Tea with a subtle and truly excellent taste. Every cup, from preparation to tasting, takes me on a journey. A pleasure I renew every day. My little moment to myself. Bravo Valentin for your commitment and the quality of your products. - Carole A.

⭐️ Excellent. No bitterness. Subtle. Fruity... excellent. - Anne C.

⭐️ Perfect in every way! Absolutely delicious and has very good quality. I highly recommend it. - Isabelle D.

Ipponmatsu organic matcha: a treasure from the peaks of Japan

Warm, sweet, roasted notes, milk caramel. The expression of the Okumidori cultivar, a unique, voluptuous cultivar with slightly different subtleties each year, from the Ipponmatsu terroir: the summit of an isolated mountain ⛰️

⭐️ Exceptional. Divine, simply divine... Extreme sweetness, a moment out of time. - Véronique V.

⭐️ Excellent. So happy to have discovered Kumiko Matcha, and Ipponmatsu is the best matcha I've ever tasted! A big thank you for your dedication and quality, Val. - Marina B.

⭐️ Superb. Excellent matcha, very fine and easy to prepare. Very delicate flavor. - Marc-Henri C.

Save by buying more?

By buying the essential matcha duo, you save 5% compared to buying the two matcha teas separately. You can benefit from a discount of up to 15%.

• 💚 Variant #1: a box of organic premium matcha tea 30g + a box of organic Ipponmatsu matcha 30g.
• 👍 Variant #2:  A box of organic premium matcha (30g) + a box of organic Ipponmatsu matcha (30g) + a set of bamboo accessories (chasen whisk and spoon) 
• ⭐️ Variant #3: three boxes of organic premium matcha tea 30g + three boxes of organic Ipponmatsu matcha 30g