We take matcha sourcing VERY seriously.
We get all our matcha from Japan. Two regions in particular: Nishio, in Aichi Prefecture, and Kyushu, which is Japan’s third-largest island and home to eight different prefectures. Fun fact: Fukuoka, one of those prefectures, is where tea was first grown in Japan.
Here’s where things get really special: Nishio. This city doesn’t just grow matcha—it masters it.
Nishio has been perfecting the art of matcha since the 12th century. That’s 800+ years of tea-growing wisdom passed down through generations. Nishio is one of the largest producers of matcha in Japan and has an exceptional reputation for naturally rich, sweet-tasting matcha.
A big part of that comes down to the land itself. The soil is fertile and full of mica (a mineral plants love), the elevation is about 600 metres and the climate is mild and steady. All that adds up to a matcha that’s not only high quality but also packed with nutrients.
Over the past decade, we’ve built close, long-term relationships with the local tea gardens in both Nishio and Kyushu. And they work in harmony with nature to create matcha that’s sustainably grown and delicious all year round.
Matcha grows in shade
The big difference with matcha is that, unlike most other green teas, it’s shade grown—covered by bamboo mats, burlap or straw. This shading usually lasts two to three weeks (sometimes as long as eight) before the leaves are picked, and it makes a world of difference.
Why? Because limiting sunlight changes the naturally occurring taste, caffeine and nutrient levels in the leaves, making a big difference in flavour and quality.
This special shade-grown green tea is called tencha—“ten” meaning mortar or grind, and “cha” meaning tea. So, quite literally, tea for grinding.
Once harvested, tencha leaves are steamed to stop oxidation, then carefully deveined and destemmed. This makes for a smoother grinding process and a less bitter flavour in the final matcha tea.
Tencha is slowly ground into a fine powder, a process that can take an hour or more just to make 30 grams. It’s slow, patient work—something that can’t be rushed if you want high-quality matcha.
Does matcha have heavy metals?
Here’s the thing: heavy metals naturally occur in soil, so claims of being “heavy metal free” can be a bit misleading. That said, it’s totally understandable to be cautious—especially since with matcha tea, you’re consuming the whole leaf.
The minerals in the soil where tea is grown play a role in how it tastes (this is what’s known as terroir), but not all minerals are ones we want to be sipping on.
That’s why we take heavy metals seriously. All our matcha is screened to ensure that any trace amounts like lead, cadmium and arsenic remain well below levels considered a health risk. Our matcha is safe, routinely tested and meets strict standards for quality and safety.
On top of that, we’re committed to sourcing certified organic matcha whenever possible, which helps reduce the risk of contamination even further. And if you’ve ever tried one of our matcha drink mixes, you can rest easy knowing we only use clean-label ingredients.
How we do matcha
Organic Matcha Matsu
Matcha from Nishio & Kyushu | High Caffeine
Lively vegetal flavour with a mild freshness.
What makes it great:
-In Japanese, “matsu” literally means “pine tree.” But it’s also a word used to signify excellence
-This fresh, grassy tea has the aroma of a Japanese tea garden.
-Tea Guide Tip: Mix the matcha into lattes, milkshakes and cookies.
Organic Grand Cru Matcha
Matcha from Kyushu | Medium Caffeine
Delicately smooth & velvety, with a bright green colour and refreshing taste.
What makes it great:
-Grand Cru Matcha is one of the highest grade (and most delicious) matchas.
-The fine grind makes this matcha green tea super creamy & smooth.
Organic Ceremonial Matcha
Matcha from Nishio & Kyushu | Medium Caffeine
Perfect balance of natural sweetness, creaminess and matcha astringency.
We’re committed to sourcing the very best for you. We go the extra mile, offering one of the largest organic tea selections in North America—because when it comes to what’s in your cup, we believe safety and quality should always come first.
