Significance of Shade-Grown Organic Matcha Green Tea

Organic matcha tea is made from organically grown tea leaves that don’t render the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The green tea leaves are grown in nutrient-rich soil and harvested by hand at the perfect time to ensure they have the optimal amount of nutrients and flavor.

Organic matcha tea contains a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that provide numerous health benefits. The tea leaves are grown naturally and sustainably, retaining their nutrients and natural flavors.

As we all know that matcha is the result of stone-grounding shade-grown green tea leaves. Before harvesting, the tea leaves are shaded for about 2-3 weeks to produce the vibrant green hue of the matcha tea. 

What are the effects of shading on matcha?

Some of the significant effects of shading on matcha are as follows:

Increased chlorophyll content: Shading increases the chlorophyll content in the tea leaves, which gives matcha its bright green color. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that is essential for photosynthesis. When the tea plants are shaded, they produce more chlorophyll to compensate for the reduced sunlight. This increased chlorophyll content is what gives matcha its characteristic color.

Higher amino acid content: Shading also increases the amino acid content in the tea leaves, particularly L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid that is responsible for the umami flavor and calming effect of matcha. Shading enhances the production of L-theanine in the tea leaves, which gives matcha its unique taste and aroma.

Reduced bitterness and astringency: Shading reduces the bitterness and astringency in matcha by reducing the production of catechins. Catechins are bitter-tasting compounds that are abundant in tea leaves exposed to sunlight. When the tea plants are shaded, they produce fewer catechins, which results in a sweeter and milder taste.

Shorter harvesting season: Shading shortens the harvesting season for matcha, as the tea leaves mature more quickly under shade. This allows for a more consistent quality of matcha throughout the year and a higher yield of tea leaves.

All in all

Shading is a traditional cultivation technique that is essential for producing high-quality matcha, and the effects of shading make matcha tea a unique and highly valued beverage.