Meiryoku is an unusual cultivar that is not normally turned into matcha. You more often see it forming the backbone of black teas and gyokuro. We were able to source some Meiryoku tencha, however, that reminds us why we love to find these unexpected tea varieties.

I won't lie - this matcha has a bitterness in it that is unlike our other offerings. That said, it doesn't feel out of place. The bitterness is not paired with an unpleasant astrignency, but rather complements the natural umami of the tea in a way that feels right. As a result, I'm inclined to say that if you like your salads and greens - arugula, mustard greens, chard, and the like - or if you like a good negroni, you'll love this matcha. It has a fresh pepperiness that makes for a very stimulating flavor.

Like all of our matcha, this one has been naturally farmed without pesticides or artificial fertilizers.

This tencha comes from a microterroir in the West of Wazuka town called Shirasu, where the harvest often happens a bit earlier than the rest of the region.

As with all of our matcha, our Meiryoku is milled-to-order by us in Minneapolis. This guarantees the highest percentage of aromatic compounds and antioxidants, as well as a smoother matcha.