* Fresh * Artisan Quality * Pure Leaf Teas * USDA Organic * Kosher Certified by EarthKosher * Certified Organic by QAI * Brews 75 Cups Origin Uji, Japan Grown in Aichi prefacture, regarded as the center of Matcha production. Matcha, has a rich history and a special spiritual significance. It has traditionally been prepared in "Chanoyu", the Japanese Tea Ceremony representing an art form of tea. It is said that a person operating within the rules of Chanoyu, finds the five senses working at their fullest. Matcha Zen Just as Matcha is essential to Japan"s traditional art of the tea ceremony, a cup of Matcha brings about mental concentration, emotional stability and composure. Antioxidant Rich discarded, Matcha has ingredients that can be utilized fully to activate the organic functions of the body/ Matcha contains close to zero calories, essential vitamins, minerals and has shown long term health benefits. It has 9 times the beta carotene of spinach, 4 times that of carrots and 10 times the polyphenols and antioxidants of other teas. Shade Grown In making this tea, the tea plants are covered with bamboo mats in the last few weeks of their growing season to promote full flavor. Powdered Art After the leaves are plucked, they are immediately steamed, rapidly cooled and then ground by stone mills into a powder. A single mill can only process 40 grams of leaves per hour. The Tao of Tea Like the Tao, the art of tea is universal. We began our work with tea in 1997 to be a connecting thread for tea culture. Practicing the art on a daily basis in our teahouses in Portland, Oregon, we are a group of tea enthusiasts from different backgrounds and cultures. We travel, learn, take delight and seek to offer pure leaf teas with great flavor, artistry and soul. Our reward comes through actions that help people"s lives, sustain the art of tea and promise a healthy environment.