FAQ
How do I make matcha?
- Sift 1–2 grams (about ½–1 teaspoon) of matcha into a bowl.
- Add 2 oz (60 ml) of hot water, ideally 175°F (80°C)—not boiling.
- Whisk briskly in a zigzag "M" motion until a fine layer of foam forms.
- Enjoy as is, or add it to steamed or iced milk for a matcha latte.
For the smoothest, most authentic experience, we recommend using a bamboo whisk (chasen) and matcha bowl.
What makes MAKE matcha different?
MAKE's teas are curated by a Level-10 Tea Master and selected for flavor, freshness, and balance. The result is matcha that is naturally smooth, vibrant, and never bitter.
You won’t find matcha like this in cafés. It’s the kind people keep at home.
What grade of matcha is MAKE?
MAKE sells only premium Japanese matcha, sourced from the first harvest of shade-grown tea leaves.
Each grade is designed for a specific use:
Heritage Grade:
Exceptional ceremonial matcha for drinking straight
Imperial Grade:
Smooth everyday matcha
(Japanese Certified Organic)
Ceremonial Grade:
Balanced and versatile
Hojicha Powder:
Roasted green tea with a naturally sweet, nutty flavor
Which matcha should I buy?
It depends how you like to drink it.
For drinking straight (traditional matcha):
Heritage Grade or Imperial Grade
For everyday matcha:
Imperial Grade or Ceremonial Grade
For lattes:
Ceremonial Grade or Hojicha
For gifting:
Heritage Grade makes the perfect gift for a matcha lover.
Is matcha supposed to taste bitter?
High-quality matcha should not taste bitter.
When matcha is grown, harvested, and milled properly, it tastes smooth, slightly sweet, and deeply umami.
Bitterness usually comes from lower-grade matcha or incorrect preparation.
Where is your matcha from?
Our Heritage Grade matcha comes from Uji, Kyoto, Japan, one of the most respected tea-growing regions in the world.
This region has produced matcha for more than 800 years and is considered the birthplace of Japanese tea ceremony.
We also source from Kagoshima and Shuozuku.
How much caffeine is in matcha?
A serving of matcha contains roughly 60–80mg of caffeine, about the same as a small cup of coffee.
But matcha feels different because it contains L-theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid that promotes calm focus and sustained energy.
How should matcha be stored?
Matcha should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light and heat.
Once opened, we recommend consuming within 1–2 months for the freshest flavor.
Many people store matcha in the refrigerator to preserve freshness.
Is your matcha organic?
Our teas are grown using traditional Japanese farming practices focused on quality and sustainability.
Because some small Japanese farms prioritize soil and cultivation practices over certification paperwork, not all matcha carries formal organic certification.
However, the farming practices meet extremely high standards and our Imperial Grade is certified JAS Organic which stands for Japanese Agricultural Standard.
How long does shipping take?
Orders typically ship within 1–2 business days.
Delivery times vary by location but most U.S. orders arrive within 3–5 days.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. MAKE ships to many international destinations.
Shipping rates and delivery times are calculated at checkout.
Can I buy MAKE matcha in stores?
MAKE is primarily sold direct-to-consumer online.
Occasionally we partner with select retailers and special events.
Why is good matcha so expensive?
Matcha is one of the most labor-intensive teas in the world.
The plants are shade-grown for weeks before harvest, the youngest leaves are hand selected, and the tea is stone-milled into an ultra-fine powder.
High-grade matcha comes from a very small portion of each harvest.
How long does matcha stay fresh?
Matcha is best enjoyed within 1–2 months after opening.
Because it is a finely milled tea, it is sensitive to air, heat, and light. Store in a cool, dry place for best flavor.
Why don't you call it Ceremonial only?
"Ceremonial" isn't a regulated quality standard in Japan. While it's commonly used outside Japan to describe high-quality matcha, it doesn't tell the full story. Exceptional matcha varies by cultivar, terroir, farming methods, harvest timing, and intended use.